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1981 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Survivor

1981 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

This 1981 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 is apparently a true blue survivor. While the blue paint is not recognizable, the listing claims this car to be an all-original example. The seller has it listed for a BIN of $10,000 or you have the ability to make an offer. It currently resides in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania and they list a VIN, along with with 96,000 miles, and a clear title. You can view more on eBay.

1981 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

Nothing is noted about this Z/28 being able to move under its own power. The seller states that they believe everything is original under the hood, which would be a 350 cubic inch V8. This car is equipped with an automatic transmission. There is sales receipts and documents showing all the options and prices, also indicating that the automatic was selected over the manual. A few seconds of future thought might have had them reconsider.

1981 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

Inside, the plush, cloth interior looks to be in good condition and still somewhat comfortable. The original window sticker, written receipt, and brochure all come with the car. While the original owner didn’t spring for a manual transmission, they did select premium aluminum wheels. That might not increase performance or fun, but it does capture the time period well. If that matters to us nowadays.

1981 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

The seller indicates that this Camaro is one for a true enthusiast and that very well may be true. It won’t be though without some work. For one thing, it will need to be repainted. It might not be exactly the most desired body style, but it is a Z/28 and that is at least a perk of owning a Camaro, even if it isn’t a first-generation. The real question is if the price of this car is worth it for the condition it is in.

Comments

  1. Avatar leiniedude Member

    For the extra $5,500 or less, I would take the one Jeff posted earlier. https://barnfinds.com/one-lady-owner-1981-chevy-camaro-z28/

    Like 4
    • Avatar Steve R

      No pictures of rust prone areas, nor any mention of the condition of the body and floors from a Pennsylvania car. Throw in the zero feedback for the seller and there are enough red flags to dismiss this car unless you lived nearby.

      The yellow one from yesterday is a screaming deal by comparison.

      Steve R

      Like 5
  2. Avatar Lynn Dockey Member

    If it was DD it saw it’s fair share of road salt in PA. I live not too far away.

    Like 1
  3. Avatar sluggo

    I cant believe the prices on these, Sure if its a Z28, but even the factory performance ones were dogs. As I posted on the yellow Z28 yesterday, Everyone modified and hopped these up.
    But they were so common even in the late 1990s it was nauseating. I bought several because they were cheap and parted out several just for the PS/PB subframes to use on early hot rods. Seemingly these all dried up and disappeared (Many were flogged on circle tracks and were a popular race car donor) So to see these as a project for $10k is shocking

    Like 2
  4. Avatar Tom Member

    Using the word “survivor” here is accurate but …..

    You can buy a fantastic version of these all over the country for $20K to $30K, probably less if you walked in with high-teens in CASH. That price range is also from DEALERS who have them listed at top $.

    I had a beautiful 79 Z28 in my shop last week with 32K original miles on it. I understand the car and why people like them. It was NOT for the performance but for the look for sure.

    You couldn’t re-do the paint and body for that kind of money on this one not to mention it needing EVERYTHING ELSE restored.

    $10 grand? Some fool and his money will soon be parted though. Seems like people don’t know how to purchase older cars. It’s called the INTERNET.

    Like 2
  5. Avatar jerry z

    To think I couldn’t give away my ’81 Z28 for $1500 back in 2000. It was rust and rot free too! Only had a bad cylinder.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Jon

      I bought a brand new midnight blue 1979 Z28 on my 20th birthday, June 12, 1979. It was the only Z28 on the lot at Laffin Chevrolet in South River, NJ. It was love at first sight. I grabbed a salesman and plopped down $5000 and financed the balance. I believe it cost $10,000.01 (the one cent made me laugh). I loved owning it for the next three years. Never abused it. It wasn’t lightning fast but I feel the 350 V8 had plenty of go for my driving taste and the car looked cool, mean, sleek. Kept that midnight blue metallic well polished and waxed and it really was a looker. I can’t imagine paying $10,000 for a junker like the 1981 in this ad. That’s the problem with our hobby these days…bloated prices for junk and bloated to the moon prices for nice ones. You gotta have deep pockets in this hobby these days and that’s putting a lot of these cars out of my reach. Also pains me to see them go to rich guys overseas.

      Like 4
      • Avatar PRA4SNW

        I bought an ’81 when I was 20 too. Mine was a regular ‘ol Camaro but I loved it for the 4 years I owned it. Back then, there was hardly any on the lot, the sales manager said that they were slow sellers due to the gas crisis. I had a specific build in mind, so I ordered mine. What a long wait, it felt like! Mine was all show, no go – 229 6 auto with the spoiler and rally wheels – LOL! I will never forget the sticker price of $7229.
        I would love to know whatever became of it. Yes, it was lame by today’s standards, but I would definitely take it back.

        Like 0

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