46k Original Miles: 1979 Chevrolet Camaro Berlinetta

 

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During its last few years of production, Chevrolet made evolutionary changes to the Second Generation Camaro. One of the biggest occurred in 1979 when it introduced a luxury-inspired Berlinetta to the range. Our feature car is one of those vehicles that is a tidy survivor with no apparent needs. It presents well and would suit an enthusiast seeking a turnkey survivor. It is listed here on eBay in Newington, Connecticut. Bidding has raced past the reserve and sits at $5,200. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D, who has used his finely-tuned radar to spot this remarkable survivor.

Many buyers find it hard to ignore any classic car wearing Black paint, meaning this Berlinetta will attract attention. The seller doesn’t mention prior restoration work, suggesting the paint could be original. There are a couple of factors that might support that theory. They claim it has a genuine 46,000 miles showing on its odometer and has remained garage-kept for the past two decades. Both are conducive to the preservation and condition of this classic. The paint holds a deep shine, perfectly complemented by the subtle Red pinstripe. This paint shade is perfect for exposing panel damage, but this car looks as straight as an arrow. There is no visible rust, and its recent history has helped its cause. I spotted some peeling silver finish on the garnish panel between the taillights that requires attention. Otherwise, the trim and badges look excellent, and the glass is flawless. The Camaro rolls on a set of factory aluminum wheels, with the narrow whitewall tires sealing the classic’s upmarket credentials.

Although Chevrolet marketed the Berlinetta as a luxury version of the Camaro, it is best to remember that such terms are relative. By modern standards, the interior looks sparsely equipped. It’s also worth noting the original owner didn’t go mad with their pen when ordering this classic. The buyer receives Red vinyl trim, a sports gauge cluster with a factory tach, air conditioning, and what appears to be a factory AM/FM radio. However, the condition is above-average for a survivor of this vintage. The carpet exhibits fading, but the lack of physical wear means the buyer could spend the $220 on a new carpet set when and if they want. The plastic looks good, although I think someone cut the rear trims to fit speakers. There are gaping holes, leaving the buyer to decide whether to install fresh speakers or to source replacement trims. The dash and console look good, and there is no visible wear on the seats or wheel.

Although this Camaro’s engine bay houses a V8, it is the 305ci unit producing 130hp. The original owner added the three-speed Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. At 3,578lbs, the Berlinetta is not particularly heavy. However, the V8 struggles to propel the car through the ¼-mile in 19.3 seconds. Considering that the least potent 1970 Camaro with the 307/auto drivetrain combination could produce a 17.1-second ET, you begin to appreciate the impact new legislation had on performance. The engine bay doesn’t present as well as we might expect for a car with a genuine 46,000 miles on the clock. The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence, making that a question worth asking. However, it runs and drives well, making it a turnkey classic ready for a new owner.

There’s no arguing that by 1979, the Camaro was no longer the firebreathing monster it was as the decade dawned. That was an unavoidable result of the changing motoring landscape. Many classics from this era were soon ignored as Detroit began to develop strategies to help cope with legislative requirements during the 1980s and beyond. However, times change, and the retro movement that transformed cars from the 1950s and 1960s into legends has turned its attention on those from the 1970s. There is no single reason for this trend, although a new generation of enthusiasts finds them an affordable alternative to gain a foothold in the world of classic ownership. An across-the-board value increase of 8% in the past year is indicative of the change, although tidy examples remain affordable. Therefore, I would expect the bidding on this Berlinetta will run out of steam at around $15,000, although the odometer reading could see it creep slightly higher. With the reserve passed, a new home is only days away for this Camaro, but could that home be yours?

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. AndyinMA

    Oh this brings back the memories! I had this in brown with a tan interior. I thought I was cool with the v8 but that 0-60 time really stings. I enjoyed the car for a glorious year before totaling it :(

    Like 7
    • Mike PesotskiMember

      I had one too and it was kind of a copper color if I remember correctly. Mine had the LM1 350 which was kind of rare. It was made and sold in Van Nuys CA. Super nice but hard to believe now that cars back then did not have reclining seats or cup holders. I sometimes thought about what would happen if in an accident with a coke bottle between my legs :)

      Like 0
  2. timothy r herrod

    nice car but it just looks odd without the rear spoiler

    Like 5
    • jnard90 jnard90Member

      Like a dog with a cropped tail 😂

      Like 6
  3. Tony Primo

    Rear spoiler is an easy fix. I added one to my 1980 Berlinetta. Also added 15 inch wheels and tires and blacked out all of the chrome trim.

    Like 5
  4. Butter

    An LT1 350 or better an L79 327 would propel that Camaro mighty fine…

    Like 1
  5. Tony

    Very nice car, my first car was a 1979 new dark blue berlinetta, owned it for 10 years until it was stolen, I still miss this car everyday, never got it back. I would own this car today because it was my FIRST car. I always felt the rear spoiler changed the backend look of the Camaro for the better, gave it a lift. This car is really nice only if I didn’t have my other three…..

    Like 3
  6. Old greybeard

    My elderly, heavy set aunt showed up with a new one of these in 1979. She could barely get in it, but was proud of it. Always wondered what happened to it. I was driving a 65 Impala sport coupe 283 pg at the time. And was jealous. Now the Impala is more desirable.

    Like 2
  7. Robert Cordova

    I always thought that the Berlinetta was a hard loaded options car. This one seems kinda plain. Just saying!

    Like 1
  8. Matt in Flint

    Call old fashioned but that car is begging for raised white letter tires

    Like 2
  9. MattCMember

    My next door neighbor’s Mom had a dark green Berlinetta. She had it for years despite having a a reputation of deferred maintenance on her cars. I always loved the lines on the 2nd gen. You can really see the almost European influence in the exterior design. Beautiful especially in the chrome bumper years.

    This car will sell quickly and either be a great cruiser or a perfect candidate for hopefully tasteful mods.

    Like 0
  10. Bamapoppy

    While in school at the time one of the hot young secretaries bought one of these. I do wonder whatever happened to that little cutie. And I am NOT talking about the Berlinetta.

    Like 3
  11. StanMember

    Love the berlinetta’s as well as the èsprit

    Like 0
  12. Chuck Simons

    I worked the assemblyline in VanNuys during this time. I installed headliners, t-top rubbers, and a few other positions. When that blue car came down with red interior I was aghast.!
    The headliners were a different material than the others, with more sound deadening characteristics and I think a different dome light cut out.

    Like 0

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