Ah, the Malaise Era. A period in time that was pure motoring misery for enthusiasts with visions of high-performance vehicles rolling off showroom floors. The reality was somewhat different, leaving those of us with gasoline in our veins wondering if things would ever change. History shows that manufacturers eventually discovered new ways to extract decent power from their engines. However, this 1978 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 demonstrates the power of individuals who took matters into their own hands. This classic not only presents well, but the updated small-block hiding under the hood should provide a rapid motoring experience. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting it listed here on eBay in Fraser, Michigan. The seller set their BIN for the Z28 at $42,900 with the option to make an offer.

Chevrolet didn’t go overboard when updating the Camaro for the 1978 model year. New bumpers and a few minor cosmetic tweaks differentiated it from its predecessor, with the Z28 remaining the most desirable variant in a record-breaking sales year. The history of this Camaro is unclear, although the seller confirms that it received a repaint in its original Code 19 Black, with Gold decals and stripes. I suspect the car hasn’t seen much action since, as the close-up shots reveal almost no cosmetic imperfections. The paint shines deeply, the panels are straight, and the decals look crisp and clean. The news is equally positive underneath, with the image gallery confirming that this classic is rust-free. I can’t spot any glass issues, and the wheels appear to be in as-new condition.

Lifting this Camaro’s hood reveals the depth of the misery felt by enthusiasts during The Malaise Era. Ordering a 1970 Camaro Z28 brought with it a 350ci V8 producing 360hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque. Wind the clock forward to 1978, and those figures plummeted to 185hp and 280 ft/lbs. Admittedly, some of that loss was due to a change in the method manufacturers employed to quote engine outputs. However, tighter emission regulations played their part, with the impact clearly felt beneath the right foot. This Z28 is a different kettle of fish. The 350ci V8 occupying its engine bay came from Summit Racing. It inhales deeply via an Edelbrock intake and a Holley Brawler carburetor, while stainless headers and a dual exhaust dispose of the waste products. It is unclear what internal upgrades were performed during the build, but it is almost certain that the new owner will have plenty of power to play with. The power feeds to a 3.73 Posi rear end via a four-speed M21 manual transmission. Add power steering and power disc brakes to the equation, and this Z28 should be a joy to drive. The seller states that this classic runs and drives extremely well, a statement that I find readily believable.

This Camaro’s interior continues the theme of spotless presentation, suggesting that it may also have received restoration. The Black vinyl looks perfect, as does the matching carpet. The dash and pad haven’t succumbed to UV damage or age, while there is no evidence of crumbling plastic. Aftermarket upgrades include a Digital gauge cluster and a radio/CD player that supplements the factory air conditioning and the tilt wheel.

This 1978 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 doesn’t tick the boxes for someone seeking a 100% original classic from the 1970s. However, if you are happy to compromise authenticity for performance, it could be a pretty hot ticket. The sticking point could be the price, which is above market expectations. It is possible to find plenty of cheaper options on the market, but few combine the stunning presentation and the performance potential of this package. The listing statistics suggest it might be too rich for some, but it only takes one passionate enthusiast to find this Z28 a new home. Do you think that will happen?