One Owner: 1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

Choosing to part with a beloved classic is never easy. However, when the vehicle has clocked forty-five years of active service and you have been its custodian since Day One, the stakes are raised to a far higher level. Such is the case with this 1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z28. It is a genuine one-owner survivor with 58,900 miles on the clock. It isn’t perfect, but represents an excellent restoration prospect if the new owner elects not to preserve its survivor status. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting this wonderful classic.

A known ownership history is always a significant consideration as buyers search for a classic to park in their garage. This Camaro ticks that box, with the seller stating that they have been its sole owner. That claim should be easily verified, and I see no reason to doubt it. They don’t mention any repairs or restoration, suggesting that its Bright Blue paint might be original. It has accumulated the typical scratches and scrapes that you should rightly expect from any vehicle of this age that has been enjoyed as its creator intended. However, the car still presents acceptably if the buyer chooses preservation as the most appropriate path. The panels are straight, while the car’s current favorable location and garage-kept history have allowed it to remain rust-free. The color-matched wheels are in good order, and I can’t spot any glass issues.

Classics from the late 1970s suffered under the tyranny of tighter emission regulations, with engine power dropping as manufacturers attempted to comply with government requirements. The 350ci V8 hiding under this Camaro’s hood graphically demonstrates that. It should deliver 175hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque. In 1970, those figures were 360hp and 380 ft/lbs. The owner teamed their small-block with a three-speed automatic transmission, a Posi rear end, and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The ’79 Camaro Z28 might not have been as fast as its predecessors, but the mechanical specifications ensure that driving will be effortless. The listing indicates an odometer reading of 58,900 genuine miles without mentioning verifying evidence. However, the car’s history means such documentation may be available. The seller doesn’t provide insight into how the Z28 runs or drives, but the visual indications are positive.

The Camaro’s predominantly Blue interior compliments the exterior paint shade, and the condition is extremely tidy for a driver-quality car with over four decades of active service under its belt. The cloth and vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from significant wear, with the same true of the carpet. What is visible of the dash looks good, and there is no evidence of cracked or broken plastic. The aftermarket radio/cassette player appears to be the only addition. I am surprised that the owner didn’t select air conditioning when ordering this classic, but I am sure the buyer will welcome the power windows and rear defogger.

You’ve had a chance to examine the photos and the seller’s listing, so now it is crunch time. They have listed the Camaro here on Craigslist in Lafayette, Colorado. They set their price at $18,500, which looks quite reasonable for a car of this caliber. That leaves you with a couple of choices to make. The first is whether you would consider pursuing this classic further. The second is that if you do, would you restore or preserve this survivor? It will be fascinating to learn how the percentages fall on this one.