1981 Chevrolet Camaro

Description

This 1981 Camaro represents the last of the second-generation cars, and as such, it has every improvement GM implemented during the car's 11-year run, plus a few aftermarket upgrades that make it fast as well as flashy. Those of you looking for a nice F-body to drive should really give this bright red coupe a closer look.

The overall look is familiar, but it's the details that set this one apart. Calling on Camaros of yore, it sports a cowl induction hood, ducktail spoiler, and a classic red paint job with white SS stripes, all clearly descended from the first-gen cars. Someone definitely had a final result in mind when putting this car together, so they spent the time to make it look good, with those wide doors fitting nicely and the urethane front bumper showing few signs of age and wear. Both the hood and the rear spoiler are a little more aggressive than you'd get from the factory, but that only emphasizes the long, low look of the second-generation Camaro. The paint has a great shine and the stripes are straight and well-applied, giving it a professional look that will win admirers at the local cruise night as well as on the road. The black grille and an overall lack of ornamentation or badging only serves to keep the mystery alive-how much power does it have? You'll have to plant the throttle to find out.

Red and white upholstery is obviously completely custom to match the exterior, and despite the bright contrast, it really works well in the sporty Camaro. Door panels, seat covers, and headliner are all recent, and they work well with the original red dash and center console. Brushed stainless steel frames the instruments, which are original and include the 85 MPH speedometer that the feds mistakenly thought would prevent people from speeding. Upgrades include a Pioneer AM/FM/CD stereo with powerful speakers on the rear deck and a modern A/C system from Vintage Air that uses R134a refrigerant for easy service in the future. Original options include power windows and locks, plus a tilt column, so there's enough luxury here to keep you happy when you're not hammering it. The trunk is upholstered in black, so it's hard to photograph, but it's tidy and ready for a long road trip.

In 1981, the only way you could get a 350 in your Camaro was in a Z/28 and even then it was a rather anemic 175 horsepower version. In this red and white coupe you'll find a built 350 with an .030 overbore, a mild performance camshaft, and enough horsepower to shame the original engine back into the '80s. With a chrome air cleaner and Edelbrock valve covers, it has the right look, and there's plenty of evidence of regular care and feeding, so it's ready to go. The barking dual exhaust system features glasspack-style mufflers that definitely get your attention, and the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission is a pleasure to drive around town. The undercarriage is pretty original, but if you were looking for a trailer queen, it wouldn't be this affordable. Flashy Cragar wheels, however, give it exactly the right performance look for the period yet wear modern 225/50/17 Michelin radials.

Lots of instantly-recognizable fun for under $20 grand, this Camaro is a great way to enjoy some vintage iron without having to build it yourself. Call today!