The automotive landscape was changing in the early 1970s as governments and manufacturers focused on cleaner air and improved vehicle safety. Many enthusiasts decried the changes that sapped engine power and performance, but there will always be a price to pay with any change. This 1973 Camaro Z28 demonstrates that trend, although its performance potential was far better than would be seen in subsequent years. It presents well, retains its original drivetrain, and is ready to find a new home. The seller has listed the Camaro here on eBay in Austin, Texas. Bidding sits below the reserve at $12,100, but there is a BIN option of $42,500.

The seller knows part of this Camaro’s history, confirming it received a repaint in its original Medium Orange in the 1990s. One notable change is that the first owner ordered this classic with Black stripes, but these were swapped for White during the cosmetic refresh. I generally prefer originality with cars of this caliber, but the change has improved the vehicle’s overall appearance. The paint still retains an impressive shine, the stripes are crisp, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. Life in a dry climate has preserved the steel, with the underside shots confirming this Camaro is rust-free. The trim and chrome are above average for a driver-grade vehicle, and there are no glass issues. It may wear different stripes, but reversing that modification would seem to be the only significant change required in returning this Z28 to its factory specifications.

Purists will be mighty pleased to learn that this Camaro is numbers-matching. Its mechanical components include a 350ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, a 10-bolt 3.73 Posi rear end, and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The 1973 model year heralded the introduction of the L82 V8 as the company’s high-performance 350. This small-block produced 245hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque. That marked a slight power drop from the previous year, allowing the Z28 to cover the ¼-mile in 15.1 seconds. That doesn’t sound fast by modern standards, but slower times awaited Camaro buyers as the decade progressed. The seller indicates the Z28 is in excellent mechanical health. He was told that the odometer reading of 40,000 miles is genuine but admits there is no way to confirm this. The car runs and drives beautifully, with this YouTube video showing the car in action. Its engine sounds as sweet as a nut, the transmission shifts smoothly, and there are no signs of mechanical problems.

I generally avoid describing the interior of a fifty-year-old car as perfect, but it is fair to say this Camaro is unlikely to cause its new owner to feel shame. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from wear and damage, the dash, pad, and console are immaculate, and the faux woodgrain on the gauge cluster shows no evidence of problems. The car retains its factory radio and items like the original shift interlock work as they should. The seller points out there is no air conditioning, but I don’t see that as a disadvantage in a model where owners sought to maximize performance. Overall, this interior needs nothing.

It has taken twenty-one bids for this 1973 Camaro Z28’s auction to reach its current level, but the BIN figure suggests there is a long way to go before it hits the reserve. There is time for it to happen, but the action will need to be intense if it has any chance of getting there. The classic world can throw us curve balls, meaning I wouldn’t bet either way on this one. Do you think it will achieve the goal, or will the seller face relisting this classic?