Back in what we sometimes call the good old days, one could head down to their local car dealer and sit down with a salesman to custom order an automobile.  GM was especially well known for giving you a long list of options to tailor your new automobile to your desires.  If you are looking for a distinctive seventies Camaro with quite a few of the most desirable options, then take a look at this 1978 Camaro LT for sale on craigslist in Lido Beach, New York.  While no Z28, this Camaro is quite attractive and is a 350 with a 4-speed car.  Is the $15,000 asking price on the money or just too high?  Thanks to Pat L. for the interesting tip!

In the seventies, the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird kept the flame alive for muscle car fans.  Garnering most of that attention were the Z28 and the Trans Am.  With their bold sticker packages and slightly more aggressive body modifications, these two cars were on everyone’s wish list.  Flying under the radar were the lesser versions.  That was a shame, because the styling of the base cars was both clean and attractive.  Both cars managed to make it through the mandated 5 mph bumper styling hurtles with little fuss.

The Camaro you see here is an example of just how attractive a non-Z28 could be.  It was ordered in the LT trim configuration and is on just its third owner.  The ad states that this car was ordered with the intent of having the Z28 parts minus the Z28 bling that goes with it.  The color is “dark blue green metallic,” and is said to be 50% original.  While the paint appears to be dulled by age and weather in the picture, this is a very unusual but pleasantly attractive color that compliments the car well.

Inside, this Camaro was well equipped with power windows, power steering, a tilt steering wheel, and air conditioning.  The seats look to be vinyl with cloth inserts.  The whole interior looks to be exceptionally well cared for considering the age of the vehicle.  The only aspect of the interior that detracts is the Vega steering wheel that Chevrolet felt compelled to attach to nearly every car of this vintage.  Perhaps it is a personal prejudice on my part, but I never felt that this plastic monstrosity looked good in any car.  It is especially galling to see one on a hot rod that may otherwise be acceptable in appearance.

Under the hood is a 350 cubic inch small block V-8.  It is backed with a four-speed transmission, and power is delivered to the rear wheels through a Positraction equipped rear end.   The fellow who checked those previously mentioned options also opted for a heavy-duty radiator, sport suspension, and power disc brakes.

In all, this is a really nice Camaro with some highly desirable options wrapped in an attractive, yet seldom seen color.  The $15,000 asking price may be a bit steep for a non Z28 Camaro, but this one would probably draw a lot more attention at a car show.  The options are right, the color is appealing, and the LT package meant that the understated good looks of the design wasn’t covered up in stickers.  It may be too early for $15,000, but that number is likely to be considered a bargain in a few years.

Do you have any memories attached to Camaros and Firebirds of this vintage?  Please share them in the comments.