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4-Speed Driver: 1981 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

This 1981 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is a nicely equipped example that walks the line between survivor and driver, and likely only needs some basic sorting to be firmly in the former category. Featuring the preferred combination of being a V8/four-speed car, it also wears great colors and comes with its original decal and striping still intact. Color-matched wheels are also a nice look, and one has to wonder how much longer this generation of the classic Z28 will remain so affordable. Find this turnkey muscle car listed here on craigslist for $11,500 on the Inland Empire, CA site. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Pat L. for the find. 

Now, you can certainly understand why values have been somewhat stagnant, as the Camaro – like so many other muscle cars at this point – was suffering from the pressures of changing emissions requirements. We don’t need to go into detail here about the challenges the so-called malaise era presented, but they were significant. From a multitude of computer controls all seemingly trying to implement band-aid fixes to improve efficiency to the challenges of sports imports that could offer sporting drivers a viable alternative to a muscle car, the Big 3 had uphill battles in every direction. This car, if it originated in California, had the deck stacked against it even further.

That’s because if you wanted a four-speed Camaro Z28 in 1981 and lived in the Golden State, you got knocked back to a 305 with 165 b.h.p. Ah, what a time to be alive. Still, if you have to own a Z28 and live on the West Coast, finding one with a four-speed is the way to go, and definitely one with an interior that looks as good as this one does. Of course, you can see some flaws, like stains on the carpet and general wear-and-tear, but that’s why it’s not quite a survivor but likely could be with just good detailing. True mileage is unknown and the air conditioning doesn’t work, and while TMU will hurt you on resale, fixing the A/C is a smart investment regardless of your future plans.

The engine bay is dirty but again, that’s just some time with a detailing kit to resolve that issue. The paint looks decent and matches inside and out, but the seller does note that some clearcoat fading/peeling issues are present. The seller has installed a new exhaust, radiator, battery, and tires, so some basic reconditioning has been done. The color-matched wheels, fender flares, spoilers, and decal package made this era of the Z28 a looker, and while performance may have suffered, there’s still no denying its place in muscle car history. Would you drive a second-generation Camaro?

Comments

  1. Avatar Steve R

    It might be a good car for someone out of state. The body looks straight, rust shouldn’t be an issue and upgrading the engine isn’t terribly expensive. The late-70’s early-80’s Z28’s and Trans Ams never really caught on in California due to the low cost and availability of muscle cars and the states smog inspection requirements, the market is stronger elsewhere in the county.

    Steve R

    Like 2
  2. Avatar Matt

    “Original decal and striping still intact” Ummm…are you looking at a different car than me? The only piece that’s still present is the one on the chin spoiler.

    Like 10
  3. Avatar Jack M.

    Car would look sharp wearing original decals and striping. That would be the first thing I would install after dropping in a new GM crate engine.

    Like 5
  4. Avatar JCA Member

    “no denying its place in muscle car history”…that would be close to last place, unfortunately

    Like 9
  5. Avatar Dave

    This is a quick flip as that plate# was just issued this month based on the sequence. If he can’t be bothered to clean the engine, I can’t be bothered to offer anywhere near full ask.

    Like 9
  6. Avatar Nick

    Pretty nice for a Camaro. Someone should get into back dating these as is done with Porsche 911s. Change the front and rear fascias to RS chrome bumpers but keep any newer “aero” stuff and the cut back window.

    Like 3
    • Avatar Desert Rat

      Pretty nice for a Camaro??

      Like 2
  7. Avatar jerry z

    Did they have base coat/clear coat back in 1981? Pretty hard to be a survivor with that type of paint. Otherwise good looking car. 4 speed for the win!

    Like 2
  8. Avatar rextreme Member

    Gone!

    Like 0
  9. Avatar MDW66

    In Canada we were able to get the 5.7/350 with the 4 speed in 1981. Still have the dealer brochure. Couldn’t buy one, I was 15.

    Like 1
  10. Avatar harryplum

    Gone already…

    Like 0
  11. Avatar ACZ

    Gold paint or solid gold? Priced as the latter.

    Like 2
  12. Avatar Jimmy H.

    Some states allow an old car like this to be registered with antique plates. Here in VA it allows you to skip emissions tests. So if you can find someone knows what they are doing, all the emission controls can be removed. Should allow the engine to develop a little over 200 net hp.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Mr.BZ

      Not the peoples republic of CA.

      Like 0
  13. Avatar douglas hunt

    i was maybe 23, working at advance auto and a younger coworker was hired with a new one of these. I was amazed it had a 4speed, and he let me take it on the bank run one day, I was an import guy by this time [71 celica/73 V6 mercury capri/78 scirocco] but was surprised at how fun it was to drive, especially making the hood flap open up :-)

    Like 2

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