You can joke all you want about Chevrolet Camaros and Pontiac Firebirds that aren’t the preferred enthusiast spec being hairdresser cars, as if the only way to buy a Camaro like this is with a manual gearbox and firm suspension. But as with almost any GM product, you can equip them in myriad configurations, and this “base” model 1991 Chevrolet Camaro RS listed here on craigslist looks surprisingly appealing despite not being a Z28. Featuring color-matched factory wheels and paint that both present well and with under 50K miles on the clock, it looks like a terrific entrypoint into 3rd-generation ownership.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader T.J. for the find. The red-on-red combo really does jump off the page, and if you explore some 3rd-gen message boards, a lot of owners mention that the color-matched RS wheels often fade over time and get repainted in silver or black. Seeing the deep red paintwork and wheels that haven’t been cheaply refinished speak to years of careful ownership. And despite being an Arizona car, the paint hasn’t started to fade or oxidize, and even without old-school tint on the glass, the interior hasn’t perished, either. It seems likely this Camaro has been garaged for most of its life.
The dash mat suggests the long-term owner wanted to keep the Camaro looking fresh. The bucket seats are in excellent condition and the same goes for the carpets. The interiors of these third-generation models are super basic – borderline cheap – so seeing one that still looks this good is another strong indication that the “one elderly lady owner” mentioned in the listing was cautious with her Camaro to a fault. It appears to be well-equipped with power windows and locks, and one would assume the A/C still works being an Arizona car. In one of the other interior photos, you’ll even see a vintage Club anti-theft device on the floor.
The RS package made the entry-level muscle car a bit sportier, as it got the sideskirts and lower valence components from the more muscular Z28. This Camaro also got a bump in the engine compartment, fitted with an optional 5.0L V8. Of course, like any good hairdresser’s car, the power is routed through a 4-speed automatic transmission. The sub-50,000 mileage on the odometer is certainly believable with the condition shown here, and while it’s not throwaway money, the asking price of $12,500 seems reasonable for a Camaro as clean as this one.
Nice looking RS in fine shape. Very cool factory color matching rims. 😎
I always liked these especially with the color matched rims. The 305 and the automatic isn’t too bad performance wise, and actually if driven carefully you can get some decent fuel mileage out of it. This one looks terrific.
if only it was red exterior, red interior and red rims, that would look cool.
Nice.
Nice ride for the price!
Good car in a striking color. I like that it doesn’t have the t-tops, but even without them it needs subframe connectors. And the 305 is easily swapped for a 350, or better yet a 383. I think a red “sports car” should run like one. Of course as always: Opinions are like . . . well, lets just say opinions differ. LOL!
An L05 from a truck would be totally invisible and with just a bit of modern tuning and a freed up exhaust would likely perform as well as the hottest 305.
Red on red should be mean a red interior too – right?
👍
The “one elderly lady owner” probably wasn’t elderly when she bought this. Regardless, it is so nice that I can feel my mullet growing in.