Taking the decision to part with a classic car that you have owned for the best part of five decades can never be an easy one, but sometimes the harsh realities of life leave an owner with little choice. Advancing years and a lack of power steering mean that the owner can no longer drive this 1971 Camaro RS comfortably, so the time has come for it to head off to a new home. If you would like to become the second owner of this classic, then you will find the Camaro located in Rosedale, Maryland, and listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN of $24,999, but the option is available to make an offer. The Chevy has generated its fair share of interest since being offered for sale, and there are currently 104 people who are watching the listing.
The owner of the Camaro purchased it new back in 1971, and they then used it until 1983. At that point, the vehicle underwent a complete restoration, and since then, it has only ever been driven in the rain once. The Cranberry Red paint has held up very nicely, and it doesn’t show any significant marks or dings. Of course, we’re talking about paint that is now 37-years-old, so there will almost certainly be some defects to be found on closer inspection. The owner doesn’t indicate any problems with rust, and there are no issues visible in the supplied photos. Whilst the restoration was essentially completed using genuine parts, there are a few interesting additions to the car. The rear spoiler could potentially be original, but if it is, I would expect the Camaro to also be wearing a front spoiler as well. Spoilers came as a pair in 1971 under RPO Code D80. The wheels are a later addition, but they are era-correct for the car. Replacing these would not be difficult if the new owner desires originality. Another change has involved the exterior mirrors, which are OEM items, but not from GM. They were actually intended to grace the flanks of a Ford Torino, but have managed to find their way onto the doors of the opposition. All-in-all then, it doesn’t look like it would take a lot of work to return the Camaro to its original appearance if that’s what the next owner desires.
The interior of the Camaro is quite reasonable, and this is one area where a little work and some minor capital expenditure could pay some real dividends. Apart from the covers on the front seats, the remaining upholstery and carpet are said to be original. The carpet is definitely badly faded, although it doesn’t look like it is suffering from any significant wear. The door trims are also showing some signs of wear, but it is possible that these could be restored by the right person. The dash and pad look really good, but there are some aftermarket gauges mounted around the place. Those I would probably be inclined to lose because they do detract from the rest of the interior. Similarly, the wheel isn’t original, and it would appear as though the owner no longer has this. We can’t see the condition of the rear seat area or the headliner, but I get the impression that these might all be in good condition. So, place a new carpet set and steering wheel on the shopping list, remove those gauges, and the interior should be able to be returned to its original best.
There are no engine photos, but what we do know is that the Camaro comes equipped with the 2-Barrel version of the 350ci V8, a 4-speed manual transmission, and a Posi rear end. It doesn’t feature power assistance for either the steering or brakes, and that is the primary reason why the owner has decided to part with the vehicle. As we get older, we do tend to lose a bit of body strength. The owner has noticed this when driving the Camaro, so that’s why muscling a car like this is no longer an option. With 245hp on tap, the Camaro is capable of despatching the ¼ mile in 15.6 seconds. That’s not hugely quick, but for your average motorist, that should prove to be more than satisfying. The owner says that the Camaro runs and drives well, but given its age, it will need a few minor fixes. She doesn’t identify what those are, so that would be a conversation that prospective buyers would need to have with the owner. One thing that we don’t know, and this could ultimately have some impact on value, is whether the Camaro is a numbers-matching car. That would be another question that needs to be asked.
This 1971 Camaro RS is an attractive looking car, and it would appear to have a number of nice attributes. It seems that the owner is quite approachable, and she has indicated that she is willing to supply additional pictures and information if required. When I first read the listing I felt a level of sympathy for the owner because parting with a car like this that you’ve owned since new can’t be an easy decision. However, I’ve been able to balance this sympathy with a certain amount of envy. I mean, how many of us have had the opportunity to own a classic like this for the best part of five decades? While it might not be unheard of, it is the exception rather than the rule. Could you be the person who can provide a repeat performance?
It’s hard enough to part with a car you really enjoy and know, but it must’ve be incredibly tough when you’ve had it from new-especially for 50 years.
Let’s hope the new owner has even half the love the original owner showed this classic.
I believe that if it came with the spoiler, the two rods that run across the back of the deck lid to lift it, one is bigger than the other one.
Spoilers were a common addition by owners, just like the 67-69’s most were added at a later date. I had a 71 with a rear spoiler that was added by an owner prior to me and have many friends that added them to theirs.
Steve R
If it came with a spoiler, I believe one of the rods the hold up the deck lid is bigger than the other one.
Nice car. I think half of the Camaros built in the ’70s had after market wheels on them. Given the history I’d keep the wheels but might be tempted to put power brakes and steering in it. Easy conversion. These are big cars and no power assist bring thoughts of driving a commercial truck.
Dang! My first reaction was, “shoot- let’s all get together and help this guy install power steering so he can keep driving his car”.
My thoughts exactly. One weekend to convert to power steering and brakes using all factory parts would make a world of difference to this nice car.
Getting in and out of these cars can become a challenge as we age also.
True. I’m finding it truer every day.
For the wife its a challenge. But I am still a spry Old Goat.😎
My 77 came from the factory with both spoilers. The front one remained intact until the day I ran over something (not even sure I recall what that was) causing the front spoiler to shred. I removed whatever was left of it when I got home.
Vacuum the carpet if you are trying to sell a car for good money.
For that amount of money, just replace the carpet for lousy $200!
if he is indeed the original owner…. the dude is likely well into his 70’s. Cut him some slack!
…….I think if you’re serious about buying any car you will not let a little thing like vacuuming the carpet deter you from buying the car….,
I think the carpet is clean its just old junk
I’d buy a hopped up 383 crate motor and make it a wolf in sheeps clothing… Add the power steering and brakes and have a ball.
Yup, i had a 701/2 with a 427, and a 4 gear, fastest car I ever drove ! I like this, a lot.
yea, Jack, and if you are trying to achieve the wet look by photographing the car when wet, at least get the garden hose out of the picture. Check it good for rust underneath. Good luck!!
Cheers
GPC
,,,,,,,sellers just can’t win, everyone wants them to wash their cars before listing their car, one finally does,,,, then catches hell for leaving the hose in the picture, all kidding aside, the car actually looks dry to me. even looks like they may have dried it with a towel, you can tell by the tires, they are almost dry, paint looks good, looks like an honest car, maybe 18-20 price wise though……
I used to have a RS Z28 69 but these models do catch-my 👁.
I like it and would just put new carpet snd store the intake and carb for a eldebrock small four barrel conversion (600 cfm or so) and intake 👍
I would leave the rest alone 😎
Someone is going to pay good money for this amazing representation . I’m feeling a British racing green or that period copper repaint. Its a sports car !
I want the Ford mirrors
After the 70’s most outside mirrors look like cheap plastic ugly junk. I wonder if the GM adjusting cable has been mated up to the driver’s Ford mirror!
Amazing u could get those mirrors on a < $2100 Pinto.
No reason to part with the car just for PS and PB. The electric assist PS out there now are amazing and cheap. No need for pumps, belts and pulleys, and you dial in your desired steering assist. Lots of shops can add PB. I’d tell him to keep it for a few more years!
Probably more to the story of selling it besides the power issue, their choice. I sure hope he or she understands once it’s gone it’s really gone for good.
Very nice looking machine, don’t change the wheels…..
come on, man, they look great! It’s begging for more snap under the hood as no 350 2 barrel Camaro ever broke into the 15’s, no way.
It appears it is the widow of the original owner selling the car. Too bad there are no underhood or undercar pics.
LS conversion, power steering, disc brakes, line lock and melt the tires.
How expensive is(how much time is involved to fit) a LS motor & computer,fuel pump, etc.? & can you get a new LS for the price below delivered with 400 hp & 400 ft lbs?
& how do you know what shape a used LS is in?
Plus wouldn’t the car be worth lot more with this, especially if painted to look factory? …
http://www.yearone.com/Product/automobilia/ct350pc1
Nice car to build/restore. I was never a fan of the 3 piece rear spoiler, but I know the 3 piece was rolled out during the 71 model year. I’d replace it with the one piece, a much cleaner look in my opinion.
This looks strikingly like my ‘73!
Bought it in August ‘73 and luckily have factory PS and PB
Enjoyed this review and best wishes to the seller and owner to be
Yeah my 5mph front bumper took a few small hits and left the neoprene bumper with spider cracks
As this is rubber wrapped on an iron frame unless the metal gets a bend it somewhat maintains its shape
But then needs the repainting of the rubber
Once mine had a twist in it there is not much to do but replace it
My metal guy says aligning even the new ones can be a challenge
So yes I have a paranoia about the front end
I always wondered how the similar nose on the ’73 RS could take the gov req’d 5 mph hit with no damage.