Parked Since ’98: 1973 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

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The term “buried treasure” can mean different things to different people. However, if you are a classic car enthusiast who prefers vehicles wearing a Bow-Tie, this 1973 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 could be particularly appealing. It has languished in this garage since 1998, with the seller admitting that it requires a total restoration. The good news is that as a dry-climate classic protected from the worst Mother Nature can throw at it, this Z28 is rock-solid. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Chris for spotting a car that seems to offer much to its next owner.

The history of this Camaro is unclear beyond the fact that its previous owner parked it in a garage in 1998. The seller recently dragged it from under a layer of accumulated debris and was pleasantly surprised by what they discovered. A close inspection revealed that its days in a dry climate have left this Z28 rust-free. The panels are clean, while the underside shots reveal no evidence of existing or developing problems. The one fact that is known is that the previous owner parked this Chev after it received a hit on the driver’s side while they were driving their son to school. Damage is limited to the driver’s door and rear quarter panel, but there are no structural issues. The door opens and closes as it should, suggesting that repairs should be relatively straightforward. If the buyer addresses that problem and applies a fresh coat of Antique White paint, the transformation should be miraculous.

The seller confirms that this Z28 features a 350ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, and power-assisted steering and brakes. The small-block would have produced 245hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque in its prime, resulting in a car that offered respectable performance. One question hanging over this engine is whether any upgrades are limited to the aftermarket headers and the obvious cosmetic enhancements. If the previous owner delved into this motor’s innards, it may provide a few additional ponies. The seller coaxed the engine back to life, but it only runs for a short time before cutting out. A fuel feed issue would seem the most obvious culprit, and a system flush would form part of the revival process. However, if the engine is healthy, returning the Camaro to active service might be a cheap and easy undertaking.

One aspect of this Camaro that surprised me was its interior. The driver’s seatcover is split and the radio is missing. Otherwise, there appears to be plenty of positive news. The remaining upholstered surfaces look fairly decent if the buyer aims at a driver-grade build, and the dash and pad haven’t succumbed to UV exposure. Replacing the damaged seatcover, sourcing a radio, and treating everything to a deep clean should produce respectable results, meaning a complete retrim might prove unnecessary.

This 1973 Camaro Z28 offers an intriguing possibility to its new owner. Its lack of rust and the fact the seller has coaxed its engine to life means that returning it to a roadworthy state might be a viable short-term goal. That would allow the buyer to enjoy the car immediately while planning their restoration path. The seller has listed the Camaro here on eBay in Los Angeles, California. They set a BIN of $12,800, with the option to make an offer. It has only been on the market for a short time, but are you tempted to make a play for this classic?

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Comments

  1. Stan 🏁Member

    Is that torque rating correct ? Seems low

    Like 2
    • Steve R

      The engine from a 1973 Z28 is a far cry from the 1970-1972. Gone was the solid lifter cam, aluminum high rise intake manifold, Holley carb high compression went away for 1971. In 1972 horsepower and torque ratings issued from the factory switched from gross to net, 1973 also saw the introduction of the EGR valve. These were still good engines, in their own right, but nowhere near what was available a few years earlier. As for the engine in the featured car at a minimum has an aftermarket intake, carb, ignition and headers.

      Steve R

      Like 14
      • 2001LexusRX300

        Basically, they went from the LT1 to the L82 for ’73. There’s nothing wrong with the L82. It still had 2.02 heads, forged crank, 4-bolt mains, and a healthy (hydraulic) cam. But people should understand they’re very different motors.

        Like 1
  2. djhuff

    Stan,

    Torque is a factor of horsepower and RPM. Actually a dyno measures torque and RPM, then you calculate the horsepower.

    As Steve said, a lot of the good components went away for 1973 so that the intake and cam lift went down, torque went down.

    My info says that the cylinder heads were still 2.02″ valves, so if the cam, intake and carb are upgraded it should be a runner even with low compression pistons.

    My engine guy (who does my machine work, smart guy with a dyno) says that a street car with street tires, a set of pocket ported 1.94″ valve heads will make enough low to mid range torque that they may outrun a car with the big valve heads. I still run 2.02″ intake heads just because I can say that I do.

    Like 3
  3. Roger Upton

    Pics of buried cars with soft, dust free stuff setting on them just screams set up photo to me.

    Like 2
    • Not Again

      Sigh…..does it really matter? You are buying the car not the set-up photo, if it truly is….GEEEEEEEEZ

      Like 6
    • Harry

      Roger you really have no intention of buying it anyway so your point is moot.

      Like 0
  4. Casey

    I would feel embarrassed to show pictures with trash all over

    like that. …Can you imagine their house ? …Makes me

    wonder how well they took care of that car.

    Like 6
    • Howard A Howard A.Member

      I too am appalled by these “treasures” buried in trash. When you see those devastating pictures of hurricane or tornado victims with trash strewn for miles, this is where that all came from.

      Like 5
    • Not Again

      The car was taken care of well enough to be a survivor…regarding the trash or whatever, the car was kept inside with the trash, not outside in the elements with the trash…….GEEZ LET IT GO!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Like 9
  5. 8banger 8bangerMember

    I guess he wouldn’t like to see what’s sitting all over the decklid of my Galaxie….

    Like 3
  6. Billy

    Ebay ad sez SOLD yesterday. Wonder why.

    Like 2
    • Not Again

      Because it was sold yesterday!…probably a crossing of sell and listing on this site

      Like 0
  7. 454rat

    Seller doesn’t say it is the original engine, only that it is a 350. Where are you going to find a 73 Z, needing only minimal body work, for 12 thousand bucks? You’re not. This car is the deal of the day. The ultra quick sell proves that.

    Like 7
  8. 19sixty5Member

    Someone got a great deal. Last year (in my opinion) of the best 2nd gen. The crash bumpers in 74, then the demise of the small back window in 75. I had a slightly modified 73 Z, but with a built 400. Still a fun car, but the rear frame rails were shot and replacements weren’t easy to find. Someone replaced the factory shifter in this one with a Hurst Dual Gate, a nice upgrade for the 2nd gen F body’s.

    Like 3
  9. Patrick

    Great barnfind 😎 73 Camaro Z/28 for under 13k

    Like 3
  10. Bub

    The engine looks like an ice cream cake. Sputters but won’t run. But the cure “might be a cheap and easy undertaking.” Good ol’ cheap ‘n easy.

    Like 0

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