We always appreciate our readers’ input, whether via article comments or vehicle referrals. Therefore, I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder PRA4SNW for spotting this 1979 Camaro Z28, and I must agree with the seller’s single-word assessment that it is beautiful. There is little to criticize about this classic, and its few minor modifications will improve its comfort and practicality. The seller has listed it here on Craigslist in Huntley, Illinois. They set a price of $29,900, and I won’t be surprised if it finds a home fairly quickly.

Some paint shades define a particular period in automotive history, while others seem timeless. The Bright Blue Metallic cloaking this Camaro’s laser-straight panels falls into the second category and would not look out of place on any modern model. The seller describes its condition as a 9.8/10, and the close-up photos support that assessment. There are no signs of chips or marks, and the distinctive Z28 decals are free from checking or other problems. The original owner ordered this Camaro with the optional T-Top, which is ideal for an enthusiast seeking a wind-in-the-hair motoring experience with excellent all-weather protection. They also handed the car to the good folk at Ziebart when it was new, with that decision leaving this classic rust-free and rock-solid. The tinted glass is crystal clear, the plastic is excellent, and the distinctive wheels have no visible problems.

The Camaro’s interior ticks two boxes, increasing its desirability; Its presentation is nearly faultless, and it features some welcome options that increase practicality and comfort. The Blue cloth and vinyl upholstered surfaces show no signs of wear, seemingly supporting the seller’s claim that this car has a genuine 58,000 miles on the clock. The carpet and dash are equally impressive, and the plastic exhibits no signs of physical or UV damage. The original owner ticked the boxes beside ice-cold air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, and the tilt wheel. The seller added a modern radio/CD player, and the aftermarket shifter is a nod to practicality that indicates there might be more to this classic than meets the eye.

Ordering a 1979 Camaro Z28 brought with it the iconic Chevrolet 350ci V8. The numbers-matching small-block produced a relatively modest 175hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque when the car rolled off the showroom floor, meaning this was more of a comfortable cruiser than an outright performance model. The original owner selected the three-speed automatic transmission to feed that power to the rear wheels, with power assistance for the steering and brakes as standard inclusions. The engine bay presents beautifully, and the cosmetic additions are not the only upgrades. The motor appears to sport an improved intake and carburetor, which should liberate some additional ponies. However, the transmission swap could be the change with the greatest impact on performance. The original Hydramatic is a distant memory, with shifting duties falling to a significantly more modern four-speed 700-R4 automatic. The upgrades should be felt under the right foot and in the new owner’s wallet. The car will undoubtedly perform better, and the extra ratio will improve fuel consumption. The seller indicates the Camaro recently received new brakes and a wide selection of new suspension components. It is claimed to have 58,500 miles on the clock, and while they don’t mention supporting evidence, it might be in the documentation collection that includes the original Build Sheet and receipts for the work done under their stewardship.

By 1979, the Camaro Z28 was no longer the hard-edged performance vehicle it had been at the decade’s start. Subsequent generations of the iconic pony car addressed many of the performance shortcomings, leaving these cars to languish in their shadows. However, they have developed a strong following in the classic community, and values are steadily climbing. This car has some upgrades and modifications, but they are reversible if a new owner prefers originality. They shouldn’t greatly impact the car’s worth in the eyes of most enthusiasts, and I doubt it will be on the market for very long.