1985 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

Description

Now it's not often that we can refer to any product of the '80s as "investment grade," but if you're looking for a car that's probably a smart bet for future appreciation, this low-mile garage kept, 1985 Camaro Z/28 is probably a safe bet. Still outrageously affordable, it's also loaded with options, offers a unique color combination, and, well, pristine Camaros are hard to find.

Quite honestly, there are few more distinctive performance cars than an '80s Camaro, and if you didn't own one yourself, chances are good that you knew someone who did or found a few on the street to tangle with. Showing just 21,102 original miles, this is one of the nicer Z/28s we've seen lately and it's remarkably well-preserved with none of the usual modifications. The bronze paint was in style then and has come back into fashion today, making this vintage Camaro seem a lot more up-to-date when parked against some of its siblings, and the paint is quite good overall. GM was having paint issues in the mid-80s, so things like orange peel and slightly mis-matched components are not demerits on a car like this, but rather evidence of originality and authenticity; this is how they all came from the factory. This Z is also a bit more subtle than some of the later cars, with a minimum of decals and add-ons, aside from a few low-key Z/28 badges. Heck, today it could almost be considered a sleeper!

The matching interior is a really rare sight, with only a handful of Camaros that year getting this unusual upholstery. It matches the copper paint quite well and like the exterior, has been nicely maintained and remains in great shape. Cloth upholstery was the right choice in a performance car, since it helped hold you in place, and high-wear areas like the driver's side bolsters show minimal wear, more evidence of its low-mile status. Nice carpets with matching mats, a full set of easy-to-read instruments, and a sleek center console with an AM/FM/cassette stereo and the A/C controls down low emphasize its performance image. As the top-of-the-line Camaro, this Z also includes power windows and locks, cruise control, and a tilt column with a nice-looking leather-wrapped wheel. The back seat looks virtually unused and the trunk area is in good shape, with only one area over the left wheel well that's slightly sun faded from a garage window.

The engine is a 5.0 liter V8, also known as a 305, topped by a 4-barrel carburetor. Given how easy these are to modify, it's remarkable that this one remains completely stock. In fact, only routine maintenance items have been replaced over the years, giving the engine bay a highly authentic look that's a slam-dunk in preservation class judging. From the air cleaner to the exhaust system, it's still the way it was built, yet it's also a spirited performer and if you have modifications in mind, you might want to drive it first, because it's a blast. The 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission has quick reflexes and the Z's suspension made it the best-handling pony car of the era. Four-wheel disc brakes were also standard, and live behind the original 15-inch alloy wheels, which aren't curbed or scuffed and carry relatively recent 235/60/15 front and 255/60/15 rear BFGoodrich T/A radials.

Remember the last time you missed the chance to pick up an old Camaro at a bargain price, only to watch its price steadily climb over the intervening years? Don't let that happen again, and put this low-mile Z into your garage. Call today!