The second-generation Chevrolet Camaro had a longer lifespan than most automobiles, introduced in 1970 with the overall body style changing very little until production ended after 1981. However, the exterior did receive a minor makeover for 1978, and in ’79, a new trim level called the Berlinetta was introduced. The Berlinetta was the luxury offering among the bunch and replaced the LT in the lineup, which had previously filled those shoes. This 1979 Chevrolet Camaro Berlinetta here on Craigslist is a beauty, and potential buyers will have to take everything into consideration to determine whether or not they find it $20,900 worth of beautiful. This one’s in Vacaville, California, and we’d like to thank reader Tony Primo for locating it and sending us the tip!
One of the strengths here is the car’s mileage, which is reported to be 13,900, mostly put on there slowly by the original owner until they sold it to the seller in 2023. This Camaro is said to have always been garaged by both owners, although it got one respray at some point in the original color of Light Blue Metallic. Everything about the presentation outside seems top-notch, including the paint quality and trim, with nothing obvious needing attention on the exterior.
Power is provided by a 305, and the bay area here looks much as it did back in 1979, thanks to the fact that this one has been driven so little. It’s said to have received some maintenance in the not-too-distant past, including new plugs, wires, and a power steering fluid change. More recently, it received fresh oil just 200 miles ago, so this V8 is likely ready for more use before any major work under the hood will be needed. More good news is the transmission: it’s a 4-speed manual, which may help things feel a bit stronger than the 130 horsepower the 305 delivers.
A good clue that makes the mileage believable is the overall condition of the interior, which looks far younger than its age, and there’s very little wear and tear visible. Spending an afternoon replacing the carpet might be one easy inside improvement, but most of the other components seem fine without any immediate attention. There’s not much to fault on this 1979 Chevrolet Camaro Berlinetta, and with the excellent condition and low miles, the asking price just might be in the ballpark. How much would you be willing to spend here?
My first car was a 79 Camaro Berlinetta I bought in 82 while in high school. It was black exterior and red interior with T tops. I foolishly traded it in for a brand new 84 Pontiac Fiero SE. Big regret.
4sp. makes it here. 👍 nice surprise.
Nice clean, western car with a 4-spd. The price is not out of line, it would be better if it had working A/C, but if you’re into later 2nd gen Camaro’s, this is a nice one.
Looks like it was ordered by someone who wanted a good looking car but enjoyed changing the gears. Modestly equipped like a Midwestern vehicle of the period.
Graduated from high school in 79. One of the girls in our class, whose family owned a couple of furniture stores, received a brand new 79 Camaro Berlinetta as a graduation gift from her folks. She drove it to school about a week, then took it into the nearby larger city (we were a hick little town about 20 miles out) one weekend night to party with her girlfriends. When they came out of the club a few hours later, the Camaro was long gone, never to be seen again. Her folks replaced it with a new Monte Carlo.
Bummer that it’s a non A/C car and the 305 is just a 2bbl, BUT according to the build sheet picture, it has the G80 option of posi trac rear axle!
The 305 didn’t have enough power to spin one tire let alone two. Checking the other V-8 box would have helped immensely.
Bare bones with a 4 speed!! Hell yes!!
that carpet sure looks beat for 13k miles.113k maybe.
Awesome colors inside and out. The only things that would make it perfect for my liking would be factory A/C and power windows. I assume the 4 speed option forces the acceptance of the two barrel carburetor.
I like it! Be fun to drive as is. Or spice up the engine a bit with some interior engine upgrades while preserving the stock look. Nice car.
13k miles with a new paint job and old looking carpet, what gives??
Turd engine but a 4 speed, hate to say it but engine swap in order.
IMMEDIATELY
Seeing all these “ultra low mileage” cars all of a sudden of this vintage makes me wonder how big the “classic car” scam really is. Is it probable these brokers/owners are buying well kept cars from their original owners let’s say with 90k miles and rolling them back under 20k? There would be little mileage documentation to prove a car that was under the same ownership for 50 – 30 years. The 70s-80s junk vintage is hot as the buyers for these are sentimental. Brokers knowing the buyers will pay asking or over asking price. The condition of the interior, particularly the carpet alone has me scratching my head. I’m glad I left the hobby when I did. There was much more transparency and community in the hobby back the 90s.
Best thing about it? You can yank that boat anchor smog Era 305 drop in 400marine sm block it’ll bolt right up & only need a HD clutch pack & everything is repairable non of that corporate computer garbage.
Parts are cheap in junkyards from Germany to Canada & USA for Camaro.
Plus with so many on the road still – Flock can’t really peg it as long as you use a license plate with lots of Os 0s 1s Is which confuse the system