Although the second-generation Chevy Camaro had a run of 12 years, it outsold the Ford Mustang during much of that time. For example, the 1978 Camaro was still a “pony car” while the Mustang was a reworked Pinto, and that helped the former outsell the latter by 38%. The seller has owned this car for more than 40 years and has kept it original. It does have a bit of rust to be repaired and is available in Angier, North Carolina, and here on craigslist for $9,900. Thanks, Pat L., for sending this tip our way!
In 1978, the Camaro’s big, extruded aluminum bumpers finally got replaced by body-colored urethane fascia that concealed those impact-absorbing structures. The Rally Sport was back as a series and the Type LT option package was there for those wanting a dressier Camaro. When you combined the two, production was just 5,696 units compared to more than 272,000 cars in total. The seller’s Camaro wears that combination and – given survival rates after more than four decades – you could argue that it’s a rare car today.
The seller’s Chevy has a 305 V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor, paired with a Turbo-Hydramatic transmission. That’s not a barn-burning combination, but the seller says it runs great at 268,000 miles. You would think rebuilds of both would have occurred by now, but there is no such reference. We’re told everything works as it should, except for the clock (aw shucks). The two-tone light/dark blue paint looks good, although mention is made of rust that is not pictured. The interior has typical 1970s materials and maybe okay but could be getting a bit tired.
Given that so many of these Camaro’s were made, resale value according to Hagerty is not out of sight, making these vehicles decent prospects for Cars & Coffee. One of these RS models in good shape shouldn’t run more than $10,000 which is where this car is if the referenced rust is minor.
These cars look so good on the outside and so ho hum on the inside. The gen 3 F bodies take a lot of heat for lack luster interiors, I happen to like those interiors, but these 2nd gen Camaros to me are like a beautiful woman who smiles and exposes bad teeth.
My red/black ’78 RS/LT has the upgraded interior option and is definitely not ho-hum like the plaid.
I love the interior set up of the Gen 2 Camaro interior, I had 2 of them a 1971 & 1977, just the quality of the interior parts such as trim, knobs and such were cheap
It’s in remarkable condition for being 43 years old with 268,000 miles
I have a 79 RS with about the same mileage. Most of that was when it was a daily driver. I bought it when I was 21 years old. I’m 63 now, still own it and it drives fine. It has the original 350 and auto transmission. It is brown and beige. I’ve seen only one other like it and that was a long time ago. The only big things I’ve changed is changing the exhaust and wheels to Z28 items.
I have a 79 berlinetta that I bought brand new and still have. Always garaged and 93000 miles.
First I would paint the car one solid color. Next I would return the stock wheels to it. Then maybe you’d have a worthwhile car.
One solid color? Really? Then you would just have a plain Camaro sport coupe. The value of that car just took a big hit. I’ve had my 79 RS for over 40 years and the only exterior things I’ve changed is changing the exhaust and wheels for Z28 items. I’m always getting compliments on it.
Before everyone attacks me what I meant to say was add rally wheels to it.
Looks like there was a leak of some kind under the dash as there is a brown stain down to the mat
Probably a heater core leak.
LOL. As stated on August 23rd at 6am.
Looks like a busted heater core did a number on the carpet in the footwells. the thing that stands out to me with this car is how well it presents with that many miles, but jeez….how about ya detail/polish those alloy wheels to extract as much of your asking price as possible!?
I owned a 78 RS with the black/silver combo. It was a dog but a real comfy cruiser. Actually been on the look out for one.
Gonna need a motor, transmission, interior and paint, on top of the asking price, original interior is gonna be hard to source I think, radio bezel is cut, rugs bad, gonna put another 20 to be worth 17
I have a 79 RS; brown and beige. Bought it when I was 21 years old. I’m 63 now. Seen only one other like it and that was many years ago. The only upgrades I’ve made is Z28 exhaust and wheels. It’s still has the original engine and transmission with 200 and some odd miles on it. It’s been much more dependable that one might expect.
Better to start with a reproduction chassis shell
https://www.npdlink.com/product/shell-assy-body-real-deal-steel-completely-new-steel-body-assembled-w-25-percent-more-spot-welds-than-gm-used-new-body-skeleton-incl-dash-roof-skin-drip-rails-quarter-panels-inner-and-outer-wheelhouses-rear-deck-filler-panel-and-tail-light-panel/214260/545
“No image available,” so says the webpage? I didn’t know they were repopping second generation Camaro shells now. Time marches on. Pretty soon we’ll all have what we want, reproduced, as long as we can snap a body tag and VIN off a roached out original!