Pony cars like the Chevrolet Camaro were no longer the outright performance propositions they had once been by the time the 1970s drew to a close. However, they could still offer buyers an enjoyable driving experience with the right drivetrain combination. That is the case with this 1978 Camaro RS. It presents well as a daily driver, but lifting it to a higher level would take little effort. After seven years in their care, the seller has listed it here on eBay in Lexington, North Carolina. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $9,000.

The seller states this Camaro received a repaint in its original combination of Bright Yellow and Black approximately a year before they purchased it. The indications are that the work was performed to a decent standard because there is no evidence of significant deterioration. It retains an acceptable shine for a driver-quality car, with no major flaws or defects. The panels are straight, and I can’t spot any visible exterior rust. That doesn’t mean the vehicle is rust-free because the seller supplies this shot of the underside, confirming rust in the rear floor on the driver’s side. They don’t mention any further issues, and if that is the extent of the problem, addressing it would be straightforward. The glass and trim look okay, but the existing wheels are an acquired taste. They detract from the Camaro’s overall presentation, but there are a couple of options to consider. The original 14″ wheels and center caps are included, and these should restore nicely for a more factory appearance. Alternatively, an appropriate set of aftermarket wheels could be a good choice.

Powering this Camaro is the legendary 350ci V8, with the original owner selecting a four-speed manual transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The small-block should produce 170hp, which is sufficient to launch the RS through the ¼-mile in 16.9 seconds. That is far from what owners expected at the start of the decade. Still, it confirms how profoundly increased weight and tighter emission regulations had impacted vehicle performance. However, rowing the stick should still make driving fun. The seller indicates this beauty is in excellent mechanical health, running and driving well. The only change the seller made was to add a dual exhaust with Flowmasters to make the most of the beautiful tune produced by the V8. They are happy to supply a video of the car running and driving for interested parties, which is an offer I would probably accept.

The Camaro’s interior is tidy but not dazzling. The front seat upholstery is free from rips and other problems, and there is no evidence of sun rot on the back seat. There are other areas of deterioration, with the dash pad the most notable. It is probably beyond help, meaning the buyer must brace to spend around $440 on a replacement. The interior is begging for a deep clean, and that would be my first move before considering replacing any other items. This strategy might produce an acceptable driver-quality result, saving the buyer from spending unnecessary cash. There is no air conditioning, but the Camaro features an aftermarket radio/cassette player with speakers in the rear parcel tray.

This 1978 Camaro RS isn’t perfect, but it holds promise as a project. Addressing its existing rust should be straightforward, and changing the wheels would profoundly impact its appearance. Whether the winning bidder elects to fit the originals or pursue something aftermarket will be a personal preference, but it would be worth the effort. It has already attracted sixteen bids, suggesting people see the potential locked within this classic. Do you like it enough to join the bidding party?