Ah, the third-generation Chevrolet Camaro – a perennial entry in the “project cars you can afford” category, and one that seems to remain popular even years after its retirement (the generation, not the model.) However, is there a value spike out there, just waiting to happen for these Camaros and Firebirds that were once seemingly everywhere, from high school parking lots to the hair salon’s employee parking corral? The seller of this clean and claimed one lady-owned 1986 model seems to think so, as it’s listed here on craigslist for $17,000 despite being equipped with an automatic – and what the seller refers to as a six-cylinder engine.
That’s seriously strong money for a Camaro that isn’t packing a 305 under the hood (and even that engine spec wasn’t so hot) but this is the long-game many are playing with the third-generation models. At some point, we’re all going to wake up and realize there are no decent examples left that haven’t already been dragged out of mothballs and dumped at Mecum for $40,000, so we better grab what we can. Now, the good news is they made a ton of these, so it’s still not too hard to find a good for the moment. When will that tide turn, and will it turn before these cars become so old hat that nobody wants them? I do love the colors on this Camaro – GM did a great job with two-tone trim and belt-line appliques.
The 1986 Camaro in Z28 trim with a V6 would have been equipped with the 2.8L mill good for around 135 horsepower and 160 lb.-ft. of torque. Today, you see turbocharged Mustangs and Camaros whizzing around that look positively bad-ass from the front and rear, and then you hear an exhaust note of no consequence because you realize it isn’t a V8. However, it would appear the seller is incorrect, as this Camaro has dual exhaust and this is clearly a factory V8. It also doesn’t appear to be retrofitted, which would be odd for a survivor car like this. (Apologies for earlier confusion calling this a V6; I need to not always trust what’s in the listing!)
When it comes to wanting to own a survivor, the engine specs matter less to the guys and gals that want a perfect dashboard, original paint, and no major cosmetic blemishes. However, that same buyer isn’t paying for performance, so they may expect a bit of a discount since you’re not buying a car like this for its thundering V6. The seller is right that this third-generation survivor is immaculate, and clearly cherished by its long-time female owner. But it seems the market has spoken that the most sought-after cars are still the ones with the best engine and transmission options and still in near-virgin form, so it will likely be a while before a buyer is found at the current ask. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Mitchell G. for the tip.
The V6 wasn’t available in the Z28. Only a V8 was available
You are right, Z28’s didn’t have V6’s, neither does this. The seller description has a typo and it was repeated in the writeup. If someone looks up a picture of an 1986 Camaro with a V6 it’s readily apparent the description in the ad was wrong. It’s likely a real Z28’ the VIN will verify engine displacement.
Is it worth $17,000, not really, but sellers can always lower their price.
Steve R
Yes. First thing that caught my attention was Z/28 and V6???…The engine pic is clearly an LG4 305, which is exactly what I would expect to find in a non-IROC ’86 Z/28.
We’ve seen a few more sixes here lately than usual, and most have said “IMO leave it be!”
This is not one of those that yours personally would leave it be.
As the new 6’s are 300-335hp (did we ever think we’d see the day???!?!) it might be tempting to replace this one with one of those but the money spent on the computer system and rewire needed to run it might take most of the fun out.
But a car this clean, especially one that’s apparently had an engine change (Mitchell Gildea is right-the Z28 was never offered with a lame V6) is just asking for a clean LS3.
The biggest question here is though is this car worth $17k to build a daily driver that can scoot when it needs to?
“Female-owned” is not necessarily a bonus, I have known a lady or two who, pushing a car to its limits, could outdrive most males, leaving them in her dust.
Truly a wild price.. I too, like Mitchell said have never seen a 6cyl Z car. And 70k on it.
Um yea, no such animal ever built by Chevrolet. The pic in the article clearly shows the V8 that was the base Z28 engine…
You are right, it’s surprising no one figured it out earlier.
Steve R
At first, I thought it might be an RS, but I think those came later. That was the Z28 lookalike with a V6.
Someone doesn’t know what they’ve got. Low-ball ’em!
must be a base model that someone threw the badging on It would have had a 305 if a z 28
This would look good, gutted n’ tubbed. Tunnel-Rammed Big-Block, etc..
You should be able to find a nice 1983 or later turn key Camaro race car for this cars asking price.
Steve R
The only ones worth collecting were the ASC drop tops in my opinion.