We are no strangers to low-mile classics at Barn Finds. However, one occasionally surfaces that seems to rewrite the rules. Such is the case with this 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28. Its presentation is superb, and the original owner’s decision to order it with the 1LE Package increases its desirability. Its presentation is unsurprising because its odometer shows a genuine 1,699 miles. I don’t remember seeing another Camaro of this vintage with a similar total cross our desks, making this classic genuinely special. It might add to the figure as it undertakes its next journey to a new home. The seller has listed the Z28 here on eBay in Oak Ridge, North Carolina. Bidding sits below the reserve at $15,900 with a BIN option of $49,900 available for those who view the Camaro as an automotive “must-have.”
It is fascinating how a single paint shade can become almost iconic when applied to a particular vehicle model. That is undoubtedly true when you combine a Third Generation Camaro with Bright Red. Chevrolet offered seven other choices on the ’91 Camaro color palette, but this seems the most popular. This Z28 is a one-owner classic that has rarely seen the road. Its owner has focused almost exclusively on shows and special occasions, making the odometer reading understandable. It presents in as-new condition, with the lack of active use protecting it from stones and other objects that might inflict chips or other paint damage. The lower front spoiler is particularly noteworthy as a prone area that has avoided problems. The depth of shine is fantastic, and the panels are laser-straight. The lack of rust is unsurprising because the Camaro spends its downtime safely squirreled away in a warm garage. The factory alloy wheels are flawless, and the glass is crystal clear.
The 1LE Package was focused exclusively on performance and was automatically triggered under certain circumstances when a buyer ordered a Z28. One criterion was a buyer’s decision to forego air conditioning, as with this Camaro. That isn’t the only creature comfort this car lacks. While the buyer receives power locks, a rear defogger, leather upholstery, an AM/FM radio/cassette player, and a tilt wheel, there are no power windows, power mirrors, or cruise control. However, that doesn’t detract from the aim of the exercise, which was to create the most potent production version of the Camaro available in 1991. The car is consistent because its interior is as flawless as its exterior. There is no evidence of wear or abuse, broken plastic, or aftermarket additions. The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence for the mileage claim, but the interior condition makes it plausible.
Powering this Camaro is the 5.7-liter TPI V8, producing 245hp and 345 ft/lbs of torque. Those ponies feed to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission, with power assistance for the steering and four-wheel disc brakes standard fare. Detroit had rediscovered its performance mojo by 1991, with this Camaro capable of covering the ¼-mile in 14.9 seconds. Its excellent aerodynamics mean the V8 won’t run out of breath until the needle nudges 152mph. I’ve repeatedly mentioned the 1LE Package, and it is worth reflecting on the upgrades this brings to an already potent classic. It wasn’t a specific option on the Order Form but was a combination triggered when a buyer ordered their Z28 with no A/C and the G92 performance rear axle. The brakes received an upgrade with larger rotors. The driveshaft was swapped from steel to aluminum for reduced weight, with other changes including better shocks and suspension bushes, and a baffled fuel tank. The 1LE Package first appeared in 1989 but slid beneath the radar. Only 111 cars were built in 1989, with the figure dropping to 62 in 1990. It enjoyed a resurgence in 1991, with 478 vehicles produced. That is still rare, considering that the total Camaro production for that year was 100,838. This Z28 may only have 1,699 genuine miles on its odometer, but the seller hasn’t let it go to seed. They have meticulously maintained the vehicle, making it a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
This 1991 Camaro Z28 is a stunning classic, and its condition is all you might expect from a car with a four-figure odometer reading. A few have recently hit the market with similar or lower readings, but they don’t appear every day. Part of its inherent value is courtesy of the mileage, and the seller’s price is consistent with what Hagerty quotes for a #1 example. Values for spotless examples have climbed slowly during the past year, and that would seem, on the face of it, to make this a potentially promising investment. However, that could be the rub for those wishing to hit the road for classic motoring fun. Every additional mile accumulated could negatively impact the Z28’s value, negating any market increases. That leaves the new owner with a choice to make. Do they preserve it as a time capsule or enjoy it as its creators intended? Which path would you choose?
Wow. This car is enough to make me like Camaros. The price is daunting, though.
Is the engine interference?
Sweet,sweet car…. I’d genuinely be interested if it just had ” one more pedal”.
Sweet pkg from the General.
Track worthy from the factory.
I owned a 91 Z28 for years. Mine was white with the L98. Compared to everything else it was somewhat fast but 15 second quarter miles times are what they are. I remember that front spoiler hit everywhere. Ther was a Heritage package with stripes that really woke up the looks. If you wanted a manual you had to downgrade to the 5.0 I guy I worked with at the Post Office had a blue one and that car was sweet looking.glwta 50k with that mileage and shape is reasonable but this should be a museum car
50k? Nope!
No doubt a nice car but with that low of a mileage, starting to actually use it for what it was intended would probably not be a good idea at this point. Regardless of its condition, I can’t see shelling out 50k for a garage ornament either.
Back when Chevy and Ford were still in a slugfest for supremacy. These were the story of the day in the car mags but you had to know what to ask for. Maybe the stick would be more fun but this oozes with cool just like it is.
The mileage is driving the price, obviously. It’s still a ‘91 Camaro with no AC. Unless you have some fond memories or emotional attachment to one of these, it’s a pass. There’s plenty of other classic cars I’d rather have for $50K.
Have we seen this one before ?
I had a red ’91 rag top with a 5 speed (manual). Loved that car, had over 200,000 miles on it when I finally sold it. Always ran strong, still miss it