1980 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

Description

In case you haven't noticed, but second-generation F-bodies are cool again, and the wilder, the better when it comes to cars. Few would argue that this 1980 Camaro Z/28 isn't the ideal representation of the late disco era, with its handsome paint and bright graphics, and you'll undoubtedly find out once you're behind the wheel, it drives pretty darned well, too!

OK, so the guys in charge of naming colors weren't all that creative in 1980, but this car does still wear a correct coat of code 72 Red paint that someone spent a decent amount of cash restoring the paint to its current condition about 15 years ago. When you get closer, you'll see that the sheetmetal is straight and clean, the paint job was well applied, and everything lines up quite nicely. I'm pleased that they kept the original color, although it is tough to improve on red. As a southern car all its life, there are no fears of hidden tin worm under the paint and items like the urethane front and rear bumpers, spoilers, and hood are in excellent shape. This is not a car that has a bunch of questionable exterior modifications, and there are a lot of guys who will argue that the last of the second-generation Camaros are the best looking of all. Correct Z/28 graphics were installed, and the tri-tone color scheme is pure retro cool and certainly enough to stop traffic, even today.

Even cooler is the stylish and upscale interior. The gray and white upholstery is in such good shape that I have to believe it's been replaced and upgraded quite recently. The light color looks great on those high-back buckets, lending a sophisticated edge that wasn't nearly as over-the-top as the bodywork, which is a cool contrast. Clean carpets, nicely preserved door panels, and an unmarked dash pad all contribute to the upscale atmosphere, and the steering wheel does a neat imitation of the string-wrapped wheels from the '30s. The center console is in good condition this car is loaded with options, including factory A/C, power windows, a tilt steering column, and a full set of gauges. Those gauges all appear original and in fully operational condition, but the radio has been upgraded to an AM/FM/cassette unit that nevertheless fits in the dash quite well. Even the back seat looks like new and the trunk shows off proper carpets as well as a correct space-saver spare tire.

As you'd expect, the Z/28 received the most powerful engine in the Camaro lineup, a 350 cubic inch V8. But while it originally made about 190 horsepower and 280 pounds of torque, this one has been neatly upgraded with a nearly invisible fuel injection system so there's a little more power and it drives great! Cleverly installed using the original fuel pump to fill the large canister in the right front corner of the engine bay, there's a high-pressure pump inside to feed the fuel injection unit sitting under the stock air cleaner. The engine wears correct corporate blue engine enamel and it's obvious that someone spent a lot of time cleaning, painting, and detailing the engine bay as everything went back together. The transmission is a bulletproof TH350 3-speed automatic and out back, a set of 3.42 gears help acceleration. The undercarriage is just as neat and tidy with signs of recent work, including a fresh dual exhaust system that sounds suitably muscular. Cool Z/28 alloy wheels wear fat 245/60/14 BFGoodrich radials, which give it a predatory look.

Go back in time and relive your childhood with this fantastic icon from the '80s, now with the added convenience of fuel injection. Call today!