Unlike most of the “dirty old cars” on Barn Finds, this 1981 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is being sold after the necessary mechanical work has been done to make it run, handle and feel like new. The seller hasn’t started the cosmetic upgrades yet and you might even choose not to do so after looking the car over. It’s listed for sale here on eBay and is waiting for you in Fort Collins, Colorado. The seller is looking for a minimum of $9,999 for this classic second-generation Camaro.

Sharp-eyed readers will notice quickly that this is an aftermarket set of stripes on the Z28 as they differ from stock. The seller notes that the paint is quite thick and cracked in spots as well, but there is no rust showing anywhere and they claim there has never been any accident damage to the car. Those are the original type aluminum wheels and the fender vents, spoilers, and fender flares were all part of the factory Z28 package. Those are factory T-tops and the seller has installed new seals and latches to tighten up what was known as a rattly part of these GM cars. Honestly, I think this early 80’s icon calls for raised white letter tires, but maybe that would be too “Radwood”.

You can see what the factory stripes should look like (although the color on the replacement ones on this car was available as a factory choice) on this clip from a 1981 Z28 brochure. See, I told you the raised white letter tires look nice!

I had to google “Bad Decision Juice” to find it was a brand of beer. You’ll notice shiny exhaust tips peeking out from the rear bumper — only one of the many new parts the seller has installed since last summer. We’ll get to others shortly. Those are also new tires, installed whitewall-in. The car is registered in Arizona due to lax emissions requirements there and it’s where the seller spends most of their time.

As best as I can tell from some online research, this is the factory interior (or at least very similar to it). The seller tells us there are some small holes and stains in the upholstery. However, that’s a new carpet kit you can see, along with new inner and outer window felts on both windows. The seller also notes that the headliner is in great shape.

Underneath, a lot of time and money has been spent. At the front, you can see the new springs, gas shocks, and polyurethane control arm and anti-roll bar bushings. All of the front subframe body mount bushings were also replaced with polyurethane bushings as well.

In the rear, in addition to a new gas tank and hangers, the entire rear suspension was replaced. Brand new leaf springs were installed with new bushings, u-bolts, and shackles. As in the front, new poly anti-roll bar bushings and shocks were installed too. The seller states that the car handles and drives like new, and I can believe it.

When the car was purchased by the seller last summer, one of the head gaskets was leaking. The seller rebuilt the upper part of the engine, removed emissions equipment (it is included in the sale), fitted a new carburetor and many other new parts. As you can see, really all the car needs now is cosmetics to be one of the best ones out there. Is a second-generation Camaro in your future? Could this be the one? Are any of you out there the type that does all the mechanical refurbishment first without regard for looks? Tell us what you think in our comment section below!