The Chevy Camaro has served as the official pace car of the Indianapolis 500 nine times. That should make it second only to the Corvette to have that honor. Chevrolet built 6,360 pace car replicas of the 1982 Camaro Z28, and this non-running example is one of them. It has a seized engine, so repair work will have to start there. Located on a lift in a garage in Longview, Oregon, this Bow-Tie project is available here on craigslist for $6,500. Another tip brought our way by “Curvette”.
Getting your hands on a 1982 Camaro Indy 500 Special may have been difficult. They were probably allocated by dealer volume, so the largest dealers may have gotten a handful while the smaller ones may have come up empty. If you were lucky enough to buy one, it came with a 190 hp, 305 cubic-inch V8 paired with a TH200-C 3-speed automatic transmission. The exterior was finished in silver and blue and came with an interior specific to that run of Camaro Z28s. 1982 was the third outing for a Camaro Indy pace car.
The seller says this Camaro is particularly rare because it was one of fewer than 600 to come with 4-wheel disc brakes and a 10-bolt rear end. Also, 1982 was the first year of the third-generation ponies. This car has 127,000 miles, which is when the engine seized due to overheating (which the seller believes is what caused the motor’s downfall). Also, the TH-200 has been rebuilt (when?).
The photos don’t show the Indy 500 decals the car would have come with. They’re probably in the myriad of boxes the seller has. The car has no rust, and the paint may be okay (limited photos). The interior will need some servicing, as we see at least one tear in the upholstery. The seller was going to fix this Z28 up and hotrod it, but reconsidered due to its scarcity. The seller’s asking price might get him or her even on the purchase. A trade for an F-series truck would be on the table.
Dixon the parking brake will need an adjustment too 😲🏁
Seems like a good price for a good car. This series of Cameros were really good looking cars.
I don’t know what an 82 pace car Camaro is worth completely restored to stock but I’d prefer a nice torquey 383 and 4 speed overdrive automatic dropped in. Upgrade the suspension and brakes and you’ve got nice little rocket for the street.
That dual throttle body set up back then was trouble even on the corvettes
Note that the 190 pony 305 was not on the list in 82. 150 with a Quadrajet or 165 with Crossfire e.f.i. . I still would love one even the the e.f.i. setup. When well ajusted and balanced these were good. What screwed these up were mechanics that just didn’t have a clue but then again e.f.i. was still in it’s infancy and so was training. You don’t see many pace models of that gen anymore so it has a small exclusive touch
You are correct. I found an original owner 10k mile 82 Pace Car Z28 back in 2009. The car had the carbureted 305 and a 4-speed manual transmission. It was a rare combination, and you could only get the manual trans with the carbureted V8, not the cross fire injection. Sold it a Mecum auction, and actually made a nice profit.
I think this would be a fun and unique project. I would love it!
These third gens are really capable and fun cars with basic upgrades, like better brakes, engine/exhaust mods, transmission & suspension upgrades, chassis reinforcement, audio, wheels/tires, and a few other basics. Aftermarket upgrades are plentiful and relatively inexpensive, thank goodness.