Many enthusiasts prefer genuine survivors to pristine classics because they offer a more relaxed ownership experience. The occasional chip or mark won’t cause the same concern that it might if it were to mar perfection, making this 1980 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 worth a close look. It is a genuine survivor which the first owner loaded with factory options. Its only need is a new home, with the seller listing the Z28 here on eBay in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Bidding has sailed past the reserve, currently sitting at $8,200.
The seller is candid in their assessment of this Camaro, stating that it should be considered a genuine survivor. They indicate that its Code 84 Charcoal paint has minor chips and imperfections, although the healthy shine ensures that it presents extremely well. I always view survivors of this caliber favorably, because they present well enough to turn heads, but aren’t cars that owners will squirrel away to protect them from potential future damage. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and this Z28 will tick the boxes for many courtesy of its leak-free T-top. The stripes look crisp and clean, and there is no mention or evidence of rust. The factory alloy wheels wear relatively new Cooper Cobra tires, and the glass is clear.
The T-top is only the first of a range of factory options selected by the first owner because they also decided to order this Z28 with the 350ci V8, teamed with the optional three-speed automatic transmission. Power-assisted steering and front disc brakes were standard equipment, providing a relaxed driving experience. The 350 was a shadow of its former self by 1980, generating 190hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque. The days of a sub-16-second ¼-mile ET were distant memories for the Z28, with this car taking 16.8 seconds to complete the journey. However, it isn’t all gloom and doom for this classic. The seller claims that this survivor has a genuine 71,000 miles on the clock, which isn’t an idle boast. They include a huge selection of paperwork documenting the car’s history and confirming the mileage claim. This Z28 runs and drives perfectly, and should be considered a turnkey proposition with no mechanical needs.
We’ve covered the T-top and transmission, and now it is time to examine this Camaro’s interior to compile a list of options selected by the first owner. These include air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cloth trim, cruise control, a rear defogger, and a tilt wheel. Someone has swapped the original radio for a radio/cassette player, which appears to be the only addition. The seats initially confused me until I discovered that the imperfections were only soap marks, not stains or wear. Therefore, a detailer should have little trouble eliminating them. The rest of the interior is in good order, with no evidence of significant wear or abuse. It probably won’t score the new owner any show trophies, but it won’t cause them to feel shame when they roll this classic out of the garage.
It was obvious by 1980 that the Second Generation Camaro was reaching the end of its life span. That did impact sales volumes, although with 45,137 buyers taking home a Z28 that year, alarm bells weren’t ringing at Chevrolet. This is a genuine survivor featuring enough factory options to help it stand out. With the reserve met, it is only days away from finding a new home. Are you tempted to make it yours?
Just as an F.Y.I., we didn’t get the 305 engine in Z28’s in Canada. All of ours were equipped with the 350.
We also didn’t get the Computer Command Carburetor in The Great White North 🇨🇦.
Alot of 4sp models made it up here it seems too Primo.
Not a stick but the aesthetic is correct. I remember these. My best friend from high school’s younger brother had one much like this. I remember one Sunday morning and a terrifying ride through our sleepy little town. Terrifying.
So, not on the way to church?
Nelson C., my wife, daughter and I did go to church later that morning. The 11 AM mass (the one we normally attended). What else sticks in memory is when we went out to breakfast at Peter’s in the Bucks County Mall, the owner told us that the cost of our breakfast was on him. That made it memorable. I later found that Peter did this from time to time for young families who were regulars. We generously tipped our server, Barbara.
Amazing that these low HP Zs sell for many thousands than a Corvette from the same era. Just went through this with my 73 Corvette.
Always liked these wheels and a great color, too. Nice fair weather cruiser.
wondering why the belt is not on the AC
Its up to $9800 now
Sold on 10/27 for a high bid of $25,200.
Steve R
Ram Air worth mentioning – 15 hp if I remember – figured into the HP calculation.
Also known as cowl induction on the 1980-1981 Camaro Z28s.
had one of these when I was in the Marines early 80’s. That Cowl Induction was fun and did ad in some juice as did removal of all
The emissions , and having a mechanic do some work on the carburetor. Had a lot of fun in that car and met a lot of nice Police Officer in. A 40 mile
Radius of that base 😝
It is missing the aluminum panel on the dash and around the shifter on the console. It would have matched the material you see on the cigarette lighter and headlight knob. The grained plastic you see would have been appropriate for a plain Jane Camaro but not a Z28 or a Berlinetta. This car has a custom interior option which includes the bucket seats with the flat tops. A regular interior would have had the seats with a rounded top. Factory T-Tops that don’t leak, LOL. Ask me how I know, mine was Carmine Red equipped similar to this one VIN 1P87LAN540578. I loved that car, I regret parting with it.
Every T-Top leaked.
I had three trans ams with t tops. None leaked.
The radio swap, although a somewhat minor detail, takes away the “genuine survivor” classification.
It’s meh to us with an automatic, still too many around.
Those cloth seats from that cheap interior era are very difficult to clean, and I wouldn’t count on them being “soap” stains…
Look at ’em under a black light. :)
Sharp looking car, but you’ll struggle to beat your dental hygienist in her ’24 base trim RAV4 at a stoplight drag race. Plus these cars were already pretty well worn mechanically by 71k miles.
Sorry..
The 3rd lugnut on 4th tire is not at factory specs.
Obviously a major flaws.
Also the photos were taken on a Tuesday at the wrong temperature.
Don’t get me started on the wrong longitude and latitude.
3 dollars including delivery at best.
Your welcome.
I wish that my “thumbs up” button worked- too funny…
Headers, true duals, a .373 rearend and shift kit will wake one of these up nicely. This is a good price for this car.
Yes,+ fuel injection and an AOD transmission and one would be all set !