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Fresh 400: 1972 Chevrolet Camaro Z28/RS

The owner of this 1972 Camaro Z28/RS is a classic car enthusiast, and he has commenced the process of transforming this already potent American classic into something exceptional. However, he has now decided to part with the car. This is good news for anyone who is searching for a decent Camaro project to tackle. Located in Reedley, California, you will find the Camaro listed for sale here on eBay. The auction has been set to open at $13,975, but there have been no bids up to this point. For anyone who wants to bypass the whole auction process, there is the option of a BIN, which is listed at $17,000.

The Cream Yellow Camaro represents a structurally sound project car. There is rust to be repaired, but it is surprisingly minimal given the vehicle’s tired appearance. The trunk pan looks close to perfect, but there is rust to be addressed in the driver’s side floor. You can see rust visible around the rear window, and there is also some present in the lower rear quarter panel. This is not particularly bad, and the owner is including an appropriate patch in the sale. The body wears several dings and dents, but these look like they would be straightforward to repair. The majority of the trim and chrome is present and would be suitable for a driver-quality restoration. However, if the buyer is seeking perfection, then the bumpers may be due for a trip to the plater.

You would normally expect to open the hood of a Z28 of this era and find a 350ci V8 hiding in the engine bay. This is where things have changed, and for someone seeking a numbers-matching classic, they will be disappointed. On the other hand, if outright performance is a desirable feature, then the right buyer will find themselves wearing an ear-to-ear grin. The engine bay now features a rebuilt 400ci small-block that comes equipped with a set of 186 heads. The power from this beast finds its way through an 11″ clutch to a Doug Nash 5-speed manual transmission. The Camaro also features power steering and power brakes. The vehicle will run and move under its own power, but the drivetrain has zero miles on it at this point. The sticking point here is a lack of brakes. The owner has replaced the booster, but the Camaro still has a rock-hard pedal. He believes that a new master cylinder will address this problem. The 400 is an engine that is renowned for producing mountains of torque, and if it has been built correctly, there is no reason why a driver shouldn’t also have a healthy 400hp or more at their disposal. That should make the Camaro one lively performer.

The Camaro’s interior will need plenty of work, but the next owner will have a reasonable starting point. The front seats have been fitted with new covers, while the dash cap looks like it is free from any cracks. There is an AM/FM radio fitted into the dash, and a Hurst shifter poking through the floor for the 5-speed. The cover on the rear seat looks tired, and a new headliner, door trims, kick panels, and a carpet set will be required. The owner indicates that he does have some interior trim items that will be included in the sale. Unfortunately, he doesn’t mention how comprehensive this collection of pieces is.

If a potential buyer is looking for a Camaro project car that they can return to its numbers-matching best, then this 1972 Camaro Z28/RS probably won’t be the car for them. If they are looking for one that holds the promise of neck-snapping performance, that is an entirely different kettle of fish. The fresh 400 should fulfill that role admirably, while the 5-speed transmission would make the vehicle an effortless open-road cruiser. This is a classic that is just waiting for the right person to come along and finish what the owner has started. There are currently 74 people watching the listing. Could one of those people be the right individual, or will it be you?

Comments

  1. Avatar photo 370zpp Member

    “listing was ended by the seller because there was an error in the listing.”. . .

    Sellers remorse? I wouldn’t blame him.

    Like 5
  2. Avatar photo Steve R

    This car was featured on this site a several months ago. Someone installed some good parts on what is likely a very rusty body. At some price point it will find a buyer, whether or not it gets restored is another question.

    Steve R

    Like 6
  3. Avatar photo Steve Bush Member

    Agree with Steve R, it looks pretty rusty, but might be an decent candidate for a restomod, albeit at a much lower price. Seller should get off his lazy azz, move it out of the garage, clean it up, take some good pics and, most importantly, fix the brakes. Then start the auction at a reasonable number.

    Like 4
    • Avatar photo Phathead Phil

      Agree as well. That kind of rust is VERY difficult to eradicate if not impossible. From the looks of it it’s deep into the gain structure and flaking. You might fix it today but, it will be back tomorrow with a vengeance. Best is to replace the roof.

      Like 0
  4. Avatar photo Kevin Kendall

    Fairly rare Z with only 2,525 built in 72 model year

    Like 1
  5. Avatar photo Phlathead Phil

    Minimal rust? Interior needs work? No brakes? BIN $17,000??? Add in the cost of the new paint job and you’ve got a SERIOUS dent in your wallet that Bondo can NEVER repair. Waaaaay to much 💸💸💸. (IMHO of course!)

    Like 0
  6. Avatar photo Frank A.

    I agree with Phil waaay to much for what used to be a Z/28. Z/28 was a power train option with some handling also, once you change the engine and transmission you no longer have a Z/28 but a plain Jane Camaro. The worst I see is a first generation Z/28 with a big block in it, NO, get the emblems of the car, it’s not a Z/28 anymore. IMHO, ok I vented lol.

    Like 0

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