Some classics appear, and you know they will almost certainly have a fascinating backstory. Such is the case with this 1973 Chevrolet Camaro Z28. The seller recently unearthed it after years spent squirreled away in a barn. Its previous owners didn’t go out of their way to wear it out because it has a genuine 17,000 miles showing on its odometer. The seller is refreshing its exterior, preparing for it to find a new home. Therefore, they have listed it here on Craigslist in Erie, Colorado. You could take it home by handing the seller $65,000.
It is unclear when or why the previous owner parked this Camaro in their barn, but the indications are that the hibernation timeframe could be measured in decades. The storage environment must have been favorable because this classic is a rock-solid survivor. The seller indicates that every square inch of steel in this Z28 is original, with no existing or previous rust issues. White stripes contrast the Code 74 Dark Red paint, although both show their age. In preparation for its impending sale, the seller has despatched the car to a paint shop for an exterior refresh. I kinda wish they hadn’t because the car seems to present well enough that preservation as a survivor would have been a valid approach. The panels are straight, with the chrome and original glass acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle. The wheels aren’t original, and although they don’t look out of place, I would probably source a factory set if this classic were sitting in my garage.
Emission regulations made themselves felt by 1973, although the 350ci V8 under the hood of this Camaro should produce 245hp. The power feeds to the road via the desirable four-speed manual transmission, allowing this Z28 to cover the ¼-mile in 15.1 seconds. Although the seller provides no information on the subject, it seems they worked through the process of returning this classic to a mechanically roadworthy state. They say it runs and drives like a new car, suggesting it is a turnkey proposition. The mileage claim is vague, with the seller not indicating whether they hold evidence confirming the odometer reading of 17,000 miles is genuine.
The seller describes this car’s interior as original and perfect. It is hard to argue with the assessment because there are no signs of abuse or wear on any Black upholstered surfaces. The dash and pad are excellent, as is the console. There is no crumbling plastic or evidence of UV damage. The faux woodgrain around the gauge cluster isn’t peeling or faded, and my only question concerns the radio. The photo quality means I can’t confirm whether it is a factory radio/8-track unit, although I’m sure some of our knowledgeable readers can clarify that. Otherwise, there are no visible optional extras or aftermarket additions.
If you are like me, there will only be one thing you find disappointing about this 1973 Camaro Z28. If I were genuinely interested in this classic, I would try to stop the seller before they send it to the paint shop. That would give me the choice of whether to treat it to a cosmetic refresh that would return it to as-new condition or if preserving it as a survivor is a better option. If the odometer reading is verifiable, it makes this an extraordinary find. Would you prefer preservation or restoration if you had the cash to splash on this beauty?
Why paint it…
Keep original as a repaint means not original.
Lucky find…
Good luck on sale !
It wasn’t that long ago when this was just a used car.
First off 65k is way to much.Secondly he is basically going to pay someone to devalue the car imo.I think it’s a really cool car and checks off the right boxes for me. Color is very nice.I’m Thinkin more like 25 -30k maybe 35 if it’s real nice underneath.
Beautiful car, but $65k?!? Looks like $29,900 ta me. Always loves the lines of the 73! Beautiful car, well preserved!!!
Nice car but the Mecum mentality makes folks think they all have auction priced cars. If someone buys, I guess it’s worth it but in my mind, this is a 25-30k car
Auction houses have destroyed the market for the average car lover. When the Corvair Convertible Spyder model crosses the block at $150K we all know that’s the end.
I agree. This car would struggle to make 25k on a Mecum auction block. I’ve seen restored Z-28s sell on Mecum for far less than 60k.
Absolutely DO NOT paint it. Also, drop the starting price to about $24,500 as is. Then see what happens. Paint it and 99 % of us will not touch it. We live close by and will try to get a first hand look at it.
This camero is now being advertised for 40k on line Google 73 z28 I’m glad to see the comments on barn find I was in at that price but if it’s not just cut and buffed and repainted it’s not worth 25k Larisa you rock thx.
If you ŕepaint it it will not be original if it is a 17000 mile car. So hard to believe anyone any more. You can clean up a car and redo seats and then repaint a car then call it an original 17000 mile car. And is a restored camaro worth 60 grand? Probably not, but an all original 17000 mile car is?
Yep $30k before a repaint $25 after.
Maybe Mama said to sell it and at 65 he can say he’s trying 😉
I agree with the comments It’s too bad the seller hasn’t thought about what he is doing. He is going to sell the car, Why paint it? I doubt if he will gain the cost of the paint job. Chances are he will cheap out on the paint and it could be worth less, or worse “Worthless”. A super deep clean and detail or do it to a restored level and swing for tf fence, which it looks like he is doing anyway, I know must of us don’t think much of flippers, but there is a right and wrong way to do it.
For sure it’s not a 17k car. If it was, they certainly wouldn’t be hiding it with a new paint job. Buyer do your research on this one.
Wow. Deja vu all over again. Had exactly the same ride in high school.
Let’s see……..$60K and more? Is it a Z28? No Z28 wheels, no engine pics except one where you can’t even see any details, no VIN, and no pic of the body plate. No proof of what it is or how many miles on it. What is it?
60,000. Gets you a restored car way to much like someone else said 25, / 30 as long as everything is good
In my opinion, NO CAR IS WORTH EVEN ANY AMOUNT CLOSE TO 20,000 OR MORE NO MATTER WHAT IT IS. THESE CARS SOLD FOR NO MORE THAN 2 TO 4 GRAND BRAND NEW. I DIDN’T PAY IT BACK THEN AND I WOULD NEVER PAY IT NOW. NO MATTER HOW NICE IT IS. JUST WAIT TIL THE NICEST CAR OUT THERE WILL WORTH WHAT THEY WERE BACK IN THE EARLY 90’S. THE INTERNET AND SLUMMY AUCTION HOUSES RUINED IT FOR EVERYONE. THESE CARS HIGH PRICES ARE NOT WORTH ANYMORE NOW THAN THEY SOLD FOR NEW. JUST PURE GREED. THAT IS WHY MOST PEOPLE TRASHED THEM. UNLESS YOU HAVE MORE MONEY THAN YOU HAVE BRAINS/SMARTS. I HAVE OWNED OVER 400 PLUS CAMAROS , CHEVELLES , CORVETTES , CUDAS , CHARGERS , ROADRUNNERS AND MANY MORE. GET TO REALITY, FOLKS !!!!!!!!!! POINT BLANK, WAIT TIL EVERONE GOES BANKRUPT AND HAS TO SELL EVERYTGING THEY OWN JUST TO SURVIVE AND LIVE. PENNIES ON THE DOLLAR
Three lines into your post and my head started to ache.
Yeah, but he has owned over 400 PLUS CAMAROS , CHEVELLES , CORVETTES , CUDAS , CHARGERS , ROADRUNNERS . .
He says…
He’s had over 400 Pony cars and never paid more than they were when new ? Thats pretty amazing
Over 400 cars in a lifetime means you are or were a used car dealer? Buy cheap, sell high! Definitely a Capitalist!🤣🤣🤣
You are correct, that only cost about 2700 new 26 ,500 today’s money. But Remember gas was .35 cents a gallon and minimum wage was $5.75 . I had 69z back then high test leaded was almost impossible to get. Had to get aviation fuel ⛽ $$$$for the track
It says refresh,doesn’t really say it’s going to be painted. Maybe he doesn’t have the skill or time for a good buff and polish?
Yeah Dave that’s the same thing i was thinking, didn’t say anything about painting it so probably means they want it buffed out and a good wax or ceramic coating
Nice Z28, leave it alone. Only original once.Like what has been said before, every one thinks they have a high 5 figure to 6 figure car. I wonder what he wants for the red AMX seen in a couple of the pictures.
Hey Tan, could you be more specific and tell us how you really feel!
Hey Tan, Could you be a little more specific and tell us ,how you really feel!
Pffffff $65k for a ‘73 Z/28! The way the major auction houses have ruined the classic car market, before long people are going to be asking $50k for a Mustang II “Cobra” with a 140 horsepower 302. It’s almost insulting the prices folks are asking for their $25k(in reality) smog-era cars. The more time marches on, the more I regret not buying these classics when they were realistically priced. I could’ve retired comfortably 5 years ago if I invested back in the 90’s and oughts. Unbelievable
Watching barrat-jackson ,corvettes going 100,000 up 350,000 plus 10% buyers fee!!!!!!!!! INSANE. Unless you have big bucks the average person doesn’t have a chance to own one.
Yes, I believe the seller when they say it was parked in a barn, but no one “finds” a Camaro like this.
He should put it on bring a trailer. Bidding would dictate the value and the comments bring out the details.
This guy is out of his mind, 65 grand absolutely no way, he’ll be lucky enough to get 28,000.wanna bet.
Wonder if it’s a real Z? No picture of cowl tag, should have Z-28 stamped on it, also stripe code color should be stamped. Note no Z-28 horn button emblem, I wonder if the rear sway bar is there, or the fatter front sway bar. check this car before buying.
The “17k” miles and “paint refresh” should not appear in the same post. He’s delusional regarding the price. Source some original wheels and do a professional, inside -out, top to bottom detail and 40k would be a believable asking price.
One great thing about the sbc 350 is that it’s fairly cheap to build horsepower.the emissions restrictive hp can be reversed.All the cars that i’ve owned from this era i have made hp increase a priority.not much to looks if you can get beat by 4 cylinder compacts or V6 camaros and mustangs,
Looks like it’s been waxed and buffed already, noticed the residue around the molding edges. Also is that a rust bubble drivers inside rocker panel sill under front hidge?
No rust and varified 17162 miles and it’s on its way to Oregon should have her parked in my driveway have a new set of 5spoke with 235×60 15s ready for all 4 corners and will keep this z stock but for suspention bushings new leaf springs headers and exaust the 245 hp.was just chevrolets way to get the last gen 2 to comply with fed.emissions and we all know our regulations are not tempted to falsehoods m21 3.73s 245hp I think not closer to 350.
the L-82 not closer to 350 net horse; smaller valves than the LT-1 & lower rev hydraulic cam with a milder profile. If re-jet carb, might get 300 net. Ask a Chevy engine builder.