Although many people focus on the high-performance variants, it was the more humble vehicles within their range that allowed pony cars like the Chevrolet Camaro to sell in numbers justifying the badge’s existence. This 1987 Camaro Sport Coupe is a perfect example of that philosophy. It is a genuine survivor with 51,000 original miles on the clock. The engine bay may house a V6 rather than a V8, but it is an affordable alternative that could serve as a practical daily driver. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Camaro listed here on Craigslist in Amityville, New York. The seller set their price at $7,300 for a classic needing little beyond a new home.

The Third Generation Camaro was hitting its stride by 1987. Many considered its styling radical upon its 1982 release, but they had grown to love these classics as Chevrolet worked to recapture some of the badge’s performance glory. This Sport Coupe was ordered in 1987, with its first owner choosing Code 13S Silver to cover its exterior. It appears the car has been much-loved, because the paint retains a healthy shine, with none of the patchiness that sometimes plagues this shade. There are a few imperfections, but if considered purely as a driver-grade vehicle, the condition is comfortably acceptable. Its cause has been helped by its garage-kept history. Not only has this aided the preservation, but it has allowed this classic to remain rust-free. The plastic and glass are in good order, as are the factory 14″ Rally wheels.

The hunt for imperfections ends with this Camaro’s interior, although it still presents nicely. The predominantly Gray and Blue cloth and vinyl perfectly complement the Silver exterior, and the lack of wear and marks further highlights the sheltered life this car has led. The carpet looks nice, and the rear cargo area plastic isn’t badly scratched or scarred. The two most glaring faults are the cracked dashpad and console lid. Replacements for both are readily available, with a lid retailing for approximately $95. The pad is more complicated, leaving the new owner with several options. A mat cover to hide the problem typically sells for around $50, while an ABS version raises that figure to approximately $160. Replacement pads retail for between $320 and $550, depending on the quality and supplier. Even if we consider the worst-case scenario, lifting this interior’s presentation won’t be difficult or expensive. The first owner didn’t load the interior with factory options, although the air conditioning and AM/FM radio/cassette player are both welcome.

Lifting this Camaro’s hood reveals the progress made by Chevrolet to deliver respectable performance from an entry-level vehicle. This Sport Coupe features a 2.8-liter MFI V6 that produces 135hp and 160 ft/lbs of torque. The first owner teamed the engine with a four-speed automatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. That doesn’t sound like a recipe for excitement, and the ¼-mile ET of 17.8 seconds seems to confirm that. However, it is worth noting that a V6/auto 1981 Camaro took 20.6 seconds to complete the same journey. Even an auto-equipped Z28 from that year took 16.9 seconds. Suddenly, the performance of our feature car doesn’t look that bad. The seller claims that this classic has a genuine 51,000 miles showing on its odometer without mentioning supporting evidence. Appearance should never be considered an iron-clad guarantee, but it shows promise in this case. The Camaro runs and drives perfectly, with no identified mechanical issues or shortcomings.

The original pony cars allowed potential customers to buy into the lifestyle at an affordable price. What they received was stunning looks, but by specifying entry-level drivetrain components, their new purchase didn’t break the bank. That is the opportunity offered by this 1987 Camaro Sport Coupe. It is undeniably affordable, the odometer reading is well below average, and it presents nicely. However, its ability to return good fuel consumption figures would allow it to function as an effective daily driver. I guess the question is this: Would you rather spend your daily commute behind the wheel of some boring econobox, or this Camaro? I know which I’d choose.