1978 Chevrolet Camaro RS

Description

Second-generation Camaros are heating up, and this 1978 Chevrolet Camaro RS represents an opportunity to get a car with awesome originality and plenty of upgrades that make it a blast to drive today, all at a very affordable price. Better yet, it's not a garden-variety Z/28 but a rather cool two-tone RS that is sure to stand out in a crowd.

The code 19 Black over code 11 Antique White color combination is indeed how this RS was ordered new, and it's an awesome factory combination that doesn't look dated like so many of its siblings. The finish is so nice that we strongly suspect that it's been repainted. Either way, it looks fantastic and shows very few flaws, which is particularly impressive with the black paint on the hood and roof. The RS didn't get the Z's hood, but somehow the smooth look works better and lets the paint speak for itself. A subtle blue stripe between the colors ties it together with the interior and with so few miles, you already know that it hasn't been wrecked or rusty. The big doors fit well, the rear spoiler lines up right, and, well, it has all the hallmarks of a great survivor and a car that has always been someone's favorite toy. Even the urethane bumper caps look great and fit better than most. Is it perfect? No. But at this price, you won't find one nicer.

The blue interior is unquestionably original and only proves that this car has been well-maintained from the start. Cloth buckets are a bit less aggressive than those found in the Z/28 but it's still quite sporty inside, particularly with a rare factory 4-speed manual transmission. The seats, carpets, door panels, and even the dash pad are in remarkable condition for being 40 years old and show few signs of age and use. The color-matched steering wheel and instrument panel are a refreshing change from the usual black with fake wood and all the gauges (speedo and fuel) are bright and sharp behind clear lenses. A newer AM/FM/cassette stereo was installed years ago, but given this interior's incredible originality, it might add value to find an original and put it back in its slot. The trunk is equally nice, with a factory mat and a full-size spare tucked into its nook up front.

The wheezy original 2-barrel 305 is gone, replaced by a 350 cubic inch GM crate motor with a host of upgrades. The work was done recently and the great-running small block features a new intake and 4-barrel carburetor as well as a set of shorty headers feeding a Flowmaster dual exhaust system. It looks pretty stock and if we hadn't just told you, it might be easy to pass this off as the original engine unless you check the numbers. The color is correct and aside from the air cleaner, it looks very OEM. It runs beautifully and makes great power, particularly when churning the gears in the 4-speed manual gearbox. 3.08 gears out back make it a fantastic highway cruiser and the RS suspension is equally at home on the long highways or the twisting country roads. Slotted Rally wheels are color-matched to the body and wear recent BFGoodrich T/A radials.

Documented with a factory build sheet, original Protect-O-Plate, and an owner's manual, this is a fantastic car with a pedigree at a used car price. Call today!