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2 For 1 Deal: 1978 Chevrolet Camaro

The second-generation Chevy Camaro (1970-81) was still going strong in 1978, with more than 272,600 copies leaving GM factories. Much to my surprise, a significant number of them were still built with six-cylinder power. This car is one of those 37,000 copies that came with Chevy’s venerable 250 cubic inch I-6. It’s been laid up in a field along with a parts car for about eight years and needs to move one before it deteriorates further. Both autos can be found in Copperopolis, California and here on craigslist for $2,500. Thanks, Pat L., for another of your interesting finds!

Changes to the second-gen Camaro’s were subtle over the years, although for 1978 they gained body- colored urethane front and rear bumpers. T-Tops were another first for the Camaro that year, although the seller’s car is not adorned with them. This edition of the Camaro belongs to the seller’s son, who left it behind when he went into the Army eight years ago (thank you for your service). And it’s been sitting ever since. It was a daily driver prior to that, but since it doesn’t look as though he’s coming back for it, Dad has permission to get it sold.

Because of outdoor storage, the body is showing wear, especially with the paint. There are a few little dings here and there, with a nice dent in the lower rear quarter panel. The interior may have faired better, with the upholstery looking good although a new carpet set should be ordered. The bad news is that mice have managed to work their way into the car and have damaged at least the wiring, whose problems could be a major pain to identify and rectify. For California residents, the car’s registration has been non-op for years, so no back DMV fees will be due if it stays in-state.

The 2 for 1 part of the deal is the maroon-colored parts car that’s included if you want to haul it off, too. The seller’s son has pulled parts off it over the years, so it’s not complete and there’s no indication of the model year or if the drivetrains are compatible between the two cars. The primary Camaro has 83,000 miles on it with an automatic transmission, but we don’t know about the other. Hagerty pegs the average resale value of a ’78 Camaro at $8,300, so there’s room to do some work on the primary car. But with a six-cylinder engine instead of a V8, how much in demand will this car be in another five or ten years?

Comments

  1. Avatar Al_Bundy Member

    How bad did things get between the first pics and the last ? Looks very sad but I get it.

    My son left to serve in the Navy in 2016, in for another term. Before then, he worked hard as a teen and brought home a number of projects… Yes fox body Fords ! Like dad.

    I’m left with the things we didn’t finish. Not bad like the pics above, but I won’t let it get that far. Even as a Ford guy I love the cars I grew up around. Love the stock basic models at shows more than the trophy candidates. Damn right, great deal on a Camaro or a 280Z, I’m in… Love cars

    Like 6
    • Avatar Miguel - Mexican Spec

      Al, they are different cars.

      Like 6
  2. Avatar ed casala

    Looks like a decent priced project. Both cars for 2500? You could slap in a decent crate motor drive train and paint and not have a ton in it and have a really fun car. Good luck.

    Like 4
  3. Avatar JoeNYWF64

    The 250 strait 6 is fine for a stripper lighter wt 1st gen camaro or nova ’72 or earlier, but this gen Camaro is a bit too heavy for it, IMO, especially with the pancake restrictive GM pellet cat conv behind it & the a/c on.

    Like 2
  4. Avatar Maestro1

    Some of the Barn Finders I’m sure will give me a bad time, but I had a friend with a ’78 six cylinder and it was one of the best balanced cars i ever drove.
    If I had the room I’d jump on it. Thanks for this.

    Like 7
  5. Avatar David Ulrey

    I guess I’d have to drive one with the automatic. I had one with the straight 6 but it had a 3 spd manual transmission. Certainly wasn’t a fire breather but still fun. Just not sure how it would be with an automatic. I suppose if it’s geared accordingly it may be okay?

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Purple sky

    Make a great doner body to use for your rusted hulk remains of a 78 Z28.. Providing you live fairly close to California.

    Like 1

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