Hiding in this garage is a classic that is a mystery machine. It is 1-of-6,306 examples of the 1982 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Indy Pace Car Edition. It has been laid low for years following a transmission issue and needs work before it can return to its rightful place on our roads. However, it had only accumulated 44,190 miles before succumbing to the mechanical malady. The seller has dropped the price, but it is unclear by how much. The Camaro is listed here on Craigslist in Auburn, Washington. The seller’s price of $4,777 OBO makes it undeniably affordable to the right person.
Chevrolet released its Third Generation Camaro range for the 1982 model year and was immediately rewarded with the honor of providing the Official Pace Car for that year’s Indianapolis 500. The company followed the usual practice of leveraging the exposure provided by producing 6,360 examples of the Z28 Indy Pace Car Edition. All featured a unique combination of Silver and Blue paint with Orange pinstriping on its 15″ alloy wheels. The history of this one is slightly complicated, with the seller claiming that they are its second owner. It is worth noting that the car carries a “Rebuilt” title following an accident in 1982. The damage was professionally repaired at that time, and the lack of subsequent deterioration suggests the work was completed to a high standard. Determining the vehicle’s overall condition is difficult because the time frame of the supplied photos isn’t specified. However, the panels look straight, the paint appears acceptable if the buyer seeks a driver-grade classic, and there is no evidence of rust. I always advise an in-person inspection before committing hard-earned cash to a purchase of this type, which is especially true when the images are so confusing.
This Camaro’s interior continues the “mystery” theme, with the photos revealing what might be deterioration to some of the plastic pieces. However, it is possible that this could be developing mildew that would disappear following a deep clean. The console is partially dismantled, but this could have been done in preparation for an attack on the mechanical fault that saw the car parked years ago. Beyond that, there is evidence of slight damage on the passenger seat and discoloring of the rear passenger compartment plastic. The seller describes the Z28 as “loaded,” with the car featuring air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio and cassette player.
The seller only supplies two engine shots, and they are both very poor. However, they do reveal that the car features the optional 305ci CFI V8, teamed with a three-speed automatic transmission. This motor should generate 165hp and 240 ft/lbs of torque, allowing the Z28 to cover the ¼-mile in 16.5 seconds. Interestingly, that figure is barely faster than the entry-level powerplant when teamed with a manual transmission. The interior isn’t the only aspect of this Camaro that needs work, with the seller confirming that the transmission failed with 44,190 miles on the clock. The car hasn’t moved since, and a rear end and Cat-back exhaust from a later Camaro have been installed while the car has lain idle. However, the original components are included. The transmission remains untouched, meaning it, the exhaust, and the brakes, all require attention. The seller has a professionally rebuilt 700R4 transmission listed elsewhere, and this could be a viable alternative for those not focused on originality.
The 1982 model year was a successful one for Chevrolet’s all-new Camaro range, with 182,068 buyers taking one home. This Z28 is a mystery machine because it is unclear whether the final photo in the article is recent. If it is, addressing its existing shortcomings might be all that stands between it and returning to our roads as a low-mile survivor. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you to contact the seller so that you can become this classic’s third owner?
Man of there isn’t a perfect opportunity for an Luxury Sport swap. It’s already partially disassembled
Interesting to find out the modifications of the actual pace cars that were on the track at Indy over the years. 🏁
When these first came out they seemed like a radical change from the Gen 2, the first few years and the last few years of which are classics, imo.
That was a tough act to follow, but the new Camaros and Firebirds of 1982 pretty much nailed it. The shape eschewed the long hood/short deck idiom pioneered by the Mustang nearly 20 years earlier. But GM scored big with the colors and graphics on the Pace Car edition. Today’s example bears this out as over 40 years on this is still a knockout.
The modern camaro (& even challenger) does not have a long hood & has too short of a front overhang. Even worse is when the hood goes up – compare to all the room under a 1st or 2nd gen’s hood – espec w/o a/c.
I was going to wait until 1982 to order my first new car – a Camaro.
When I saw what the ’82s were going to look like, I hurried down to the Chevy dealership and placed my order for an ’81.
How rare is that rear wiper in a 3rd gen?
I know of several ’60s novas & camaros with original lightweight powerglides still kickin!
I wonder if any 3rd gen has such a transplant.
It was hit hard, totaled, repaired, then the transmission blew at 40,000 miles, how hard was it hit, got a bad title, he didn’t get rid of it back then because of the title, it didn’t heal in the garage 40 years later
The rebuilt title explains the lack of stickers on the drivers door I don’t know other than paint and interior cloth how this car is any different from the 87 Iroc I had unless this car spent its life smoking the rear tires or the impact of the crash somehow damaged the transmission it should not have gone out so quickly I’m willing to bet its 140k on the miles 5 digit odometer and it pre dates auto history sites for a cheap car to just get back on the road and have fun its not bad.