1979 Chevrolet Camaro

Description

As with first-generation Camaros, finding a second-gen F-body that isn't pretending to be something it's not is getting harder all the time. That's why we find this 1979 Chevrolet Camaro so refreshing. No cowl induction hood, no stripes, and not even a trunk spoiler, it has that clean, crisp, smooth look that defines the second-gen cars, and we have to admit, this one drives better than most.

The dark blue paint accentuates the car's long, low stance and since this one isn't a Z/28, it doesn't seem to be trying too hard. This is the bread-and-butter of the Camaro line up, a car that was more likely to be in your neighbor's driveway than the full-zoot Z, and that's perfectly OK. To be honest, I like it better without the spoiler and hood, and the clean urethane front bumper only accentuates what is already a very handsome design. It was repainted not too long ago, and the dark blue finish has a great shine and only a few signs of use and age. Someone has added some tasteful pinstripes that look traditional, but these cars were never famous for their ornamentation. The urethane bumpers remain in very good condition with no cracking or peeling paint, which is common, and the glass is in excellent shape.

The most notable upgrade is inside, where late-model Trans Am power leather buckets have taken the place of the original stools, and the improvement is a good one. The later seats look like they belong here and the contrast between the darker leather on the seats and the lighter blue of the interior works rather well. It also offers fresh gauges in the dash, a welcome change from the originals that covered little more than speed and fuel level. A leather-wrapped Grant GT steering wheel fits right in, too. In back, the trunk is finished with a correct mat and a full-sized spare tire, so this isn't one of those stripped-out cars.

Although it's seemingly buried under a maze of late-70s hoses and wires, that is indeed the original 305 cubic inch V8. Remarkably, it's mostly unmodified save for a set of chrome valve covers and a pair of electric fans on the radiator, again suggesting that this car doesn't have to try very hard to be something it's not. The 305 is plenty torquey and makes great V8 sounds, proving once again that it's easy to have fun on a budget. There's plenty of evidence of careful maintenance with recent hoses and belts, a replacement alternator, a new fuel pump, and a smooth idle that only came with a bunch of tuning. Throttle response is crisp and it's still a lot of fun to drive a V8 Camaro, regardless of its age. The TH350 3-speed automatic transmission shifts through the gears unobtrusively and with 3.07 gears out back, it just loafs along on the highway. The single exhaust system has a nice V8 burble that's a bit quieter than your usual muscle car, but that's OK because it's so easy to live with. Color-matched Camaro wheels and 215/70/14 BFGoodrich T/A radials round out the package.

Nicely finished and even documented with a factory build sheet, this is affordable fun with a lot of potential. Drive it, enjoy it, or use it to create something amazing, this F-body is all about possibilities. Call today!