1972 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 RS

Description

Look, it's only a matter of time before the second-generation F-bodies start getting expensive, and if you're serious about your hardware, this 1972 Camaro Z/28 RS is probably the one to own. With a matching-numbers 350, a 4-speed transmission, and a show-grade restoration, it is quite likely the nicest of its kind anywhere.

Freshly repainted in its original code 26 Mulsanne Blue, this is the cleanest, straightest second-gen Camaro we've ever seen. So recent that it almost smells like wet paint, it offers expert prep, super straight sheetmetal, sharp creases, and expert panel alignment, all designed to collect trophies at the highest levels. All the styling cues that make these cars so popular year after year are there: the 3-piece ducktail spoiler, a chin spoiler, and the black Z/28 stripes that totally make the look, and it all looks exactly the way it would have on the showroom floor in 1972. Actually, scratch that, because this car is far nicer than anything coming out of a mass-production factory. The RS package was again a unique look, with the open grille and small bumperettes up front, and it's easy to spot real RS models because they use round parking lights (fake RS cars still use the flat markers under the bumper). Those chrome bumpers are in excellent condition, as is the grille, and all the correct Z/28 badges are in place.

The interior is a rather rare code 786 blue custom cloth combination that's seldom seen today. It's correctly done and looks fantastic on the high-back bucket seats. New carpets are protected by blue floor mats so they look almost new and the door panels are fresh pieces that include the upscale burled walnut inserts. There's more burled walnut on the dash, which includes bright, clean, sharp instruments behind a standard steering wheel. A Hurst cue ball shifter atop the 4-speed suggests this Z/28 was built for fun and even the original AM radio remains in the dash, fully operational. If there are any demerits in this car, they're quite minor, like some slight rippling of the dash material around the HVAC controls, but it's quite impressive overall. And for show purposes, the trunk is fully outfitted with a reproduction mat and a full-sized spare tire that's a matching Firestone Wide Oval, a nice touch.

You could still get a big block in your Camaro, but if you liked going around corners, the Z/28's 350 cubic inch V8 was a smarter choice. This is the car's original, numbers-matching engine, rebuilt to stock specs with a hydraulic camshaft to make it a bit more user-friendly, but otherwise as the General intended. The finned valve covers are a familiar Z/28 look and the chrome air cleaner dresses the place up a bit. All the little details are exactly right for show purposes, and with less than 400 miles on the build, it's extremely fresh. It's backed by the factory 4-speed manual transmission and 10-bolt rear end, which has 3.73 gears on a Posi inside, so it's a blast to drive. Red oxide floors, a correct transverse muffler, and just enough overspray to make it look right, the chassis is as highly detailed as the engine bay and poised to win at any level. Even the attractive wheels are properly finished with sand cast centers and right-sized F60-15 Firestone Wide Oval tires, as original.

Documented with restoration receipts and photos, plus the original owner's manual, this is an investment-grade Z/28 that will only get more desirable in coming years. Call today!