- Seller: Wayne W (Contact)
- Location: New York
- Mileage: 97,000 Shown
- Chassis #: 124871N524853
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 350 cui V8
- Transmission: Automatic
There is something especially tempting about a project that still looks like the car you remember being dragged out of the barn. This 1971 Chevrolet Camaro RS spent roughly three decades under cover before being rediscovered in 2024, complete with evidence that squirrels had made themselves at home. The seller cleaned it out, tore it down, began gathering the metal needed to put it right, and even bought a rotisserie for the job. Now, with the restoration stalled, the entire project is looking for someone able to finish what was started.
Finished in an aged gold/yellow color, the Camaro still has the unmistakable second-generation shape that helped make these cars increasingly desirable. The photos show the car as found and during disassembly, including views of the interior, engine bay, floors, and body mounted to the included rotisserie. It is clearly a substantial restoration project, but the seller describes the remainder of the body as pretty solid after identifying the areas that need structural attention.
The car reportedly sat for about 30 years before being pulled out of this barn in the fall of 2024. After evicting its furry occupants and thoroughly cleaning everything, the seller says the restoration bug took hold. The car was stripped down, and the removed components were categorized rather than simply tossed into boxes. Numerous teardown photos are also available to help the next owner understand where everything belongs.
The odometer shows 97,000 miles, and the Camaro is offered with a clean title. Under the hood was a 350 cubic-inch V8 backed by an automatic transmission. The seller believes the engine block is not original to the car and appears to have come from a 1977 Chevrolet van, so this is better viewed as a restoration candidate to enjoy rather than a numbers-matching preservation project.
Rust repair is part of the equation. The seller has already purchased replacement floor pans and rear frame supports from Classic Industries, and those parts are included with the project. A rotisserie was also purchased specifically for the restoration and is included, potentially saving the next owner a meaningful expense while making the structural repairs considerably easier.
The interior is also in project condition. The photos show the original-style dashboard and instrumentation, steering wheel, seating, and other cabin components before and during disassembly. Restoration will be required throughout, but the fact that the seller cataloged the parts and retained teardown photographs should make reassembly less of a guessing game.
This Camaro reached the point where the seller was ready to begin the serious fabrication work, but the fabricator who was supposed to handle it backed out, and time became an issue. Rather than allowing another partially dismantled classic to sit indefinitely, the seller has decided to pass the project along. That may be exactly where the opportunity lies. The unpleasant discovery stage is largely over. You can see where the problems are; replacement floor and frame pieces have already been purchased; the car is stripped enough to get serious about repairs; and the rotisserie comes with it.
A restored RS Camaro can be a beautiful thing, but there is something satisfying about being the person who brings one back after 30 years in a barn. This one won’t be finished over a weekend, but for someone with welding skills, space, and an appreciation for second-generation Camaros, most of the ingredients for a rewarding build are already gathered.
Bid On This Auction
Brad Taylor Australian team bid $2,500.00 2026-08-23 22:48:34
Panhead bid $2,100.00 2026-08-23 17:41:13
Lemmy kilbydeth bid $1,900.00 2026-08-22 00:40:54- Brad Taylor Australian team bid $1,800.00 2026-08-17 22:34:58
Cmr bid $1,000.00 2026-08-17 11:36:29
Wow, so much more to go, not for the faint of heart. It looked decent coming out of the barn. Taking it apart is one thing, but getting it back together is another. This would be an endeavor, just transporting everything. It will take a few trips. Where in NY is this located?
Hello Mr Hayes
This car is located just out side of Ithaca NY
Unbelievable how easy It came apart. the muffler and exhaust clamps even turned with a little PB Blaster. I may be able to assist with the relocation within a couple hundred miles.
The two barrel carburetor is a nice touch.
That’s exactly what I was thinking.
Haha, I’m blind. I read a nice torch
All you need is time and money . Love the sticker on the fuel gauge.
These aren’t complicated cars and there is plenty of documentation out there so it’s a doable project. The question is whether it’s worth it. I’ve already brought back a basket case 71 Camaro and I think it was worth it, but I got mine dirt cheap and I enjoy doing that work. YMMV.
And the Tyvek suit and mask work is done.
Lots of good stuff but a logistical challenge to pslletize and ship. Best sold to a local with a trailer. Maybe there is a local that frequents barn finds? Seems like a longshot and likely to end rnm. I suggest facebook and a fair price. It’ll be gone in a weekend.
What is with the giant fuel gauge? Shouldn’t this RS have had a factory tach and the speedometer and a smaller gas gauge to the left. At least my RS z28 was like that. Lots of work here but th split bumper is sure nice.
John
For 1971 the Tach and gauge package was standard on the Z28 only, they were optional otherwise.
Steve R
so, this guy ripped apart after they took it from the barn. should have left it alone. now it’s a pile of parts you have to hope are all there. good luck with this mess. you’re going to need it.
1970 model with the split front bumper. My buddy bought a 1970 Z-28 when he came home from Korea!
These old cars sure do come apart easy.
It’s that Puttin Em Back Together Part that causes a REAL PROBLEM!
Gotta buy this one for less than the value of the parts!
This looks very much like my 71 RS. The color was Placer Gold. My 71 had a 307 but didn’t have a spoiler or that sticker on the gas gauge. The inside passenger door also looks different. Jeez, how I miss that car. I never should have sold it.
I suppose disassembly was deemed necessary but was it really? In my mind it would have made more sense to simply get it running and road safe so it could actually be put to use. Wondering if this one will ever get put back together?
The whole restoration thing always bugs me. What is the benefit of the downtime to a garage queen you can’t drive the wheels off? From what everybody is saying you are under water just thinking about it.