When you end a generation of a well-known muscle car, you want to go out with a bang. For Chevrolet, 1981 marked the end of the second-generation Camaro, which spanned a long stretch starting back in 1970. Unfortunately, emissions regulations at the time had strangled the Z28’s horsepower, the high-performance package for the Camaro. But the Z28 still looked the part of a muscle car, and if you are looking for one, this 1981 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 located in Rochester, Massachusetts, is for sale here on Facebook Marketplace for $9,500, and the seller is open to cash offers and trades.
Buyers ordering the 1981 Camaro Z28 would get the Z28 stripes and graphics, hood scoop, front and rear spoilers, rally gauge cluster, and performance wheels. The 1981 Z28 hood featured a functional, rear-facing hood scoop with a trap door that activated electrically at full throttle. While the vibrant exterior yellow of this Z28 is eye-catching, the seller states the paint shows its age and has imperfections. From the raked look of this Z28, it appears the rear suspension was raised.
The seller describes the black interior as in decent driver condition. The bucket seats look good, but both door panels are damaged and severely wavy. The Z28 Rally Cluster includes full gauges: tachometer, oil pressure, voltmeter, and temperature. 1981 was the first year for standard power brakes. The chassis photos show a clean, solid undercarriage.
According to the VIN in the photos, this Z28 has the largest engine Chevrolet offered in 1981: the 350 cu in V8. Fitted with a Rochester four-barrel carburetor and backed by an automatic transmission, this numbers-matching engine produced 175 hp. 1981 was also the only second-generation Camaro to feature GM’s new Computer Command Control emissions system, which electronically managed the carburetor mixture, torque converter lock‑up, and introduced a “check engine” light. Shorty headers have been added to free up some more ponies, along with a newer dual exhaust system. The seller states the Z28 starts, runs, and drives excellently and has been driven on numerous multi-hour trips without any issues.
If you are looking for a solid driver-quality classic car that won’t break the bank to drive around in and attend cruise nights, this 1981 Camaro Z28 might just fit the bill. Would any of you readers who appreciate Camaros agree?
Lower the a** end to what it was brand new in 1981. Get rid of those ridiculous looking wheels and find some real Z28 wheels from 1981-82. Other than that, I would leave it alone.
Does it have air shocks on it?
At that ride height it needs N-50s on at least 10in.Cragers and skinnys up front..