Second generation Camaros and their Trans AM cousins have been on the rise for the past few years, and with their climbing values, we’ve seen an increased interest in 3rd generation Camaros as well. As a matter of fact, I’ve been on the hunt for a clean 5-speed equipped 3rd gen for a while now. The problem is that for a long time, these cars were cheap enough to be popular with high schoolers and customizers, meaning it’s getting hard to find clean original examples. When this package deal for seven Camaros popped up here on craigslist in Paw Paw, Illinois, I couldn’t resist! The seller didn’t put a price on the package but is willing to hear offers, including offers for individual cars.
The seller has been collecting Camaros since 1994 and has collected more than just cars, but parts as well. While a couple of the cars look to be in decent shape, your going to need lots of parts to fix up the rest. That is if you do buy the entire lot, but as long as their price isn’t crazy and you don’t live too far away, it might be worth buying everything. Between all the cars and parts, it wouldn’t be too difficult to get the majority in decent driving condition.
There’s one Camaro here that’s not like the others and that’s this 4th gen. While I prefer the 3rd generation this is still a desirable Camaros as it’s a Z/28 convertible special edition. It appears to be car number 139, but the image is a bit blurry so it’s hard to know for sure. When it was new, this LT1 equipped car was capable of sub 6-second 0-to-60 times and under 15 seconds in the quarter mile. Like all the other cars, it needs a good cleaning and a full mechanical tune-up.
If the red 3rd gen were a 5-speed car, I’d be tempted to make the seller an offer. It’s the right color, the right body trim, and the right interior, but sadly it has the wrong transmission. As nice as the automatic is, the 5-speed is just so much fun (as long as it’s in good shape that is). The white Iroc-Z Coupe is also tempting, it’s an Iroc after all but looks to be a bit rough on the inside. It would be nice to know which engine it’s equipped with and whether it runs. So would you buy this as a package deal or make offers on specific cars. If you go the latter route, which ones would you want to bring home? I would want the Iroc-Z, the black and grey Z/28 Convertible and the Red coupe if there happens to be a 5-speed lying around!
It’s worth a call, but the signs point at a seller wanting too much money for the cars. He knows how much he wants, as demonstrated by him requesting “real offers”, just stop playing games and list the prices. The way the ad is laid out, it’s an open invitation for low ball offers.
Steve R
“I know what I have” at it’s finest.
I really like the third generation Camaro & Trans Am cars. It never crossed my mind that some people thought they didn’t look good until I began to read it lately. I’ll take the looks of the 82s to 92s over every generation except for the first. 2nd generation cars are fine rides too but the 4th & 5th generations don’t do a thing for me.
Paw paw is very close to me if anyone needs an inspection. Glad to help.
nice
It’s hard to get much info if he won’t respond to your calls……
I guess I am one of the few that just love 3rd gen cars. Own 2 Irocs now,both manual 5 speeds,one convertible. I have likely owned 15 of them in the last 25 years or so. Sure some people might not like the look of them but they do drive and handle so damn well. So what if I live in a trailer park and have a mullet,lol.
Early 2nd-gen F-bodies are among my all-time favorites. When the 3rd-gens came out it was a paradigm shift. I liked them but they were so different it took a while to get used to them. It was also at the depth of the malaise era and without a potent powertrain there wasn’t much cachet.
When I see a late ’80’s Camaro nowadays I like the looks and think of an LS swap, but then doesn’t everybody?
He wants 20k for everything
I’d choose the 4th gen Z/28 special edition convertible, but that’s just my taste. A little something for everyone! I agree that he’s probably not going to be realistic about a fair selling price.
It’s funny how these collections take on a life of their own. Awhile back I took an interest in old Honda Trail 70’s. First it was one, then another trickled in, and then another. Before you know it, I had a bunch of these things in various states of repair. They seemed to multiply on their own. A friend of mine has a back yard full of Fiero’s, mostly beaters. The first step in my road to recovery was to admit to myself (with my wife’s “help”) that I had a problem. I’m down to one now. I cant say as much about my friend with the Fiero’s.
So true Comet. I ended my 14 year love affair with W123 Mercedes diesels just recently. Loved them and still appreciate their greatness but it’s over. I think.
I know a guy who has a growing collection of Trail 70’s and the 50cc bikes as well. His solution was to buy a bigger barn.
I owned a ’99 Z/28 6 speed, loaded with every option including T-Tops. I feel that I had to sell it too early – first kid was on the way – and both my wife and I miss that car the most.
I’ve been thinking about a 4th generation SS convertible for awhile now as being the next fun car that we could own. It certainly has affordability on its side.
I just bought my 1991 Camaro RS on Jan.1,2018. I haven’t had the chance ro drive it much (damn weather) but it is so nice to drive. I’ve had about 5 2nd gens bit this 3rd gen is a totaly superior car.
I have a 1985 z28 5 sp. With only 64 thousand on it motor needs to be put back togeather or put one in
As the owner of the 5-speed equipped Trans Am WS6 convertible pictured, I can confirm how fun they are.