This 1980 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is a stunning car that would turn as many heads today as it would have when it rolled off the showroom floor. The seller doesn’t expressly state that it is a genuine survivor, but they give that impression in their listing. If this proves true, its overall condition will appeal to a meticulous potential buyer. If you feel you could be that person, you will find the Z28 listed here on eBay in Waupaca, Wisconsin. Bidding has raced to $19,601, but that figure falls short of the reserve.
Chevrolet’s Second Generation Camaro was reaching the end of its production life by 1980, meaning any changes for this and the following year were largely evolutionary. It would be easy to be dazzled by this car’s overall presentation and its stunning Dark Blue Metallic paint. Its shine and depth of color give the impression you could sink into it. There are no visible defects or signs of previous repairs. The panels are equally impressive, while the Gold decals and stripes look flawless. This car’s beauty is more than skin deep, with the seller stating the underside is in as-new condition and that the Camaro is rust-free. The glass T-Top gives the new owner a semi-convertible driving experience, with the car retaining the original storage pouches for the glass panels. There are no plastic issues or signs of damage on the distinctive alloy wheels. Now we have considered this Z28’s overall condition and presentation, we should ponder the question of whether readers believe it is a genuine survivor. The seller provides that impression, and its garage-kept history has helped its cause. There are no signs of restoration work, but if any repairs were performed to a high standard, I wouldn’t expect there to be. This classic seems to pose as many questions as answers.
The Camaro’s interior continues the theme of spotless presentation, and if everything is original, it would seem to support the seller’s suggestions surrounding its history and odometer reading. The Tan vinyl and cloth upholstered surfaces are virtually flawless, with no signs of wear or damage beyond some slight cloth stretching on the driver’s seat. The same is true of the dash, wheel, and plastic, but the carpet might hold a clue to this car’s history. There is no evidence of wear or stains, which is unusual for a vehicle of this vintage. I acknowledge that it may have been replaced, but most newer carpet sets have a curious “gloss” look to their fibers. There is no evidence of that trait in this Z28, so unless someone has secured a NOS carpet set, my instincts tell me it is original. If that is the case, the odometer reading of 10,000 miles seems plausible. The new owner won’t drown in factory options, but the air conditioning, T-Top, AM/FM stereo radio, power antenna, and tilt wheel will all be welcome.
Lifting the Camaro’s hood reveals an engine bay that is as spotless as the rest of the vehicle. It would seem to reinforce further the seller’s belief that the odometer reading of 10,000 miles is genuine. The 350ci V8 should produce 190hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed automatic transmission, while power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes were standard features in 1980. The journey down the ¼-mile should take 16.5 seconds, demonstrating the profound impact emission regulations had on performance. A similarly equipped 1970 Z28 would have used 360hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque to complete the journey in 14.1 seconds. It would take the introduction of the radical Third Generation Camaro for that figure to dip below the 16-second barrier again. The seller indicates this Camaro recently received new brakes, shocks, and factory exhaust. It runs and drives perfectly and is a turnkey proposition for the winning bidder. It has a known ownership history, making it surprising that they are unsure whether the odometer reading is genuine or whether it has rolled over.
This 1980 Camaro Z28 poses a few questions that we must consider. The first is whether or not it is a genuine survivor. The seller seems to cover their bases by not stating it outright, but they leave potential buyers with that impression. The second revolves around the question of the odometer reading. The car’s overall condition is consistent with a low-mileage vehicle, but it is another aspect the seller calls into question. This is confusing because they suggest it has a known ownership history. If that is the case, I am surprised they have been unable to secure some form of confirmation regarding its mileage. If a further investigation confirms that this Z28 is a genuine survivor with 10,000 miles on its odometer, I would estimate that the bidding needs to pass $25,000 before exceeding the reserve. Otherwise, this car is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for a spotless classic with an unknown history. What would be your price?
The seller doesn’t mention that it is equipped with intermittent wipers. A feature that you really miss when it’s not there.
Also, no mention of a rear window defogger. That will be missed on an icy winter morning commute.
That car won’t be seeing any icy morning commute.
Yes a deal breaker for sure. :)
Ram Air here was smart move by GM engineers to find some needed HP.
Air Induction. Backwards facing scoop
Hair-raising performance for its day. My best high school friend’s younger brother took us on a quick ride through town one Sunday morning some forty-two years ago. Cresting one abrupt hill (out on Bridgetown Pike in a series of whoop-dee-doos) I remember feeling the suspension unloading as we probably pulled about one-tenth of a G. I don’t know how we survived the experience; truly. We were all young and dumb. Our loved ones would have missed us. That being said, this iteration of the venerable Z28 is appealing, automatic transmission or not.
same here, one of my friends uncle had a 80 model that had some motor work done on it and took us on one hell of a ride doing donuts and smoking the tires around every corner….. as kids all my friend and I could do was smile from ear to ear telling her to do it again…. lol … I knew one day that a 80 or 81 z-28 would be a car I would own…. well out of boredom one night when I couldn’t sleep I jumped on craigslist and there was a 81 identical to this one except it was blue on blue… dirt cheap just needing me to rescue it from it’s crackhead owner before he tore it apart and put a big block in it… I am now the owner of a #’s matching very solid very original t top 81 z-28 waiting for me to get started on it…..
Seller comments he’s not sure if mileage is 10K or 110K. Check it out for yourself.
And just one year shy of being able to pull a vehicle report to verify it.
Bummer.
I think that having to replace the exhaust system is a giveaway that the mileage is more than likely 110K.
I’m gonna go with 110K . I have an original 79 Z28. The engine color is wrong (to dark of Blue ) original color is lighter . Plus what 43yr old engine paint is so bright . Also if it only got 10K , where are the original floor mats (I have 3 of mine ) , why does it have newer tires on it . I have my Goodyear poly steel radials from 79 . Just saying
I think it’s a bust
I owned a blue 80 Z28 for a short time. The previous owner had done a lot of performance mods and that thing kicked ass! It was blue, too, but didn’t have T-tops, but it did have a 4 speed. This one, being an automatic, would be an instant no go for me.
It’s a beauty, for sure.
If the bidding doesn’t go too high, the unconfirmed mileage won’t matter so much. We’re so old-school, we’d still want to see it in person first. We’re just not brave enough to spend that much without a first-hand inspection… perhaps we’re jaded from the past.
Never understood the hard, rough, “ropefeel” of the steering wheels on these cars?
Other than that, always liked the lines of GMS “F” bodies.
It’s got the Berlinetta custom interior too – about a $400 option back in 1980. Upgraded seats, door panels and extra sound insulation. Cruise control too. Why anyone would spring for power antenna ($49) vs. the standard one embedded in the windshield is beyond me.
that’s easy mrshed. try living in a fringe reception area. those windshield antennas were notoriously directional. north of me is one such area and driving the bone stock gm of a friend you could only get the desired station driving into town from his place. head back to the ranch you sang to your self.
and i can’t carry a tune if it has handles
The reason people ordered the power antenna was becasue soon after the windshield antennas came out people realized how awful the reception was beyond city limits.
Not a fan of that year of car
I love the color combo. Most of the dark blue Zs in this era tended to have blue stripes and light blue interiors, including my old ’79. I think it looks better with the gold/tan. Blue interiors were the rage then but didn’t age well.
One thing I do not like is the T-tops. They rattle and leak and I don’t think it’s a good idea to cut away a portion of the car structure on a partial unibody. A buddy of mine had an ’81 305 4-speed with T-tops and it seemed like it had more cowl shake than mine (and mine had cowl shake). But I’m in the minority. They are a highly desired option today.
It’s too bad it’s not a 4 speed but as a consolation, the automatic cars in ’80 kept the 3.42 rear. The manual cars went from 3.73 to 3.08. My 1979 automatic with these gears ran very low 14s at 98-100 MPH with just a mild cam, higher stall torque converter, and true dual exhaust.
If I had that car, I would be very tempted to build a really nice 400 SBC making a good 450 + HP and then disguise it to look like the stock 350.
Awesome! I’ll take it! This 1980 Camaro Z-28 is probably one of the best I have seen lately! 190hp is just fine with me because if I bought it , I would have a lot of fun cruising it around and taking it to car shows. I’d take extreme “meticulous care “ of it and preserve it – BUT drive it ! Also, 1980 was really the start of “modern day interior design “. Big difference on 1980 interiors versus previous years. I love this car and colors – wouldn’t change a thing! Nice article.
Pop a Comp Cams 260 duration, .440 lift cam, a 2,200-2,800 stall converter, and a true dual exhaust with dual cats on it and this car will run low 14s. No, you won’t be challenging Tesla Model S Plaids and Challenger Hellcats at the stoplight, but it’ll be quick enough to be fun to drive, and will look completely stock.
IF IT WERE A T/A, I’d say okay at 25.. But the z28s were doggy. They looked okay but that’s about it. At the bid this guy has he should take it. To me, I have owned the z28..12k is tops.. sorry.
EVERYTHING in the mid 70s to early 80s were “doggy”.
I’ve owned 3, 1976-1979 TAs, none were fast.
The 1980 Trans Am was way more doggy than the Z28. The TA had the 301 Turbo, which was a dog, or the regular 301, an even bigger dog. Some had the Chevy 305/ Now, you can modify a 301 turbo to be pretty formidable, but you need to go through TTA Performance, so it’ll cost you a lot more than it will to modify a 350 SBC.
Looks like we might get a look at this one in the car corral at the Iola car show
Pretty simple dealio to make a 350 howl. Although my faves are the 70 to 73 models, this one is nice.
All these guys picking this car apart go buy yourself a new one & put the equipment in it u want.This car is beautiful maybe ur jealous that u don’t own it. Pack it in guys.
Had a brand new 79 back then, medium blue, blue interior, 350, turbo 350, looked great with Cragers but still a dog. My 99 jeep xj slightly modded has more HP and the same torque as this….still sad engines back then.
These GM cars of the late 70’s to the early 80’s will continue to increase in cost to buy, even in mid-level condition. Reason, they are not making them anymore. I have a 1996 Camaro Z28 SS by SLP. 49,000 miles and is all original. In the past year, the sales offers have climbed steadily.
SOLD for $32,100.
Someone must have believed it only had 10K miles.