Survivor-grade classics from the 1980s have gained traction in the current market, especially if they are low-mileage vehicles or if the seller lists them for auction with No Reserve. This 1982 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Indy Pace Car Edition ticks both boxes. It is a tidy car with a claimed 42,000 original miles on the clock. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Orange, California. Frantic bidding has pushed the price to $8,400, and with No Reserve in play, a new home is days away for this Z28.

The new Third Generation Camaro was selected as the Official Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500 for the third time in 1982, and subsequent Camaro models would fulfill that role a further six times between then and 2016. This was an honor for Chevrolet, with the company producing a Pace Car Edition to commemorate the occasion. All featured a paint combination of Silver and Bright Blue, with distinctive graphics and decals. This Z28 is a survivor-grade car, meaning potential buyers shouldn’t consider it pristine. The paint and decals have minor flaws and imperfections, but the overall condition is above average for a car with four decades under its belt. The panels are straight, the gaps are consistent, and there are no signs of previous repairs or restoration. Rust doesn’t appear to be an issue. It doesn’t rate a mention in the listing, and the lack of surface corrosion in the supplied photos augers well. The exterior plastic is in good order, and there is no evidence of leaking T-Top seals. A couple of wheels are missing the badges from their center caps, but it seems this Camaro has no pressing needs.

The Californian sun can exact a high toll on trim and plastic, but this Camaro’s interior is as presentable as its exterior. The Blue and Gray cloth and vinyl seatcovers don’t feature severe staining or gaping tears, but there is visible wear and a slight imperfection on the driver’s seat base. The remaining upholstered surfaces look excellent, and the carpet is free from significant wear. The dash and console look nice, but a dash cover makes it impossible to assess the pad. I’m slightly confused by the wheel because there appears to be an issue with the leather in some shots, but it looks fine in others. An aftermarket CD player with a remote occupies the factory stereo’s spot but appears to be the only aftermarket addition. The seller indicates the air conditioning doesn’t blow cold, which requires investigation. Other creature comforts include power windows, cruise control, a rear defogger, and a tilt wheel.

Chevrolet’s focus with the Third Generation Camaro’s development was weight reduction and aerodynamic efficiency. It didn’t allow the company to recapture the glory days before emission regulations were an issue, but the new model offered significant performance improvements over its predecessor. This Z28 features the 305ci CFI V8, producing 165hp and 240 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed automatic transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes an integral part of the package. The specifications didn’t make the Z28 a jet by modern standards, but they weren’t bad in a 1982 context. The seller claims this Camaro has 42,000 miles on the clock, but there is no mention of evidence to verify its originality. They have only yard-driven this classic but haven’t ventured onto the streets or highways. A thorough inspection might be warranted, and the suggestions are that replacing the tires may be wise. However, the clean engine bay presentation is encouraging, meaning it might take little for this Z28 to return to its rightful place on our roads.

The auction action tells the story of this 1982 Camaro Z28 Pace Car Edition, and it does so quite graphically. It has attracted an incredible fifty-two bids in under two days, confirming that people like what they see. The price remains modest and affordable, and I expect the bidding to intensify as the end draws near. Will you join the party, or will you sit back as an interested observer?