No Reserve: 1973 Chevrolet Camaro

Chevrolet’s Second Generation Camaro enjoyed a successful run, remaining on sale from 1970 until 1981. Much changed during that period, including introducing new emission and safety standards that would forever alter how American manufacturers approached vehicle design. This 1973 Camaro illustrates these changes perfectly because while it features a V8 under the hood, its power output dropped nearly 12% compared to the previous year. However, these cars remain popular among enthusiasts, as demonstrated by the bidding history. It is listed here on eBay in Bayside, New York. Frantic action pushed the price to $4,050 in a No Reserve auction.

The seller located this Dark Red Camaro hiding in a barn. They state it occupied that spot for approximately twenty years. A thorough inspection revealed it is solid, but there are rust issues to tackle before applying a fresh coat of paint. Problems are visible in the rear valance and some lower body extremities, but apart from the valance, most would be candidates for patches rather than wholesale panel replacement. The cowl appears clean, but climbing under this classic reveals a pleasant surprise. The floors and rails carry a heavy coating of surface corrosion, but there’s no visible penetrating rust. As usual, negotiating an in-person inspection would be worth the effort, but the initial impressions are positive. The windshield has a couple of large cracks, but there are no issues with the remaining glass. Some trim pieces, including those around the back window, are missing. What remains looks acceptable for a driver-grade project.

The interior shots confirm this aspect of the Camaro requires total restoration. The upholstered surfaces have succumbed to time and UV deterioration, making a trim kit seem the most cost-effective answer. These retail for around $2,000 but contain almost everything required to achieve a factory appearance. The exception is the woodgrain dash bezel, and this car needs one. It is serviceable, but there are corner breaks where pieces have disappeared. Reproduction units retail for around $170, but for those seeking originality, I proved the value of searching online auction sites by easily and quickly locating a spotless OEM bezel for the same price. The interior isn’t lavishly equipped, with a radio representing the sole creature comfort.

Chevrolet offered various engines to power the ’73 Camaro, with the 307ci powerplant representing the entry-level V8. That’s what we find hiding under the hood of this classic, while the original owner selected a four-speed manual transmission and power steering. This motor’s power output graphically demonstrates the impact of emission regulations. It had produced 130hp in 1972, but the figure fell to 115hp in 1973. As a result, the ¼-mile ET ballooned from 18 to 18.9 seconds, while the top speed dropped from 111 to 108mph. The seller says this classic hibernated for more than two decades, but it took little work to coax it back to life. The Camaro runs and drives, but I don’t believe it’s roadworthy. However, the engine sounds strong, the transmission is smooth, and the power steering works as it should. For those serious about pursuing this pony car further, the seller will happily supply a video of the car running.

Although it has rust issues, it appears the critical regions of this 1973 Camaro remain solid. The new owner will undoubtedly address its surface corrosion to prevent further deterioration, but the list of work hasn’t discouraged enthusiasts who have submitted nineteen bids on this classic. Performing a faithful restoration would be possible, but some potential buyers may consider treading the restomod path. That could be a sensible approach because it unlocks significant performance improvements while offering a potentially civilized daily driver. Would you consider that option? If so, are you tempted to pursue this Camaro further?