This 1977 Chevrolet Camaro is a classic where it is difficult to determine its strongest attribute. It has belonged to the same family since it rolled off the showroom floor, ticking the box beside long-term ownership. Its overall condition appears good, it comes with plenty of documentation, but the upgraded 350ci crate motor could be its trump card. The time has come for it to find a new home, so the owner has listed the Camaro here on Craigslist. It is located in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, and comes with an asking price of $16,500. A big thank you goes out to Barn Finder Gunter K for spotting this classic for us.

The supplied photos with this listing are limited, but they paint a positive picture. The seller indicates the car has received a single repaint in its original shade of Firethorn, which continues to present well. The paint shines acceptably, although another refresh would lift the presentation to a higher level. The panels are pretty straight for a vehicle of this age, with no significant flaws or defects. That brings us to the topic of rust, and it is here that we strike some positive news. There is nothing visible in the supplied photos, and with the seller referring to the condition as solid, that suggests that any potential issues are relatively minor. The trim and Soft Ray tinted glass are in good condition, while the aftermarket wheels add a sense of purpose.

Apart from an aftermarket radio/cassette player, the Camaro’s interior appears original and unmolested. There is a seam separation on the driver’s seat, but the remaining upholstery looks in good condition. There are no glaring faults with the dash, pad, or console and no signs of wear on the carpet. The interior isn’t loaded with optional extras, but ice-cold air conditioning is always a welcome addition. There are also no engine photos, which is a shame since what is happening under the hood is one of this classic’s key selling points. The included documentation indicates that this Camaro rolled off the line equipped with a 305ci V8, a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, and power brakes. The 305 never developed a reputation as a muscle motor, and this one would have delivered 145hp in its prime. That was enough to launch the Camaro through the ¼ mile in a relatively leisurely 18.7 seconds. That was about what buyers came to expect in the late 1970s, and it kept the original owners happy until around 1999. That was when they bit the bullet, consigned the 305 to the scrapheap, and bolted in a Vortex 350 Crate Motor. Its specifications are unclear, but my research indicates that the driver should have at least 300hp available under their right foot. If that figure is close to the mark, this Camaro should be capable of delivering sub-15-second ¼-mile ETs without raising a sweat. The seller says that the car runs and drives well, making it a turnkey proposition for its next owner. They hold a significant collection of documentation, including the original Owner’s Manual, Window Sticker, Dealer Invoice, and complete service records. These should confirm that the claimed odometer reading of 68,000 genuine miles is accurate.

This 1977 Camaro won’t appeal to purists, but for someone seeking a classic from The Malaise Era, the engine upgrade should lift its performance out of the doldrums. The seller indicates that it would make a great project base, although the buyer could climb behind the wheel and enjoy this beauty immediately. That’s a prospect I would find difficult to resist. Do you feel the same?