A previous owner placed this 1972 Camaro Z28 Rally Sport into storage more than thirty years ago. It recently emerged from hiding and requires a total restoration to return to its former glory. It will be a significant undertaking for the new owner, but the car’s complete nature and ready parts availability mean it is feasible. The seller listed the Z28 here on eBay in East Aurora, New York. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve to sit at $8,100, and plenty of time remains for those wishing to stake their claim.
Chevrolet’s pony car era nearly crashed in 1972 due to several circumstances. Industrial action halted production for over five months and led to the company scrapping more than 1,100 incomplete late-production cars because they didn’t comply with upcoming tighter safety standards. However, with 68,656 Camaros finding a home that year, the car received a stay of execution. Of those, 2,575 buyers selected the Z28 version. It is unclear how many of those buyers also chose the Z22 Rally Sport option, but it is fair to say it makes this car relatively rare. Over three decades in storage have done this Pewter Silver classic no favors, and the list of tasks required to return it to a factory-fresh state is long. Before the new owner considers a repaint, there is rust requiring attention. It impacts some of the lower body panels and is beginning to appear around the back window. Climbing under the car reveals issues with the floors and rails, which I believe justify total replacement. The seller is very approachable and encourages interested parties to negotiate an in-person inspection. Considering the issues revealed in the supplied photos, that would be a wise strategy. The distinctive Rally Sport grille and bumpers look okay, and there are no glaring glass problems.
The original Camaro Z28 had been a barely disguised race car for the road, but life was very different in 1972. Chevrolet no longer focused on categories like Trans Am, marketing the Z28 as a more luxurious alternative to the SS. Considering the price difference between the pair ($769.15 for the Z28 versus $306.35 for the SS), it is easy to understand why more than twice as many buyers chose the SS. The first thing to note with this Camaro is that the engine bay no longer houses its numbers-matching small-block. A previous owner performed an engine change, rebuilding this motor before placing it into storage. However, it retains its original M-22 manual transmission and shifter. The seller states this 350 runs, but potential buyers should consider it a rolling proposition, which will require work to return to a roadworthy state.
If you gave this Camaro’s interior a brief glance, it would be easy to assume it is another aspect requiring considerable work. However, things may not be as bad as they first seem. The Black vinyl seatcovers are pretty shredded, and the carpet is only marginally better. Look beyond those faults, and things improve dramatically. The dash and pad look good, the console should restore with few issues, the remaining upholstered surfaces are free from rips and evidence of abuse, and the headliner is spotless. A complete seatcover set in the correct material and color would cost around $640. Matching foam adds $400 to the tally, with $220 for a carpet set rounding out the list. If an in-person inspection reveals no other required parts, this interior should present nicely for under $1,300.
Returning this 1972 Camaro Z28 Rally Sport to its former glory is possible, although it will involve plenty of cutting and welding and a considerable financial investment. We’ve seen worse classics revived, but it requires a dedicated owner willing to stay in for the long haul for that to happen. Should the new owner achieve perfection, recent sales suggest it should sell for more than $45,000 if they choose to part with it. However, losing its original motor will impact that figure, and it is always challenging to determine how profound that could be. My instincts say $40,000 is achievable, but does the cost justify the return? That will largely depend on the price when the hammer falls on this auction. What do you think?
Something doesn’t look right on the front end.
The grille surround looks too big.
The urethane nose is warped, that is often caused by the metal substructure it’s bonded to rusting or collision damage. Reproductions are readily available.
Steve R
Maybe an optical illusion? It’s got the correct “Z28” and not “Z/28” badges, and 72 was the last full year for the split bumper.
73 was the last year for the split bumper RS.
Steve R
No. 1973 was the last Rally Sport with the split bumper.
Buy it, get it running, throw a seat cover on it, put on a set of sidepipes, some 50 series meats out back. And relive the glory days.
Don’t forget the air shocks and traction bars.
This car needs to be restored. You just don’t see many of these. You see more 60’s Z28’s than these. I don’t have the means , patience or funds to do so but, hopefully someone does.
Large crack in front crossmember, car needs to be inspected! Looks to me to have a great deal of rust.
What crack? Are you referring to the lip in the center? If so, that’s not a defect.
Like…..
The M22 is worth more than the car.
I see no proof that this has an M22. Do you know how rare they are?
Picture number 15 in the eBay ad shows the stamping of the VIN and production codes. The letter C at the very end of the production code corresponds with an M-22, the letter A is for an M-20, the letter B would be an M-21.
Steve R
You don’t come across many factory 4 speed Camaros. This is one of the nicer project Camaros I’ve seen in some time. I’m glad to see that the seller is realistic on pricing and not trying to get retirement size money out of it.
Hope it comes with a Goodmark catalog, cuz yer gunna need it.
Saw one at an auction in excellent shape go for 40,000.
Certainly worth saving. It just needs the right buyer. These Camaros are prone to rust and the buyer needs to be a skilled metal technician or know one. The tin worm killed my ‘70. Bondo doesn’t slow it down either. Ask me how I know. The interior restoration is not difficult and the four speed is desirable in my view. As I said the right person can make this car shine again. I hope that happens.