From its introduction in 1967, the performance-oriented Z28 Chevy Camaro would be a popular model for many years. That included its original run through 1987, and its return from 1991 to 2002. In 1995, the Camaro was still in demand, selling more than 122,000 units of which about 8,000 were Z28 convertibles. This beautiful example once belonged to famed astronaut Alan Shepard, who ordered the car new for delivery to him in California. This drop-top beauty may be a near-show-quality automobile available in Waller, Texas, and here on craigslist for top dollar. The asking price is $95,000, considerably more than Kelley Blue Book says what the going rate is.
Much of the seller’s listing focuses its attention on the car’s prior owner, Shepard. This begs the question does celebrity ownership contribute significantly to the resale value of a collector car? On its own merit, this is a fine vehicle, but it does have 95,000 miles. Since Shepard bought it in ’95 and passed away in ’98, most of those miles were surely put on by something else in the family. He was considered a collector in his own right, said to have owned at least 10 Corvettes in his lifetime.
As the story goes, Shepard ordered the Chevy from a dealer in Melbourne, Florida who had provided Corvettes to other astronauts for photo ops back in the day. Shepard was retired by then, so the car was delivered to him in California. When unwrapped, this Quasar Blue Camaro came with a custom leather interior with a matching convertible top. The Z28 is powered by a 5.7-liter LT1 V8 that produces 275 horsepower, paired with a 4L60E automatic transmission. It seemingly came with every option you could have had in 1995.
New parts/components on the Chevy include the tires, battery, and brakes. The buyer will receive loads of documentation, including the all-important original sales slips that should include that Shepard was the original owner. The car isn’t perfect as it’s nearly 30 years old and was driven a lot, so minor flaws such as a tiny dent, and a few cracks and scratches are present. None of that has prevented the Z28 from being shown or appearing in parades in recent years.
To sweeten the pot, the seller will donate a portion of the sales proceeds to The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation which Shepard helped start. This is an exceptional automobile with a great history that any owner would take pride in having as part of their collection. But does the car’s heritage warrant the seller’s asking price? It would be interesting to see how much it might fetch at Barrett-Jackson or one of those high-end auctions. Our thanks to “Spencer D” for this classy tip!
I could see paying a small premium for a car that belong to someone you idolized when growing up or in your chosen profession, but to pay a 4 to 5 times multiple is ridiculous. That makes it a vanity purchase by the buyer trying to get attention at car shows.
Any premium over market should be based on the car’s condition.
Steve R
Uhaaaaaa I don’t think so…..Wow!
I had zero interest in the car, but once i found out it was owned by a astronaut i now have even less!!
Lol 🚀 👨🚀
If that car was driving around on the moon, then it may be worth more then it’s worth, otherwise it’s just a car someone bought from an astronauts estate.
What they said….
Big deal. I have a half-eaten banana, with full documentation, that belonged to one of the space chimps.
Ike now that is something i would have strong interest in, how much?
Based on the Camaro price, I’m guessing I have a $1,000,000 banana.
I bought a original (adult) owner ‘95 Z28 with only 54K, full documentation since he bought it off the showroom floor for only $8,200 in August of 2020. Yes, it was loaded and yes it was a T-Top, but it was also a six speed manual. This, even being a convertible (cool colors, but should have ordered the black top) is ridiculous money for a nothing special ‘95 Z28 convertible.
🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣😲😲😲🤣😂🤣😂
Sorry 🤣
At that price they should throw in one of the 10 Corvettes.
Houston … We have a problem.
The car may well have been owned by an astronaut, but that doesn’t justify the stratospheric price.
I have George Washington’s ax. Unfortunately, the handle and the head have been replaced due to age and wear. Currently accepting offers.
To celebrate today’s excitement for space exploration, our Astronaut Car has been on a promotional tour which includes being on display at various facilities, auto shows, magazines and online.
Wow . . . whoever decides to purchase this highly collectible Camaro could take it to county fairs, shopping malls, etc. and charge five dollars for people to sit in it and have their picture taken.
They did not quit making Camaros after 1987. It ran from 1967 until 2002 then 2010 until 2025.
Please re-read the article as your post is wrong
I doubt everything that governments and their lettered organizations post and the whole moon thing has cast many doubts so this car has no value to me , oddly i bought a same color trans am , same year but without this ugly puke interior with less mileage for $2600 canadian dollars ! White top and white interior , i didn’t need it but it was such a good deal that i brought it home
YOLO
Whew man this is a tuff crowd .
Crack rock