This 1978 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is a jaw-dropping classic. As hard as it may be to believe, the seller emphasizes that it is a genuine survivor with 28,685 miles showing on its odometer. Finding anything to fault is virtually impossible, suggesting that this classic has led a sheltered existence. Its most pressing need is a new home, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting the Camaro listed here at Legendary Motorcar Company. The vehicle’s location is vague, but I believe that it could be in North Halton Hills, Ontario, Canada. The seller set their price at US$49,900.
Chevrolet made only minor changes to its Camaro range in 1978. The most obvious were the urethane bumpers, which integrated better than the more “agricultural” steel items. Unlike previous years, Z28 buyers couldn’t opt to delete the stripes package, ensuring that nobody could mistake a Z28 for anything else. This Camaro presents superbly in Code 75 Red. The paint shines like a mirror, cloaking laser-straight panels. Its history is unclear, but the seller emphasizes the originality of its paint. Although they don’t supply underside shots, they state that it retains its correct Red oxide paint, confirming that the car is rust-free. The stripes look crisp, with no shrinkage or other shortcomings. The trim and glass look perfect, and the factory aluminum wheels help this Camaro stand out from other Z28s.
I am willing to stick my neck out and state that this Camaro has no genuine cosmetic issues. The interior, trimmed in Red vinyl, appears to be perfect. There is no wear on the upholstered surfaces, and the carpet is spotless. The dash shows no evidence of wear or deterioration, and the pad is crack-free and unfaded. The lack of wheel wear appears to support the mileage claim, and the console lid, which is often prone to warping or cracking, shows no signs of deterioration. The first owner ticked the air conditioning box on their Order Form, adding an AM/FM stereo radio to relieve boredom on long journeys.
This Camaro is as good as a Z28 could be in 1978. The first owner teamed the 350ci V8 with a four-speed manual transmission, a 3.73 rear end, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The small-block wasn’t the most powerful beast on the planet in 1978, delivering a factory-quoted 185hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque. Of course, it could be worse, because Californian buyers only received 160hp, 260 ft/lbs, and a three-speed automatic transmission. The originality of this classic extends beyond its numbers-matching drivetrain, because the trunk houses the original spare tire, nitrogen bottle, and jack. The Camaro is a turnkey proposition, and those who prefer paperwork will welcome the original Owner’s Manual, Warranty Card, and Dealer Inspection Procedure Form. The seller doesn’t mention evidence verifying the odometer reading, but the car’s condition makes it plausible.
This 1978 Camaro Z28 is a stunning classic, but it needs to be to justify a price that is at the top end of the market. Whether the figure is realistic depends largely on whether the included documentation contains evidence confirming the odometer reading. If so, that makes it a pretty special classic. Is it the best one left on the planet? If it isn’t, it can’t be far off the mark. Do you agree?
For some reason ’78 is one of my favorite years for the Z28. The turbine wheels are one of my favorites. They look just right here. The red paint is in amazing condition, especially if it’s original. GM red lacquer paint can fade very quickly. And this car, is not faded. The interior is unreal I was expecting the original plastic protective covers from the factory to be on the seats. Its just simply amazing. Under the hood looks detailed to me. But no OVER detailed. You know, it doesn’t have a gallon of shiny stuff sprayed all over everything. If someone is in the market for the nicest late 70’s Z28 with a 350 and a factory-installed 4 speed. This is got to be it. The price is high. ( is that in Canadian dollars?). But again, where are you going to find another one this nice. I had a Tyco Curve Hugher Z28 in red as a kid. It was one of my favorite cars in fact, so that may explain why I’m liking this one so much. Great write up Adam, I really enjoyed this. And a tip of the hat to Tony P as well for the find.
This is what my slot car looks like. Sadly, probably the closest I’ll get to owning one of these.
Legendary Motorcar is one highway exit from me. Everything that they carry is high end. At today’s exchange rate, this car is $70,333.00 CDN.
Nice Z28. Wonder what Greg thinks 🤔
49,900?
I have a friend with a ’70 RS Z28, numbers matching, original paint. 30-35,000 miles. Garage kept its entire life. It does have an automatic though. I wonder what that would be worth?
Don’t get me wrong. This is a REALLY nice car, and I wouldn’t mind at all having one. The four speed is a big plus. Way back in the day, another friend of mine had one of these brand new, and I was way jealous with my ’77 Camaro Sport Coupe with a 305. But even then, these were daily drivers and we had the idea they weren’t “real” Z28s.
1970 RS Z/28 numbers matching with an automatic? Something does not sound right. Maybe later year model.
Jim, I don’t see anything wrong with JW’s comment. The 70 1/2 Z28 with the LT-1 was available with a Turbo 400 automatic. This was the first year that you could order a Z28 with anything but a 4 speed. No issue here
Anybody else notice the steering wheel appears to be much more faded than any other part of the interior.
These had simulated string wrapped steering wheels, so that’s most likely the visual effect from that. I had this car’s twin in high school in Code 48 Dark Blue Green (dark green basically), the standard steel “Cragar” style wheels, and black interior.
You know I looked at this slowly on my cellphone this morning and it’s impressive. Would have liked to see some pictures of the underside. Was wanting to see if it still retained its original exhaust system, and the red primer from the factory. From what I can see it is very original and there is no question in my mind that the miles are actual. It is listed at the bottom stating that it’s UD dollars. I was hoping I could have done the Canadian to US conversion, and be less.
I had purchased a 1980 Camaro Z/28 that was a four speed, all original, that was very similar from Canada. It was built for Canada so it was in KM and not US miles. I had got it from the original owners son. That was a few years ago and I used a shipping company called TFX International where they took care of all of the border requirements with a broker. It came delivered enclosed on a lift gate to my home. One of the best shippers I’ve ever used.
As someone has stated, this dealership has only top shelf vehicles but you pay up. 50k is all the money but because of it being a manual transmission, original paint and having a unique red interior to match, with low miles, and all of its original paperwork from new, it will sell a collector that wants the best quality available. If this was in the mid to high 30’s I would be sending them an email.
Cost to ship back to the US will vary depending on location, but allow more because of the paperwork needed to cross the border. The one thing I’m not completely sure of if the new tariffs come into play. I know it was built for the US and is returning to the US so maybe not? Just not sure with the new policies. If anyone is super serious I would contact TFX International to confirm that and also get a shipping quote. That number may surprise you.
I like the 77 Z28s. The 78s are cool in their own way!!
Either way, a 4 speed is needed!!
Anyone notice the warpage of the dash pad at passenger side ? Too much money . You can buy a few extra nice C4 Corvettes for this much money .
car is in the wrapper. legendary is a top-notch restoration shop. seen a lot of their finished projects. hard pressed to retore it to that level for this price.
Blah.