Stored For Decades: 1974 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

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?