In 1969, the U.S. muscle car market was at its peak. But five years later, it had been watered down due to rising insurance costs and tightening Federal emissions controls. That meant the Chevy Camaro Z28 would still be potent but on a different scale than before. The seller suggests this ’74 Z28 is rare because of its transmission, color scheme, and low mileage. As part of a collection in Angola, Indiana, this Chevy is available here on craigslist for $46,000. Thanks for the heads up, Angel!
Even though U.S. car sales were down overall in 1974 thanks to the OPEC oil embargo and higher gas prices, the Chevy Camaro saw an increase. Over what had been a stagnant 1973 year overall, Camaro production increased by a whopping 63% though the Z28 saw a smaller uptick of 19%. That amounted to 13,800 Zs of which fewer than 4,000 came with the M21 close-ratio Muncie aluminum 4-speed manual (according to the seller of this example).
The ’74 Z82 came with a 350 cubic inch V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust. But the horsepower output was 245 using the newer SAE net scale. Versions with the 4-speed still had some zip, especially considering that the former top competitor, the Ford Mustang II, was now a subcompact with a 4-cylinder engine.
This Z28 entered the seller’s collection a couple of years ago. It had been previously treated with kid gloves and saw less than 28,000 miles due to mainly serving as a show car with limited use. Documentation on the history of the car is provided and most of what you see here is original, including the rather loud Z28 decals on the hood. The Silver Metallic Poly paint was factory applied and looks to have held up well, though few exterior photos are provided. The only changes from stock are the intake manifold and carburetor, but the seller retains the originals for the buyer.
After the 1974 model year, the Z28 would take a three-year hiatus, not returning until the middle of 1977. It would be the most aggressive second-generation Camaro through 1981 when the car was redesigned for the 1980s. The seller believes this automobile is a “blue chip” investment and has priced it accordingly. If you were to buy this Chevy, would you confine it like it is now or flex its muscles and start putting more miles on it? And is there anything else in the seller’s collection you’d like to get your hands on?
46 k…ummmm no.imho.Back when I was 16 a guy had one of these 74 z’s with 2 turbos and a sbc of what nature I don”t know at the Butera parking lot informal friday night car show where the old Lilac farms was in Chicago by Narragansett and Devon met.Car was wicked.One guy there had a 58 Fury that he spray painted Vengeance on the tailfins
car was all gray primer and a beater .Those were the days.Glad I experienced them with my buddies and like minded gear heads.Gone forever now except the memories.
Maggy- I’m guessing you also frequented Duke’s? I ventured up that way a few times in the late 70’s early 80’s from Joliet.
The old neighborhood! Big T Burger drive in was next to Lilac Farms (and Superdawg was across Milwaukee Ave)
Over the years always heard peeps whine about that massive Z28 decal on the hood saying it’s ugly and the worst Camaro ever.It’s actually my favorite Camaro ever because of that decal,it’s awesome.Also the only Camaro i’d ever own,prefer Pontiacs if i had to go GM.
I think it’s a cool car. Is it worth 46 k? Well if someone wants it bad enough, I guess it is. But I remember my brother in law beating brakes off them with his 71 Olds 98. No joke. Hahahahahahaha!!!!
I think it’s a cool car. Is it worth 46 k? Well if someone wants it bad enough, I guess it is. But I remember my brother in law beating brakes off them with his 71 Olds 98. No joke. Hahahahahahaha!!!!
I know it’s down on power and that bumper, but I too always liked the big hood decal
They were fun back then but having two friends that had Camaro.s One a 71 Z/28 and the other one a 74 Z/28 the 71 was just a way faster car. Both were 4-speed cars with the same 3:73 gear in the back.I took my driving test in the 71 and had to laugh the cop hardly could fit in that car but I passed the test.
Fair enough price given todays restoration costs. And at least power is cheap these days.
$46K is a lot of money for any car.
A fair at best 1974 Z28 POS that is matching numbers and correct with good colors needing completely restored will cost you $5K-$10K in todays world and it would cost you $30K PLUS to restore that POS to the condition of this car above or better.
IF a 1974 Z28 is your passion with a little negotiation on price I call this car properly priced in today’s collector car market!
$46K for any Camaro is crazy… My brother has a 2022 ZL1 which is really fast and I wouldn’t pay $46k for it.
Price is a bit lofty, but you can’t blame the seller. There aren’t many of these left, though we doubt it’s the “last one”. If you could get it for under 40k… perhaps closer to 36k, it would certainly make a nice driver, one is market priced now, but will appreciate in value in years to come. All you’d have to do is look after it…
Nicest one left? I hardly think so. There are other ’74 Z28s on the market right now with better equipment, lower miles and more desirable paint/interior schemes… for less money. The pricing seems quite optimistic at best, and nearly laughable when one considers the “base” nature of the Camaro; it lacks the tach/gauge package, console, A/C, AM-FM, Type LT trim, and other niceties that might nudge it closer to the asking price. But still… The fact that it is offered by a dealer explains much of the pricing silliness, since it includes the inevitable markup. There are several crucial items that detract from the asking price, although the “collector” claims to have some of the items in his possession; having to track down and purchase them and other necessities to bring this Camaro into the “Blue chip” investment range would require considerable expense, time and effort. Perhaps the seller is trying to hook a buyer for the overpriced Z28 before the market corrects itself. And while the ’74 Z28s have enjoyed a pricing spurt lately, they are far from being an inarguable collectable, like the earlier chrome bumper Z28s are already. With the market somewhat on the wane finally, we should expect prices to return to near-sanity levels, and if someone pays the asking price here buyer’s remorse is almost a certainty a year from now as it’s value becomes diminished with the adjusted market. Of course, I could be wrong. I’ve been wrong before. Just ask my wife.
I would certainly get it out on the road and flex its muscles.only after taking the car to the “gym”(aka summit racing catalog)and build up more hp,around another 125 or so.and leaving the exterior appearance stock.