Some classic cars will hit the market with a list of required work as long as your arm…and mine as well. This 1977 Camaro Z28 has shortcomings, but they are minor and easily addressed. It is a low-mileage survivor, and although it isn’t the most potent version of the Second Generation Camaro produced, it should still provide its new owner with an enjoyable classic motoring experience. The Z28 is listed here on eBay in Cheshire, Massachusetts. Bidding has raced to $10,400 in a No Reserve auction.
There’s much to like about this Camaro and very little to criticize. Its presentation in Antique White is impressive, with no significant problems or heartaches. The seller doesn’t mention previous restoration or repairs, and although they don’t state it outright, the impression is that it is an original survivor. If that proves the case, its condition suggests it has led a sheltered life. The panels are straight, the gaps are consistent, and there are no signs of rust. The decals are free from checking, while the trim and glass look good. I always like color-coded wheels, especially on a predominantly White car. They require extra effort to keep clean but add a classy touch to any vehicle.
Ordering a Z28 in 1977 meant driving a vehicle powered by Chevrolet’s legendary 350ci V8 off the lot. The small-block produced 170hp, which was a significant decrease from the 300 available at the decade’s start. The original owner left shifting duties to a three-speed automatic transmission, emphasizing the effortless driving experience with power assistance for the steering and brakes. A ¼-mile ET of 17.3 seconds is hardly startling, but it was on par with what buyers expected during this period. If the winning bidder isn’t concerned about total originality, there are cheap and legal ways to improve the situation without breaking the bank. The seller claims this Z28 has a genuine 68,000 miles on the clock but doesn’t mention supporting evidence. However, the Camaro runs and drives perfectly, raising the possibility that the buyer could fly in and drive it home.
The positive vibes continue when we examine this Camaro’s interior. Its immediate need is a new headliner, which retails for under $260. Otherwise, cleaning the carpet would confirm whether it is stained enough to justify replacement. If the seller faces replacing both the headliner and carpet, the bill will be less than $500. The seats wear what the seller claims is Tan leather, although I’m unsure about that. They are free from stains and wear, the remaining upholstered surfaces are clean, and there are no signs of sun rot or crumbling plastic. It has an aftermarket wheel with tilt and a radio/cassette player, but I can’t spot any other additions.
Some enthusiasts continue to avoid cars produced during The Malaise Era, sighting poor performance as justification for their actions. That is understandable because power figures dropped dramatically during that period. However, the decade also gave us iconic vehicles in movies and TV shows like The Rockford Files, The Dukes of Hazzard, and Smokey and the Bandit. The cars from those productions are legends, confirming that not everything automotive from the 1970s was doom and gloom. That is the case with this 1977 Camaro Z28. It won’t melt the blacktop with its performance, but it is still a comfortable vehicle that could serve as an accomplished daily driver or long-distance cruiser. Its needs are minor, and a budget of under $500 would have it presenting nicely. When a project budget is so insignificant, the car must be worth a closer look, regardless of the era. Do you agree?
I am not a Chevy fan ,but I would drive that .not a bad looking paint scheme. Also Just cool looking : )
Those are probably the Chinese springs I was talking about in the thread on the ’80 white Z28. It looks like a crossover!
Ride height looks normal to me. Not everyone is into lowriders either. An optometrist could fix that eyesight problem for you in about an hour.
No, I have owned 2 of these. This sits 2-3″ higher than original.
https://images.app.goo.gl/qV6booR7a7vjNrYL7
If people, particularly auto restorers, would insist on american made products, this would not look normal to those who do not know any better.
You are onto something here. I concur with your observations.
Motor is a weak sister..170 horse 350…17 sec quarter.is slow…and no options..car looks good but minus the options.that would sell it
Sweet car, had a black one with a 4 speed. 3.73 gears but a ’68 327 that I built. Ran 9.3’s in the eighth mile.
Had one the exact same color scheme, except it was a 4 speed. I’d be real tempted if that were a 4 speed.
in the real car days, all z28s were 4 speeds.
No big deal, but the valve covers and ac lid are incorrect. The valve covers were blue and the ac was black. I had a ’77 Z 4spd. Bought it new for $5k…
The main thing that was done to them to make them z28 was 3.73 or 3.42 rear, just resonators in exhaust, and sway bars. Engine just standard 350 4bbl.
Correct. All 1977-80 Z28s, except California 1980s, used the LM1 350, which ranged from 175-190 HP depending on year. It was just the standard passenger car 350. 1980 CA Z28s got the LG4 305.
From 1977-79, auto cars had the 3.42 gear while manuals had 3.73s. For 1980, both got 3.08s, for fuel economy.
I always thought they should have put the L82 in the Z28. For whatever reason they didn’t.
The mailaise era performance can be easily be cured in a 350.I have done this with a few.taking the horsepower from a hundred and nothin’ to over 300 and something w/o even touching the bottom end and still pump gas friendly.these cars are now old enough where they have aged out of emissions inspections in most states,we haven’t had one in my state since 2000!So doing hp upgrades on cars here is only limited by how much $$$ you have.
Correct. These snap right up. My 1979 automatic ram low 14s at 100 MPH with just a mild cam, torque converter, and true dual exhaust.
I really don’t understand why people are so stuck on what the HP rating was from the factory. Who cares, the bones are there in the form of a V8. A few minor improvements to intake and exhaust and you’ll be able to roast all the tires you want. The same holds true for any Mustang of the same era, the factory gives you the good bones, it’s up to you to get more out of it. Today, they come with both
Amen to that. A few tweaks and plenty of power to move respectfully, These days Mom’s minivan or SUV has 300+ H.P. Some appreciate more than a H.P. number… Not a rocket ship? so what!
They were KOOL one of my sisters Xs had a black 4-Speed. Only thing that was bad about those is General Mess designed the whole car around the catalytic converter 🤯 and definitely no leather seats
That makes no sense.
Tried to order a 77 Z28 ,but couldn’t because they were not available until mid year .At the time GM called them 77 and a half. So I ordered a 77 RS with 350 4 speed and could only get 308’s in the rear end.. It was a dog out of the hole So changed the trans for better gears.Norwalk now Summit speedway turned high 13’s in the quarter.Car is still in the family with 40 thousand on it.
Reminds me of my “77 I had, was white too but not a Z-28, but it was a 350 4-speed, with a 4 barrel carb. Was fun to drive but alas I wasn’t able to keep her for more than a year as my 1st born son was on the way and it wasn’t really conducive to a car seat lol.
SOLD for $24,600.
This one apparently sold again. This time, for $13,400. Huh?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/266258728117