1989 Chevrolet Camaro RS

Description

In the same way that Ford's Mustang LX5.0 was the low-cost performance alternative to the GT, the Camaro RS packed plenty of V8 firepower in a more affordable package than the Z/28 or IROC. This 1989 Camaro RS coupe is a low-mileage car with great original paint and interior and a warmed-over 5.0 liter V8 that's a blast to drive.

To many enthusiasts, the RS is more appealing because of its somewhat more subdued look compared to the extroverted Z. No stripes, a flat hood, and just a modest ducktail spoiler out back, not a wing. But it was still a V8 pony car, so you got ground effects and a deep chin spoiler that make the Camaro look long and low. That's original paint throughout, and aside from some minor signs of age that are inevitable, it's in fantastic condition. Original paint also means original sheetmetal underneath, so you know this one has never been wrecked or rusty, and given the performance of which these cars were capable, that's always good news. The big doors close well and without that loose-sounding rattle that plagues high-mileage cars, the chin spoiler hasn't been cracked on curbs and driveway aprons, and the rockers haven't been blasted by gravel. Someone clearly loved this car.

The gray cloth interior is pretty sophisticated looking and the grippy buckets are a great place to have some fun. Again, this is entirely original, so the preservation is pretty impressive, with only a little looseness on the driver's lower seat cushion. Carpets are excellent, the dash pad hasn't been baked by the sun, and it looks like everything works like it should. This particular RS is loaded with options, including ice cold A/C, power windows and locks, cruise control, and a tilt steering column, and the factory gauges are joined by a trio of auxiliary dials neatly installed in the center of the dash. The original Delco stereo is long gone, replaced by a great-sounding Pioneer AM/FM/CD head unit with a custom enclosure, twin subwoofers, and an amplifier in the trunk. There's still plenty of room for your gear back there, especially with the fold-down rear seats, and remarkably, the hatch struts still keep the glass up even after all these years. Nice!

The 5.0 liter V8 is a small block Chevy, and that means it's one of the most modification-friendly powerplants anywhere. The original throttle body fuel injection was tossed when the engine was rebuilt and it now inhales through a Holley 4-barrel carburetor and matching intake. Edelbrock aluminum heads shave precious pounds off the nose, making this RS a sharp handler, and with a Comp Cams bumpstick inside, it's got a great lopey idle. It makes a reported 325 horsepower and 340 pounds of torque, more than 100 more ponies than stock, so performance is extremely entertaining. The A/C compressor is new, the 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission has been treated to a big auxiliary cooler, and with 3.42 gears out back, it's an absolute blast to drive. Even fuel economy is decent. Long-tube headers help build torque and give it a nice V8 rumble, yet it looks quite stock sitting on those factory RS alloys with fresh Mickey Thompson rubber.

Fast, fun, and affordable is what the Camaro has always been about. Documented with receipts, original window sticker, and original bill of sale, this is a great car that lives up to the legend. Call today!