The idea of using a classic car as a daily driver may be unthinkable to some, but some candidates could serve admirably in that role. This 1999 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS Convertible is a shining example. It is an original, low-mile survivor, but its respectable fuel consumption figures and easy operation mean that slipping behind the wheel daily could be a realistic expectation. It presents beautifully, with no apparent needs or shortcomings. The seller has listed the Camaro here on Craigslist in Palm Coast, Florida. It could be yours for $17,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting it.
The Fourth Generation Camaro graced showroom floors between 1993 and 2002, with the range undergoing a significant styling update in 1998. Our one-owner feature car emerged in 1999, and its owner made a wise decision by ordering it in a winning combination of Light Pewter Metallic with a White power top. I may be the Lone Ranger on this front, but I’ve always felt these cars look far more elegant with the top down rather than raised. The car’s overall condition is excellent and is consistent with the owner’s claim that it has 21,000 miles on the clock. The paint shines beautifully, the panels are straight, and the top fits as tight as a drum. There are no signs of abuse or neglect, the plastic hasn’t suffered at the hands of UV exposure, and, unsurprisingly, this classic is rust-free. I can’t spot any stains on the wheels, nor evidence of curb strike.
The seller supplies no engine photos, but we know lifting the hood should reveal the 346ci LS1 V8, producing 320hp and 345 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a six-speed manual transmission, while power assistance for the steering and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS enhances the driving experience and safety. Chevrolet was utilizing some advanced plastic technology in the Camaro’s construction by the time this car rolled off the line, but with buyers seeking more options and creature comforts, these advances didn’t bring the weight reductions some might expect. This car tips the scales at 3,551 lbs, but its performance is still mighty impressive. The ¼-mile journey should take 13.8 seconds while keeping the foot to the floor will see the LS1 run out of breath with the needle touching 167mph. However, there is another string to this car’s bow. Technological advances weren’t confined to developing body and trim plastic because Chevrolet dedicated significant time and energy to refining fuel injection and engine management systems. The effort was worthwhile because this classic should effortlessly return fuel consumption figures of around 22mpg. That means it is realistic to expect to cover over 350 miles between trips to the gas pump. Those factors are why I believe this could be a practical daily driver. The comprehensive collection of included documentation dating back to Day One may contain evidence verifying the seller’s claim that it has 21,000 genuine miles on the clock. It is a turnkey proposition that the new owner could drive home today.
The Camaro’s theme of excellent presentation continues when we scrutinize its interior. The Gray leather on its seats shows the characteristic wrinkles that develop with age but look soft and inviting. The remaining upholstered surfaces tell a similar story, while there are no carpet issues or signs of abuse or neglect. The interior needs nothing, and with no aftermarket additions, it is as its creators intended. The lack of changes doesn’t mean the new owner misses out on safety equipment or creature comforts. They receive a selection of airbags and climate-control air conditioning. There is power assistance for the windows, locks, trunk release, seats, mirrors, and top. The driver benefits from cruise control and a tilt wheel, with a premium stereo rounding out the package.
I’ve gone out on a limb by suggesting this 1999 Camaro Z28 SS Convertible would make a practical daily driver, and it will be fascinating to gauge your opinion on the subject. Preservation may seem the obvious choice for some, and that is understandable. I conducted a thought experiment for this article, weighing the benefits of purchasing and running this car as a daily driver compared to purchasing a new vehicle like a more economical Toyota Corolla. This Camaro will use more fuel than the Toyota for any given journey, which is a genuine consideration. However, the Corolla will also cost the buyer around $5,000 more by the time they drive it off the showroom floor. That’s a significant difference, and you could top the Camaro’s tank many times with the money you’d save by choosing it instead of the Corolla. We must consider depreciation, which will be significant with the new car but considerably less with the Z28. Those are the key reasons I believe the Camaro is a viable proposition, but are they enough to tempt you to pursue it further?
This would be a great daily driver if you lived in a small town or rural community. The 6 speed just loafs along at highway speeds and gets great gas mileage. Driving the stick in a major metropolitan area would get boring pretty quickly. Today’s drivers are not what they used to be.
Light pewter metallic was a pretty popular color for GM back then.
I thought the SS models had exhaust pipes only on one side 🤔
Only on the 1998 model year.
Well it’s got the right motor, the right transmission and the white roof is striking against the dark glass. Find the open road and open her up.
This article says a 346 cubicinch engine. Everyone knows it’s a 350. What blasphemy.
97 was last year for 350. The LS is 346 as in my 2000 SS I bought new and has only 9800 on the clovk
I had a red 2001 SS with a 6 speed and 22k miles. Unfortunately, it was constantly the target of thieves. The final time was when it was at the dealer having damage from a theft attempt repaired. Some fu@%ers stripped the car in the fenced lot, leaving it unrepairable. After a year, I finally was able to get paid a reasonable value.
This would make a great daily driver in a sunny part of the country, but if I bought it, it would be more of a road trip/date night car. It’s nice that the original owners kept the mileage low for future drivers, and I would definitely add miles on a regular basis. My lifelong practice has been to buy older, low(ish) mile cars from original owners who took pride in keeping their vehicles nice. This way, I’ve been able to drive nice cars without taking the huge depreciation hit. As far as a 6 speed in today’s traffic; it’s not that big of a deal unless you have a super-heavy clutch like in a 60s muscle car. There’s something to be said for choosing your own gear in stop and go traffic and relying less on the brakes.
346 ?
5.7 LS1 is 346 CID. The 6.2 LS3 is 376 CID
I still have my 2000 SS with 9800 on it. 346 w/6spd. Also depending on the SLP options could have the dual tips, one on each side as mine does. All options from GM & SLP both my window stickers total 40G’s. Got mine with T’s. Not a fan of the drop top. But i think its a fair price for it. Have’nt drove mine in 10yrs, Just sits next to my Hellcat looking pretty
I had a 1995 drop top 6 speed with many mods , when i tried a friend’s stock 1999 trans am , i knew that i didn’t need the mods , that LS engine is great !
If this car was in canada with a canadian dollar selling price , i would consider it but i do prefer a red or yellow finish
And
I would not daily it unless there is permanent sun but with the chemtrails , the sun is too often absent
YOLO
I’ve posted pics here of my ’99 Z/28, loaded, 6 speed, T-Tops. I still miss that car and a drop top 6 speed SS is on my list of next fun car to own.
Heck, now that I’ve just moved to GA from NH, I could get this as my DD. I drove the ’99 in snow once, just once.
In the future I believe this cars collectors status will increase grately and command serious money.