Few cars capture the late 1970s American muscle-car era like the 1979 Chevrolet Camaro, and this particular example listed here on eBay is remarkable for its provenance alone. The seller states it has been with the same original owner for 47 years before recently changing hands, and it comes with a treasure trove of documentation including the factory build sheet, window sticker, dealer sales contract, pre-delivery inspection sheet, and decades of maintenance logs. For collectors, this type of “golden ticket” documentation is a rare find that elevates the car well beyond a typical second-gen Camaro.
Originally ordered new in November 1978, this Camaro was optioned with the 305 V8, matching transmission, and positraction rear end. The seller reports that the engine was rebuilt at around 108,000 miles, and that many original components have been preserved, including the carburetor, A/C compressor, steel wheels with dog dish hubcaps, and other parts.
The car was stripped to bare metal and given one repaint in its original factory blue, which presents well today. While the seller points out a few minor flaws such as bumper stress cracks and a small paint scrub, the overall finish is clean and straight, with bright trim and a tidy undercarriage showing no evidence of rust.
Inside, the blue interior remains in excellent original condition, down to working gauges, climate controls, and even the factory A/C system converted to R134a, which is said to blow cold. The seller highlights that the doors still close tightly thanks to new hinge pins, and the trunk area remains exceptionally clean with the original spare, jack, and liner intact.
Over the years, this Camaro received meticulous care, with receipts showing regular replacement of major components including brakes, bushings, suspension, belts, hoses, shocks, and more. The attention to detail is evident in its overall presentation, with the seller stating it looks as good, or better, in person than in photos.
For enthusiasts seeking a well-documented, single-family–owned survivor, this 1979 Camaro represents a unique opportunity. Between its extensive paper trail, originality, and careful maintenance, it’s the kind of example that doesn’t often come to market.
Would you keep this Camaro preserved as a documented survivor, or give it a performance-oriented refresh to match its pedigree?
Very nice clean Camaro. That interior is amazing too. Especially that carpet. Its a hard color to keep clean and from staining. The Cutlass Rally rims with Chevrolet center caps is an interesting addition. Absolutely does not look like 108000 miles are under its belt either. All the paperwork going back to day one is a major plus too. Someone is getting a nice Camaro here. Nice write up Elizabeth, and a nice find too.
Looks very nice- Let’s see how high the bids will go.
It would be interesting to know, when the repaint was done. It starts now bubbling on the right fender and if the repaint was just done in the last years, I would be concerned, what other areas will start bubbling soon, too…
I agree with Driveinstile, the cutlass steel wheels look great on this outstanding car. Lucky person that gets this classic!
305 is just a little underpowered
125 hp (California models) to 130 hp (standard models).
Located in Shoemakersville, PA, with current bid at $11,100 (reserve not met).
I see those Oldsmobile wheels on a lot of cars these days. For visual appeal on a Camaro I would have opted for the Z-28 spoke wheels that are just as common and more in line with this bowtie beauty. I’d even go for the poverty caps on steel wheels if they were painted at the same time as the body.
Nice-looking ’79! Surprised they went with a rebuilt 305 instead of swapping in a 350 while the motor was out — would’ve made a world of difference.
I had a few 305s back in the ’80s and tried the usual upgrades (cam, carb, headers, ignition, dual exhaust). They were reliable but always felt underpowered. A 350 just wakes these cars up so much better.
Part of the issue with many 305 upgrades is changing the cam. Sure, you can do that if you compensate in what is usually period anemic gearing and/or improve compression. If those things are not done, I found improving exhaust (headers with x-pipe), richer fuel curve/square bore carb and additional advance on the timing makes a big difference on these engines. Nothing wrong with them if built correctly.
Too many people try to build them like they do 350s without understanding the impact of being 45 cubes smaller and understanding the significance of camshaft duration with respect to the torque curve of the smaller displacement engine. It’s really no different than a Ford 351 vs 302, but the difference is the Ford guys never confuse the two engines. Too many Chevy/GM guys think a 305 is a smaller 350. It isn’t, other than sharing a stroke with the 350.
I agree. Low compression ratios (often 8.0–8.5:1 in late ’70s/early ’80s engines): choking power potential. Heads and ports were designed for efficiency, not flow. Aftermarket parts existed, but you were starting with a handicapped foundation.
I was a kid in the 80’s picking up leftover 305’s with junkyard parts and no budget trying to get horsepower. It wasn’t really the displacement.
The Chevy 302 V8 (1967–1969) is one of those engines that really earned its reputation. What a legendary small-block!
why not put the right rally wheels on it instead of the olds wheels
Looking for a 74 Camaro. IF you know of one for sale, please contact me. Thanks
Very pretty car. Wrong wheels but very pretty. Always been partial to these though, my first was an 80. Great car. Greatly missed.
These Camaros are very heavy cars and it takes a decent 350 to much with them the 305 would be truly boring to live with in this application.
Nice Camaro style (2nd generation 1970-1981). Light blue presents well. The 305 is not a powerhouse but would be a good cruiser to car shows. Air conditioning is a plus. The provenance is rare. Some may lust for a Z28 with more horsepower and graphics but the Camaro represents the type of RWD sporty American car people bought to avoid paying higher insurance and getting fewer miles per gallon in 1979.
Auction ended at $16,700, Reserve Not Met.
Relisted at $23,900 BIN.