I’m not really sure what’s going on here: was this 1997 Chevrolet Camaro RS left in a warehouse, or some sort of factory? It seems like it’s just a piece of furniture in this darkened building in Seabrook, New Hampshire, and we’re at a loss from a context perspective. The other mystery is this 30th anniversary trim it apparently sports, as our understanding was that a 30th Anniversary Camaro of this era had a V8 engine and orange stripes on the hood. This Camaro does feature the upholstery associated with the anniversary cars, but that’s about it. Find the Camaro here on craigslist for $2,950.
Now, that may seem like a good price, even for a V6 car. However, when you read the ad a second time like I did, you’ll see there’s a good reason for it: the Camaro needs a headgasket. Bummer! This was starting to shape up to be a base model Camaro that seemed worthy of owning, as it appears to have the factory lower body cladding along with the five-spoke wheels. The interior alone is not necessarily justification for buying this project-grade Camaro, but it does at least make it stand out. The seller claims it’s never been abused and that it’s a great project for the “…mechanically inclined.”
Still, I’d love to know more about where it’s parked as it looks to be too big for an oversized garage. And what’s that parked in front of it? The Camaro may not be your first choice for a muscle car project, especially with the V6, but if the cosmetics are good (or better) on this Camaro and the headgasket is its only major flaw, I could see this being a good flip car candidate (not a major profit, but some cushion, perhaps). While the six-cylinder may not excite most of us, there could be a good cruiser or at least a mildly entertaining commuter car worth saving here. Do you think this Camaro is worth saving?
It looks like the building is in limbo: the floor looks reinforced with rebar or wire mesh (with vapor barrier), but the guy ran out of money and the floor was never poured.
I’m guessing the building permit is expired.
If it needs a head gasket, you might as well get a supercharger kit for it. A properly built and boosted 3.8 is a formidable machine.
All 97 Camaro’s had 30th Anniversary embroidered logo on the seat backs, but there was also a separate, special 30th Anniversary package available. The 30th Anniversary edition was white with orange stripes, a white interior with either houndstooth or solid white leather seat inserts and white wheels. The 30th Anniversary package was only available on the SS and Z28. You could not order a base V6 or an RS with the 30th Anniversary package.
The 3.8 runs pretty good in these cars. My son had a 97 RS convertible and a 99 Firebird with the 3800 Performance and Sport Appearance Packages. The Firebird actually ran and handled great because of it’s Trans Am level steering and suspension, along with factory dual exhaust.
The engines in these cars are tucked back under the windshield/cowl, making it a real pain to remove a head. Which is probably why this car’s for sale.
One common problem with this camaro V6 is the so called blown head gasket actually caused by a broken heater core feed tube that ran through the lower aluminum housing of the alternator and into the intake manifold. I have no idea why chevy pulled a stunt like that but it is worth checking out!
Looks like a nice garage under construction. Underground plumbing is in, the rebate appears to be done professionally, and the vapor barrier under it leads me to believe the floor will have radiant heat.
Great job, and first class. As far as the 97 Camaro goes. I would do the same. Sell it and finish the garage.
The car in front of it looks like a ’61 Galaxie
I was thinking the same……a starliner has that distinct short fin…..
I think it’s a Thunderbird- the first picture seems to have the script for Thunderbird on the rear quarter panel
Its a T-Bird…..maybe a 61 or 62 or 63!
Good call!!!! I think you may definitely be correct! Good eye.