1978 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

Description

This 1978 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is one of those cars whose outstanding condition is all out of proportion to its bargain price. With a great color combination, a 4-speed manual gearbox, and a bunch of desirable options, this is an entry-level collectable with all the hard work already done.

While most Camaros of this vintage were garish '70s colors, the relatively subtle code 69 Dark Camel is just right for a '70s muscle car. They took it easy on the stripes, too, framing the cool hood scoop and wheel wells, but it's surprisingly tame for the period. The important thing is that someone spent a lot of time and money refinishing the bodywork to its current high level, with modern paint giving it a brilliant shine and only a few signs of use since it was completed. Those long doors fit quite well and don't need a heavy slam to close, and the nose and tail pieces fit flush with the bodywork and are actually the same color as the rest of the car, which was definitely not the case in 1978. Correct Z28 emblems in the grille, on the front fenders, and between the taillights are correct color-matched pieces, and while you're admiring the rear end, check out how well that spoiler fits. This was not some quickie spray and pray job; someone built this car out of love.

The interior is not only quite nicely preserved, but it's also a handsome light-colored complement to the exterior paint. The high-back buckets look fantastic, even decades later, and are matched by the quality of the door panels and carpets. The steering wheel was obviously designed to look like a vintage string-wrapped competition piece and has aged quite well without the usual UV damage, probably thanks to a large cover protecting it. All the gauges are bright and crisp, and yes, that's a factory close-ratio 4-speed, a somewhat rare option in 1978 and one that adds a lot of fun to the car's resume. The original AM/FM stereo remains in the dash, and it also carries goodies like power windows and a center console. Custom Z/28 logo floor mats help protect what might be original carpets, and the back seat looks almost new. The trunk is extremely clean, too, with a correct black fabric and matching spare tire assembly with jack.

The Z28 carried the top engine, a 350 rated at 185 horsepower and a stout 270 pounds of torque, but this one, with a recent rebuild and a few performance tweaks, runs even better than those numbers would suggest. The engine bay is exceedingly clean, with the engine wearing correct corporate turquoise paint and dressed up with items like a chrome air cleaner and valve covers. Performance upgrades include the Edelbrock intake manifold and Holley 4-barrel carburetor, as well as a throaty dual exhaust system that's better than anything the Feds permitted in 1978. The 4-speed powers through the gears, and the 10-bolt out back packs 3.42 gears on a Posi, which are a nice balance between acceleration and easy highway cruising. The floors are incredibly clean and even though it's not detailed for show, it's easy to see that this car lived someplace warm for most of its life. Factory alloy wheels are in excellent shape and wear 235/60/15 white-letter radials.

If you like the look, this Camaro will likely turn out to also be a smart investment in the not-too-distant future. Call today!