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?