Though Chevrolet converted examples of the third-generation Camaro through American Sunroof Corporation (ASC) beginning in 1987, the company also sanctioned Indiana-based company Autoform to transform third-gen Camaros into convertibles before then. Known as the Autoform Speedster, this 1983 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 that’s available here on eBay is a relatively unmodified first-year example of this converted Camaro.
This Camaro is available in Lucerne Valley, California with a clean title. The advertisement claims that it was a one-owner vehicle that spent its entire life in Arizona, and a Carfax report shows no reports of accidents or damage. It’s hard to pinpoint how many examples Autoform altered, but speculation indicates that fewer than 1,000 Camaros and Firebirds received the conversion, and this particular one is a first-year specimen.
The exterior is very clean and also very ‘80s, thanks to its two-tone paint scheme. This conversion utilizes a fiberglass decklid that eliminates the rear seats, a manually operated top, and various reinforcements to support the changes.
Inside the cockpit, the interior is original but has some signs of wear. The carpets look worn and there’s also a dashboard topper, which may hide cracked material. Regardless of the minor imperfections, it seems like a pleasant place to spend some time in, especially because the gauges, wipers, heater, air conditioning, and lights all work.
There’s a 305 cu.-in. V8 engine under the hood, which pairs to an automatic transmission to drive the rear wheels. The drivetrain has 64,434 miles, and the vehicle runs and drives excellently.
The seller has a set price of $8,995 for this custom muscle car. Could you see yourself enjoying top-down adventures in this unique third-gen Camaro?
Looks Like possible cigarette burns in the drivers seat. I don’t love the deck lid treatment or the bat mobile style headrests. I like the very 80’s colors though. It would be fun on the car show circuit.
Those burns aren’t from cigarettes, remember in the 80s when weed had seeds in it? They would explode and always land in your lap!
The Camaro convertible needs the back seat to look right.
I don’t know what bothers me more, the exposed hinges, the little vestiges above the taillights or the crossfire engine.
The colors are bad, the look with the up is even worse, the trunk lid that looks like it’s hinged with marine hinges looks really cheap in my opinion. The side view with the top down doesn’t look too bad, reminiscent of the ’60’s T-Birds sports roadster. I also find what appear to be hand grips molded into the rear cover at the base of the spoiler above the tail lights “interesting”. Decent colors, better wheels could make this a better looking car, but I really wonder about it’s structural rigidity. T-top cars were pretty bad, they were prone to twisting under regular driving. The Buick Grand Nationals would actually crack the steel structure just above the upper door hinges. Now imagine removing the whole roof. I bet this thing has cowl shake like there is no tomorrow. Interesting car, but no thanks!
I agree. It amazes me what mechanical ass-holes get the ‘speedster’ moniker. They a generally poorly executed. The only reputable speedster worth a damn was from Porsche. Just my opinion, not debating.
I totally agree with John…I had the T-Top version of one of these in the late 80’s. Given the chassis structure (or lack thereof) of that car, I’m hoping this has some sort of unibody enhancement.
I agree to many joints with smoked in that car. Lol. !!!!!!
Where are the 3 point shoulder belts on this car?
Kind of weird that it actually has (2) different license plates on it! What’s up with that?
AZ only requires a rear tag. I live in AL, rear tag only as well, but many people will put on an old tag, sometimes YOM or other designs they prefer
I’ve owned a 91 Camaro with t-tops 305, great car handle like a Corvette it had front and rear sway bars, and my 83 autoform two seat roadster is pretty sweet too. I think a guy needs to own one and drive one before he knocks it down.