No Reserve: 1978 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

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This 1978 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is a solid classic with no immediate needs. The new owner can immediately enjoy improved performance from its upgraded engine and transmission. However, they may feel a cosmetic refresh would elevate its appearance to a level befitting an iconic pony car. The seller has listed the Camaro here on eBay in Windsor, Colorado. Bidding has reached $4,650, and with No Reserve to muddy the water, the Z28 is only days away from finding a new home.

When assessing a vehicle’s condition, opinions can sometimes be subjective. Such would appear to be the case with this Camaro. The seller emphasizes the originality of its Code 19 Black paint, admitting that they wet-sanded it three times and applied two coats of clear to improve its appearance. They use the word “gorgeous” in the listing, which might stretch credibility slightly. It doesn’t seem to possess the depth of shine I would typically expect following that process. I’d want to run my eyeballs over the exterior, because the listing images may not do the Z28 justice. I can also spot some slight panel imperfections, and the seller states that rust is beginning to show its ugly head in the passenger-side rocker. Since the problem is only just emerging, they believe it doesn’t require immediate attention. They have already replaced some floor pan sections due to similar issues, grinding and sealing the remaining underside steel to prevent a return appearance. The glass T-Top is in good condition, with no evidence of leaking seals. The windshield is new, and the Camaro rolls on 1960’s Rally wheels.

Ordering a 1978 Camaro Z28 brought the company’s iconic 350ci V8 as standard equipment. Emission regulations had dramatically impacted the small-block’s power and torque, but the seller has attempted to address those shortcomings with this car. The four-bolt 350 under the hood is of 1960s vintage, which has only clocked 300 miles since a comprehensive rebuild. The seller pulled out all the stops, machining everything, fitting new pistons, rings, a roller cam, roller rockers, a new oil pump, and other parts as required. They fitted a new Edelbrock intake and a matching carburetor with an electric choke. They also replaced the exhaust, and the small-block should sound pretty sweet when the driver twists the key. The changes don’t end beneath the hood, because power feeds to the rear wheels via a rebuilt four-speed 700-R4 automatic transmission. The seller states that the motor has plenty of power and will light up the tires. However, the improved transmission also makes it an excellent, effortless open road cruiser. The tires have plenty of tread, but are pretty old. If the winning bidder replaces them, the Camaro will be ready to hit the road for plenty of summer fun.

One aspect of this Camaro requiring very little is the interior. The seller removed it entirely while addressing the floor rust, electing to refresh a few things during its reinstallation. The list includes new carpet, door trims, front seatcovers, console, a dash pad, and other small items. The original headliner is now glued to a plastic backing, so sagging shouldn’t be a problem. A B&M shifter controls the upgraded transmission, while an AM/FM radio/cassette player provides tunes on the move. The buyer doesn’t receive air conditioning, but removing the T-Top panels will provide plenty of fresh air.

This 1978 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 isn’t perfect, but that hasn’t prevented it from generating respectable interest since hitting the market. The listing suggests that the photos don’t do it justice, but only an in-person inspection will confirm how good the paint actually is. The Z28 has attracted nine bids, but the Watch List tally of sixty suggests the action could intensify in the auction’s closing hours. It is guaranteed to find a new home, and even if you aren’t interested in joining the bidding party, monitoring the listing to see how it plays out could be entertaining. What do you consider a fair sale price for this Z28?

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Comments

  1. TransAmMan

    Somewhere in that garage there are several empty cans of Rust-Oleum. Clickity-Clickity-Clickity!

    Like 4
  2. CCFisher

    3x wet sanding and two coats of clear for this result? Must have been wet-sanded with 100-grit sandpaper and sprayed with rattle-can clear.

    Like 4
  3. JDC

    Not seeing much shine to that finish. Did they mean original primer?

    Also, didn’t all the Z28s of this vintage have graphics loudly pronouncing the fact.

    And any rust requires immediate attention!

    Like 2
  4. Jack M.

    You think with all of the spray painting that the owner did, he would have painted the headlight buckets the correct black.

    Like 0

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