We see some pretty extraordinary classics at Barn Finds, but this 1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS SLP 30th Anniversary may be up there with the best. Its relative rarity helps it stand out from the crowd, but the fact it has accumulated a genuine 259 miles on its odometer probably seals the deal. That equates to little more than ten miles per year, which means it isn’t broken in! The seller feels it needs a new home, so they listed it here on Craigslist in Seguin, Texas. They set their price at $44,995, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L. for spotting this fantastic survivor.

Given this Camaro’s odometer reading, it is unsurprising that its presentation is close to showroom fresh. Its combination of Arctic White and Hugger Orange rekindles memories of the 1969 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Edition and remains as striking today as it did in 1997. The paint shines beautifully, with no flaws or defects in it or the panels. The car’s history is unclear, but the lack of plastic deterioration suggests it has never been exposed to severe UV rays. Its relative rarity is enhanced by the original owner’s decision to order this Z28 with a glass T-Top, which is in excellent condition. The glass is flawless, and the color-coded alloy wheels show no evidence of stains or physical damage. I avoid using terms like “time capsule,” but that is apt in this case.

If the exterior looks stunning, the interior trimmed in supple Arctic White leather with distinctive 30th Anniversary insignias continues that theme. Considering the odometer reading, I’m surprised that the factory protective plastic isn’t intact. I don’t see that as bad because it allows us to appreciate the overall condition and all this Camaro offers potential buyers. Once again, finding any faults or defects is impossible, and slipping behind the wheel would be like rewinding the clock to 1997. For a car of this vintage, it doesn’t lack much when the subject turns to luxury appointments. As well as dual front airbags and beautiful leather, the buyer receives climate-control air conditioning, power windows, keyless power locks, power mirrors, a power hatch release, cruise control, a rear defogger, and an AM/FM radio and CD player.

You need to dig below the surface to discover what makes this Camaro stand apart from a regular 30th Anniversary vehicle. The original owner ordered the car with the SLP Package. SLP stands for Street Legal Performance and included many upgrades, transforming the Camaro into a genuine driver’s car. These included a Torsen limited-slip rear end, a Bilstein suspension package, a functional cold air intake via a lightweight hood, exhaust improvements, and an oil cooler. The fuel-injected 5.7-liter V8 should deliver 305hp, which feeds to the Torsen via a four-speed automatic transmission. The effort and expense involved seem justified when the rubber meets the road. This Z28 should storm the ¼ mile in 14.1 seconds before winding its way to 156mph. After the misery of The Malaise Era, it proved that Detroit had rediscovered its performance mojo with its iconic V8 models. Although this Camaro has a mere 259 miles on its odometer, the seller indicates it has been appropriately maintained. That means the new owner could immediately hit the road to drive this SS as its makers intended.

Although Chevrolet produced 3,352 examples of the 1997 Camaro Z28 30th Anniversary Edition, only 957 buyers went the step further to order an SS. Our feature car is one of those vehicles, and its odometer reading may be the lowest of any still in existence. The asking price is well above the top end of the current market, although it is worth noting that values are climbing steadily. However, cars like this leave potential buyers facing a dilemma. Part of the intrinsic value of this classic is the odometer reading, and every additional mile could negatively impact its value. Its creators intended buyers to drive and enjoy these vehicles, but I suspect that won’t be the fate of this car. I feel it will either find itself squirreled away in a garage or on display in a museum. I would love to think that won’t happen and that it will roam our streets, but I wouldn’t bet my house on it.