Beyond looking at the vehicle in question, another highlight of classified listings is looking at what else is hiding in the background. This 1978 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 benefits from what looks like an ideal storage arrangement that’s clean, dry, and free from major openings in the structure that would otherwise allow rain and snow to come billowing in. In fact, it looks like the whole space is reserved for this Camaro and one other one, which I’d love to know more about. This example is said to be equipped with a “Corvette engine,” according to the listing, and is listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $9,500 in Ohio.
Take a look here – what else is hiding out in the confines of what appears to be a former factory or assembly line of sorts? This is one of the more curious backdrops I’ve seen, and given the amount of space that’s apparently available, I’d have filled this up with more than two Camaros by now. Still, the idea of cracking open some old factory doors and seeing two nicely preserved Camaros inside is a dream come true for car enthusiasts, and makes you realize that there are likely empty buildings like this in every community where old cars and trucks could be stashed away. Can anyone identify the machinery at the far end of the picture? Scoping out the Camaro that’s actually for sale tells us that the body and glass are in very nice condition.
That grade of condition carries over to the interior, where the carpets, seat upholstery, door panels, and dash are all in outstanding condition. When I saw the words “Corvette engine”, it seemed likely that this was a project car that surely was pulled apart inside. Not the case. Whatever the intentions behind the engine swap were, the Camaro was clearly loved, so even if the original mill blew up and was later removed, it didn’t lead to this Z/28 being parked and neglected for years at a time. The dash doesn’t show any cracks, either, which could mean it has been stored indoors for most of its life. Given there’s virtually no fading of any kind inside, it sure seems likely.
The seller notes a ratchet shifter has also been installed, and the engine swap appears to be well done. Given I don’t see much else in the photos that would indicate this Camaro has been modified in myriad ways beyond the engine conversion, it seems increasingly likely to me that the swap was performed either out of necessity or to turn the Z/28 into a bit of a sleeper. Either way, the beautiful bodywork, clean engine install, and near-spotless interior translate into this Camaro being the sort of car that looks almost turnkey and most definitely a car that was loved before going into storage. Of the two generations we can see in the second photo, which of these white Camaros would you choose?
This one I’d pick, then have nothing but trouble smogging it in California. The swap was done out of necessity for real performance considering the year, it’s been….de-regulated so to speak. The third gen Camaro in the background, nah, too eighties for me.
that’s A 79 – 81 DASH
Looks allot like my 79 z-28….
I can never understand why sellers take photos without bothering to close the hood.
That’s a 1979. New dashboard introduced that year after the molds wore out. And when you go to the Facebook ad there’s a close-up of the odometer that is not from this car – maybe the 3rd Gen Camaro we see in the photos?
Odd the molds didn’t wear out on the firebird dash ’70-81, considering how many were sold in ’79!
If i had a good bird dash layin around & the original dash for this car was toast, i would actually try to fit the bird dash in this car because of more sensible location of the HVAC controls, much easier to read the gages, more room for lower legs, & just a kewler appearance. Why not! – the ’67-8 1st gen bird uses the kewl ’67-8 camaro dash. lol
What does “Corvette engine” mean? I’ve lost count of how many Camaro’s, Nova’s, pick up’s, street rods and just about anything else with a small block Chevy in it, that the seller claims is a “Corvette engine”. Unless it’s something like a fuelie, 327/365 or an LT-1, most “Corvette engines” are no different than any other junk yard Impala small block.
If it is a Corvette engine, based on the intake and valve covers, it’s a 68 327. My brother is the original owner of a 78 4 speed Z/28, and I can’t imagine a 68 327 would run any better in it, than the original 350.
I wonder how long before the headers burn through that poorly routed rubber fuel line, and burns the car to the ground?
In 1978, there were two Corvette engines, the L48 and L82. The LM1 which came in these, is pretty much the same as the L48 I believe, down to the same horsepower rating.
If there is any difference, I am not aware of it. Maybe some Corvette enthusiast can fill me in.
Anyway, the statement might be accurate technically. But, since the Corvette L48 from that year wasn’t all that powerful, it’s largely irrelevant.
Actually a 68 327 would run way better than a 78 350,probably 75 horsepower difference,and 327s had some forged internals and could handle being built up.
Lol, I agree GB. That fuel line is a bad day waiting to happen!
Speedometer is the other car, where is the battery? Right side door seems out of whack, not aligned. Motor looks nice but what is it?
insturment panel is definitely from newer camaro and needs some finish work. Did you notice the angle iron bracked on left side holding it in?
Blow up the picture and the fuel line looks like it’s touching the header. It has an old style intake but it might be an edelbrock and the carb is an edelbrock that does not have a choke housing.
Also rattle can touch up on the valve covers etc.
Not good work
Anyway, the Camaro in the foreground is an ’85. Had one exactly like it