This 1981 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is described as a survivor by the seller, who highlights the stock condition, original paint and decals, and minty interior as just some of the ways this muscle car is a standout. The listing correctly notes that if 1967-1969 Camaros are out of your price range, this could be a great alternative, even if the performance isn’t quite as raw. The color scheme is handsome and the options list respectable, which includes an automatic transmission; air induction hood; and AM/FM radio. However, there’s one aspect in which it is not exactly a survivor as the original engine has been replaced with a 300 horsepower 350. The Camaro is listed here on eBay with bidding up to $12,600 and the reserve unmet.
The Buy-It-Now is $19,500, so we’re still a bit off the pace at the moment. The replacement engine is a curious thing, as you’d think for a low-mileage car that otherwise presents as an unaltered original, there would be no need to swap in a new mill. Was it done solely for the performance benefits of a later engine, free from the shackles of the malaise era? Who knows, and the seller doesn’t provide any details either. The replacement engine isn’t exactly stock, either, with an Edelbrock intake and carburetor setup. Note: I’m not slamming any of these tweaks, but I wouldn’t call it a survivor. It’s an OEM+ driver with original paint – and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
I love the color scheme, and the blue interior pairs nicely with the blue/black exterior. The bucket seats are in outstanding condition, as is the center console. The dashboard looks good as well but appears to have an aftermarket radio swapped in. Again – another ding in the “survivor” category. The door panels and carpeting are clean, and the condition on display here certainly lines up with the odometer reading of just 48,950. The seller notes the headliner also looks as good as the rest of the cabin, and that the Camaro has been in Tennesse since new, which suggests that rust shouldn’t be an issue for this Camaro.
The engine swap was at least a clean install, and the engine bay is similar to the interior in that it looks like it belongs to a low-mileage car. The increased performance offered by this replacement engine at least addresses one of the big shortcomings of this generation, which is that it looked far racier than it ever actually was. So now, you get an original paint car with the performance to match its looks, at the expense of it no longer being a numbers-matching example. I think I could live with that if it meant getting to enjoy one of my favorite Camaro eras from the looks department perspective, and now finally equipped with an engine that suits its personality. Do you think the seller is correct to call it a survivor?
The car is Dark Blue, code 29 Dark Blue Metallic. C’mon man.
Nice car but A) it is blue and B) it is not a survivor.
Maybe Jeff is meaning the black louvers and tires = blue/black combo ?
He also saw an ultra rare Aston Martin in the late 70’s ” everywhere” ….
so im guessing author Jeff had some good times back then 🙌 🎶 🍻
I’m surprised the Camaro didn’t go to 2 rectangular headlites in ’78 – like the one here behind the 4 rotor corvette …
https://www.motortrend.com/uploads/sites/21/2015/08/1973-corvette-4-rotor-aerovette-prototype-front-side-view1.jpg?fit=around%7C770:481.25
I really like the color combination, but where does the “Black Beauty” thing come from?
Minty interior? Oh, the smell..
Really like the engine upgrade but in the city I live in I don’t think I could get it registered due to not passing emissions meaning missing emission parts that are required.
Doesn’t the emissions inspection have an old car or low annual mileage exemption?
ordered one brand new in the same color with T-tops, 4-speed, black interior and no A/C. Paid around 11K for that thing and took almost 2-3 months for arrival. When the car came in, it had a Silver colored interior and A/C. I blew a gasket and the dealer tried to have me pay for the A/C. After about a month, they found me one with the Black interior but had A/C and we negotiated a price. The only real thing I liked about the car was it was suppose to be the last year for the 4-speed. The 305 V-8 was basically an overpowered vacuum cleaner with no real get up and go and horrible mileage. A decent looking car that cornered well but other than that, you can keep it.
It’s been repainted. Check the photos of the door jamb stickers.
Zoom in and yes, it’s obvious. So non-original engine and a repaint. The car could be a nice car or a polished turd.
The 1981 Z28 will always have a special place in my heart.
I would have loved to have ordered one, but at the time, I had just started my first real fulltime job, so the wallet dictated ordering a base Camaro with V6 and the sporty looking add-ons.
Some would probably not care but will take some work to get all the missing AC components back under the hood. Looks like they took a pair of wire cutters to the evaporator pipe coming out at the top.
Ended: Feb 19, 2022 , 4:53PM
Winning bid:US $17,000.00
[ 33 bids ]
Located in:Fairmont, West Virginia