Big block engines were a thing of the past for the second-generation Chevrolet Camaro by 1974, and numerous once-mighty cars were delivering less overall performance than their predecessors from just a few years earlier, thanks to tightening emissions regulations, higher insurance premiums, and more buyers concerned about fuel economy. Years ago, someone saw the need to install a 396 under the hood of this 1974 Camaro Z28, and while it’s been off the road for decades, it still has this big block resting in the bay. If you’re in the market for an F-Body project, this one is in Concord, California, and can be found here on Craigslist, with the seller proclaiming he’s firm on the $12,000 price tag. Rocco B., thanks for another great tip here!
The owner indicates that this Camaro is a genuine Z28, which he says is confirmed by the trim tag, and can also be identified by the letter T as the fifth digit in the VIN. The sole engine available for the Z28 in ’74 was a 350, and for the period, it was a pretty good offering, providing 245 horsepower. That’s actually better than it sounds, since just a couple of years earlier, HP ratings were switched from gross to net, so all factory numbers went down in 1972. However, somebody decided that the 350 wasn’t good enough and replaced the original small block with a 396. It’s reported to have last run in 1982, with no word on why the car was parked or whether the engine will still turn over.
Fortunately, given how long this one’s been sitting, it still looks fairly good overall outside. The owner indicates that some rust is present at the bottom of the quarter panels, but storage conditions must have been favorable, as the body appears reasonably solid for the most part. There are a few blunders, such as the modified hood showing cracks around the raised section, and it appears the trunk may have been pried open. However, from what I can tell, there are plenty of decent bones left here for the buyer to work with.
We only get to see a couple of interior shots, and while it doesn’t look all that bad, things inside would certainly benefit from some sprucing up. The steering column is missing the outer section where the key would go in, and it’s hard to tell what’s going on with the radio spot. A really good sight is the shifter, as this one is equipped with a manual transmission, though no details are provided about it. While there are a few mysteries here, this 1974 Chevrolet Camaro seems like a pretty good project. However, with the seller unwilling to negotiate on the price, potential buyers will have to ponder whether it’s worth their initial $12k investment. What do you think?
To me it looks as if the person with the keys became separated from the car at some point or lost them and really needed to gain access to the interior to make it driveable. Then again what do I know?
“However, with the seller unwilling to negotiate on the price, potential buyers will have to ponder whether it’s worth their initial $12k investment. What do you think?”
NOPE!!
Don’t see a 4sp 74′ Camaro everyday
I went to a fortune teller once, but I don’t believe I need to go to one so I can understand all the features of this car. My pet peeve is a seller not listed all the cars features, suggest he go to ebay to see how they list features
I like it for what it is but I’m thinking there’s way more work to do than what we see. The interior looks as if it needs totally redone. Body doesn’t look bad. I’m wondering if the 396 implant was done right and not a butcher job. The 396 will need a rebuild. I think the price is fair but I also think someone is going to have quite the project in order. Yeah, I’d like to have it
The seller needs to post the VIN which will authenticate it’s a real Z28, a few emblems aren’t good enough. As for the quality of work, it’s questionable, the heater/AC suitcase on the firewall was removed and blocked off by sheet metal patch.
I’d also only be interested if the car is titled in the sellers name, if it’s not, there is too much downside risk at that price.
Steve R
Stored for decades. Why? Because he figured he could get 12g’s for a butchered damaged car? You’ll be upside down on this quickly. I suggest ya keep looking.
I owned a 75 Camaro with a 4-speed. The only car I ever regretted buying with a manual. The clutch was so stiff my left leg would get fatigued, and the gear shifter pattern was so wide it was a chore to change gears, Sure looks like a lot of rust from what we’ve been privileged to see,
The first year for the mandated “safety bumpers”,last year for straight rear window,although the wrap around may have been installed in late ’74.
I think it was the last year for the points ignition, and one model year before the catalytic converter.
My ’74 had the A.I.R. pump system,which I partially removed and plugged.
It looks like it has the seatbelt override switch on the fender well,in front of the master cylinder.
You had to buckle up for the car to start.
The switch was there to prevent you from being stranded if the system didn’t work properly.
I believe that was a 1974 only set up,required on all automobiles,foreign and domestic.
There were many complaints about that system,mine was disabled.
I always preferred the flat rear window in the 70-74 Camaros, over the 75 and up wraparound window, the 70-73 models were my favorite Camaro tho, that front end and the circular taillights really did it for me. Think the seller is a little High on the asking price for this 74 tho.
got to love the smashed steering column. this thing is beat down and rotted. if were mine it would have hid it away too. i can’t see anybody paying 12k for this pile. maybe 2500.00
I bought a 74 Z28 nearly new in 1975 (great car!), and the first thing that I noticed on this vehicle is that the Z28 emblems are not positioned correctly on the fenders, and the emblem on the glove box door is added. I’m not sure even if it was an authentic Z28 originally that it still can be called one, without the correct L82 350 engine. And then we have those awful non-factory seat covers; what’s up with that, if it was parked when only 8 years old? I’d be a hard pass on this one, given the number of red flags and previously mentioned anomalies pointed out by others.
Ahh yes, I remember this color… “Rattlecan Red”
Another vastly OVERPRICED Camaro project car!
It’s not a 74 . The wrap around rear was not used at all in 1974 . And no z28 in 75 either . 1200.00 is about all it’s worth . Someone drove the stuff out of it and then beat on it some more .Has the vin tag been switched out ? In that case it’s a hard NO What say you !
What wrap around window do you see?
I do not see one.
This rear window in this Camaro is the 70-74 flat rear window.
The car correctly posted as a 74 and “could” be a Z28.
A pic of the trim tag and VIN tag would certainly help!
A 52 year old car the has been sitting since it was 8yrs old. Might be z-28, could maybe be a z-28? Didn’t real z-28’s have a 302 under the hood? of course by 1974 nothing was very real anymore in the car world. And now it has a 396 under the hood of unknown provenance? And, being nice, it is just a bit of an unknown mess, no matter you look at it.
Sure that’s worth 12k.
In who’s nightmare?
302 engines ended in the 69 Z28, were replaced with 350,s starting in 70, i believe 305,s might’ve came in some Z28,s along with 350,s in the mid to late 70,s, but I’m not 100% on that.
Way too many questions on this one.
Price has been lowered to $10,500.