Twelve years is a long time for any car to remain in the same generation of production, but when you’ve got a winner on your hands like the Camaro, I guess Chevrolet decided it would be best not to mess with a proven seller, at least not for a while. However, the Camaro got a refresh outside in 1978, eliminating the chrome front and rear bumpers, which were replaced with urethane panels the same shade as the body. Choosing the Rally Sport also got you a two-tone finish outside as part of the package, and this 1978 model here on Craigslist is said to still retain its original paint. This one is priced at $16,000 and is located in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. Tony Primo, we appreciate your cool bowtie tip here!
There are both positives and negatives to the exterior, but the fact that this one hasn’t gotten a respray is a plus in some ways. The patina and wear show bystanders that this one has been enjoyed as intended and not treated like a show queen, plus there isn’t a fresh coat of paint that would hide any corrosion or backyard bodywork that could have been performed. Unfortunately, there’s also a minor dent in the driver’s door that probably can’t be repaired by PDR, so if you want to take things up a notch, it may be time to grab some PBR and smooth out this area and any other imperfections, then apply fresh paint and decals.
Some new components are said to be present inside, and the interior seems to be one of this Camaro’s strong points. One of the nice features here is the leather seats, which the owner reports were hand-made in the Philippines, and they blend well with everything else. It’s not revealed which other parts in here are original versus replaced, but the condition appears more than acceptable for a fun driver. It’s good to see that the package tray has the optional rear window defogger, plus a set of aftermarket speakers installed nearby.
Although a 350 was one of the engines available here in ’78, this one is equipped with a 305. We get very few details about it, other than the seller mentioning that the small block has received lots of brand new parts, but the bay presents nicely and appears to be in good order. If the damage on the driver’s side wasn’t there, I’d strongly consider letting this one stay as-is for a while, and try to talk myself into learning to live with it. On the other hand, I can also understand the urge to immediately want to make this Camaro Rally Sport look like new again. What would you do here?
Good luck getting it registered in California.
Steve R
All it has to do is pass a smog test and its good to go.
You forgot the visual component of the test. In California all emissions equipment must be present and operational, if a part has been replaced it must have an EO (executive order) number stating it is functionally the same.
Steve R
Steve is that because of emissions?
Yes.
Steve R
I live in northern Arizona and this would be no problem registering now in Phoenix that would tuff.
Key, I think there are some rural counties in California where you can renew your registration without biannual smog tests, but need to pass an emissions test when transferring title.
Steve R
No ‘e’ in Camaro! Jeez
The paint scheme copied from the 280zx or vice versa?
Camaro, the ugly years.
Steve is that a California plate on the back?
I can’t tell.
Steve R
Just curious if he bought the car out of state and found out the hard way on registration.
Way past ad nauseum, it’s C-A-M-A-R-O. Sheez, you would think the owner of one would know how to spell it. And what’s with the opening in the console where power window switches go? Not my favorite color for a Camaro, but easily changed.
It’s a Camdoba with rich Philippian leather! Also sporting 1980 Berlinetta tail lamps and filler panel. And decals that stop at the urethane bumpers. Things that make you go hmmm.
Wow that’s one big hot mess for 16k. I had one of those once, them beauty rings make a lot of noise that’ll drive you nuts with windows down. And they constantly fall off LoL.
It’s a 78. With a 305. Cutesy little engine touches but still seems like a dog. I’d price it closer to 7-8k.
Whoa 16k? That’s about 10k higher than it should be, but I have no doubt it will sell as these cars are very popular. I always thought the ’78 and older dash looked sportier than the ’79 to ’81 (along with the TA/Firebird). Of course it has the 140hp 305, the 350 was a big option in those years for non-Z28 cars, along with the four speed manual.
Had to snap those pics in the rain, eh?
16K and needs a power window switch, paint and an engine? No thanks. I don’t care how many new parts and pretty dress up parts you put on a 305, it still needs to be replaced.
This car has window cranks on the doors, the console came a different car.
It’s overpriced, the car gives off a “pieced” together feeling and the impending registration issues won’t be an easy fix.
Steve R
Body damage and needing paint for a 305 1978 camaro at 16k makes that 90 firebird formula with 5.7 5 speed at $11,900 seem like a screaming deal
This one not so much
This will need a lot of work on the engine and trany in the near future . I did a partial on one of my engines . It lasted about 2 years, my thoughts are do it right the first time . cost are a bit more but lasts a lot longer. As is I think it’s werth $10000 to $12000