Street Or Strip? 1979 Chevrolet Camaro

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While it seems many second-generation Chevrolet Camaros are either being preserved or restored back to near-original specs, the owner of this 1979 model has taken a different approach, turning this one into an F-Body that can be enjoyed both on the streets plus at the track.  If a potential buyer shares the seller’s vision and can appreciate all the exterior stickers, there’s probably not much left to do here.  However, this one might also be a potential candidate for returning to a more tranquil look.  Whatever your intentions, this 1979 Camaro is in Grand Rapids, down in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, and can be found here on Craigslist.  All things considered, the asking price of $8,000 doesn’t sound unreasonable.  Rocco B., thanks for your tip here!

Probably the best news regarding this Camaro is the strong drivetrain.  The seller tells us this one’s powered by a Chevy 350, with some of the goods including a Holley Contender manifold and 650 CFM Street Avenger 4-barrel.  The small block is said to Dyno at 300 horsepower, with the Muncie M22 4-speed and the 3.73 rear-end adding to the fun factor here.  Down below, the platform has received products from Hotchkis, such as SPS shocks and TVS sport suspension, with a set of Lakewood traction bars helping out the leaf springs.  The owner is also confident enough in the dependability to state that the buyer could drive this one home.

Not only is the seller upfront that there’s some body rust present, but he also points out that the patchwork done on the exterior isn’t professional.  If you’re intent is to just drive this one as-is, it may not matter, as the corrosion level doesn’t appear severe, plus the decals seem like the main focal point outside.  On the other hand, should the future owner wish to axe the racing vibe, the panels may still be at a good enough starting point to repair properly.  Some positive metal news is that the floors and trunk pan have already been replaced.

The above photo is the best view we get of the interior, but it’s probably enough to tell that much of the inside has been gutted of components, and an aftermarket tach has been attached directly to the top of the dash.  Those seats look like they mean business, and the RaceQuip harnesses seem more than adequate to keep the occupants safe whether on the street or at the track.  I’d lean toward just enjoying the fruits of labor that have been accomplished here, at least for a while, rather than begin making improvements immediately.  What would you do with this 1979 Chevrolet Camaro?

Comments

  1. Stan StanMember

    Looks like someone had fun with the stickers 🧀 🏈 ⛽️ 🚬 🍺 , and hopefully fun on the track too. Bet it sounds great ripping thru the gears🏁

    Like 3
    • bobhess bobhessMember

      Just got back from a week at Sebring International Raceway and the last race of the weekend was the big iron cars like this one. Goose bumps every time they went by. Finish off the required items and put it on the track, racing or track days, and have some fun.

      Like 1
  2. El Grecko

    Looks like a nice start on SCCA CAM (Classic American Muscle) class autocross car. Would be a lot of fun but it would take a bit more to make it competitive in the class although a lot of the parts are there already. Lots of Sunday fun for a very small budget. You could enjoy it as it is and slowly do the cosmetic work to make it really nice but not necessary if you’re just killing cones on weekends. Very fair price since the important rust has been taken care of.

    Like 3
  3. Steve R

    This car has a nice stance and looks good with those wheels and tire size. Put together on a budget to be fun to drive and draw eyes at a coffee and cars. As mentioned above, it could be made into a competent track car, but it’s not there yet. As long as the rust repairs were done competently it’s a way into a car for not a lot of money.

    Steve R

    Like 3
  4. Philbo427

    Put some more stickers over the rust and drive it! Mechanically it looks like it’s set up nicely. (Honestly, I would prefer to takeoff half the stickers. Then drive it!)

    Like 0
  5. JohnPMember

    Looks good. Good price. Just drive it like you stole it!

    Like 1
  6. ET

    Great looking stickers, hate to see the refrigerator.

    Like 0
  7. onrey 32Member

    Leave it alone Gas it, drive it and enjoy going threw the gears.

    Like 0

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