This 1997 Chevrolet Camaro 30th Anniversary Z28 has led a sheltered existence. It is 24-years-old, but it has only managed to accrue 4,394 genuine miles on its odometer during its lifetime. That equates to less than 185 miles per year, which is a staggering figure. This Camaro is as close to showroom fresh as you are likely to find today, and you could easily find it in your garage. Located in Cuero, Texas, the owner has listed the Z28 for sale here on Barn Finds Classifieds. The owner has set the sale price at $26,500.
There’s something almost reassuring about finding a Camaro of any generation finished in White with Hugger Orange stripes. It harks back to the glory days of 1969 when the Dover White Camaros served as the Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500. Those cars have become iconic vehicles, and it only seems right to pay tribute to them with cars like this Arctic White example. This special color combination was part of the 30th Anniversary package, and Chevrolet only produced 979 of these cars during this model year. It presents superbly, which is as you might expect on any classic with such a low odometer reading. The paint shines beautifully, with no evidence of flaws or problems. The Orange stripes look sharp and crisp, while the color-coded 16″ wheels have not succumbed to any staining or other issues. The tinted glass is faultless, while the same is true of the monochromatic roof panels. Overall, the Z28 looks like it has just driven off the showroom floor.
Cars like this Z28 prove that American manufacturers were well on their way to reclaiming the glory days with their V8 offerings. After years of ever-decreasing engine power and performance, this Camaro offers its owner 285hp from its 5.7-liter V8. Backing the V8 is a 4-speed automatic transmission, while power steering and 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS help make this a sure-footed and safe classic. Point this Z28 at a ¼ mile, and the journey would be over in 14.4 seconds. That is a figure that still stacks up well today and was considered pretty impressive in 1997. With less than 4,500 miles on its odometer, the engine bay presents in as-new condition. Given the reputation that this drivetrain has developed over the years for longevity, the owner can be sure that this classic will offer years of reliable and enjoyable motoring.
Life is pretty cushy inside this Camaro, with White seats that look supple and very inviting. Once again, this is an area of the Z28 that is beautifully preserved. There are no marks or signs of obvious wear on the upholstery, while the plastic and trim are free from cracks or other problems. Creature comforts abound, and time spent inside this car should be a comfortable and pleasant experience. Occupants will find themselves with air conditioning, dual airbags, power windows, power locks with remote keyless entry, a power driver’s seat, cruise control, power mirrors, a remote hatch release, an adjustable leather-wrapped wheel, and an AM/FM radio and CD player.
With such a low build total, finding a 1997 Camaro 30th Anniversary Edition today is a rare treat. To find one with an odometer reading this low makes it something exceptional. This car would suit someone who missed out on one of these rarities when new because it is as close to that state as you are likely to find today. It is a classic that is begging to be driven and enjoyed by its next owner, and spending some time behind the wheel of this Camaro sounds like a tempting proposition during the upcoming warmer months. That seems like a fine idea to me.
While I appreciate seeing any vehicle that’s been well cared-for, and this looks nice, it’s not even “$20k nice” yet in my opinion.
A friend of mine had a Z24 with the automatic from that generation, and I remember it as being just so-so as far as an enjoyable ride. While a fast car, it wasn’t a particularly quick one, and the suspension left something to be desired.
I’d take a higher-mileage Vette from the same era if I absolutely had to have an automatic for that amount of money.
I remember when these came out. They languished in the dealerships because of the color combo. I remember my girlfriend at the time buying a 97 Z24 and the sales guy offering huge discounts to move it out of the showroom.
I had a red 97 SS. I loved it except it was auto and all I could afford🤦♂️🤮
The SS version of this car is collectable ESPECIALLY the few that had the ZR1’s LT4 DOHC motor. Rated at 330hp wink wink lol
Those still go for good money.
ZR-1 engine was the LT-5 last produced in 1995. 1996 Corvette had an available 330 HP LT-4 that was also the standard engine for the Grand Sport Corvette in 1996.
I’m not sure why the above 2 comments mention the Z24 in reference to this subject car.
A front wheel drive Cavalier with stickers a few more HP is nowhere near the same type of car than this is.
My apologies; I’m just getting old and can’t keep up with all of the “Z” designations.
I was referring to a Z28 Camaro.
I dated a girl who had a circa MY2000 Z24 Cavalier, an automatic. Was fun for what it was and darn reliable as a commuter that racked up miles quickly.
I also have one of these tucked away in the garage with the manual 6 speed transmission and only 1,430 miles total. I was able to track down the company that made the decal package for the pace cars at the 96′ Brickyard 400 that this car paced. Bought 2 sets and had one installed on the car. Makes it look so much better. Also one other oddity I have with mine. It has an analog odometer instead of the electronic digital like the one featured. Ive researched this and have only been able to find a very few of any 97’s with the analog odometer. No one at GM that I have ever spoken to could explain the analog as the digital was supposed to be the standard for that year. Any one hear know anything additional on that.
Len, my 2012 370Z should have had a navigation screen but doesn’t because there was a shortage due to the factory in Japan that made them was destroyed in the tsunami that happened there in 2011. Could something like that be why you have an analog odometer?
A situation like that makes a lot of sense but I cant recall anything going on in the electronics industry that would have caused it. The analog takes up a completely different size space so it’s not like it was a plug-n-play application.The panel would have been specific to the odometer. I’ve been tracking 30th’s as they come up for sale and have only seen around 5 others, all 30th’s. I also have not seen an analog on any non 30th package cars. No Z’s, SS’s, none. I haven’t looked at the build sheet in years but I recall nothing specific on the odometer. It doesn’t seem like that major of a component to make a build sheet. I’m perplexed to say the least.