When Chevrolet released the first Camaro Z28 in 1967, it was one of the automotive world’s best-kept secrets. That explains why only 602 buyers ordered a potent car that would become a desirable and valuable classic. The Z28 badge would become an icon, with 45,137 people handing over their cash in 1980 to park one in their driveway. This Camaro is one of those vehicles, and it presents superbly. Its paint and trim combination is among the nicest available, and it appears to need nothing but a new owner. The Camaro is listed here on eBay in Utica, Michigan. The buyer set a BIN of $33,995, but there is the option to make an offer. This is the second exceptional late Second Generation Z28 spotted by Barn Finder Larry D in a matter of days, so thank you so much for that, Larry.
The history of this Camaro is unclear, but it is hard to criticize its presentation. The Code 29 Dark Blue paint shines beautifully, with the original Z28 decals and stripes offering a stunning contrast. It is unclear whether it has received any form of restoration or if it is a genuinely pampered survivor. There are no signs of panel or paint defects, with the underside as impressive as the exterior. The supplied photos confirm it is rust-free and as solid as the day it drove off the showroom floor. The trim and graphics look as-new, and the spoilers are crack-free. One notable change is LED halo headlamps, which bring a modern touch to the exterior. It may not appeal to some, and returning this aspect to its factory specifications could be a wise move to maximize this car’s investment potential. The car rolls on spotless color-coded wheels that show no signs of stains, curb strike, or other physical damage. The glass looks crystal clear, and overall first impressions are extremely positive.
The original owner’s decision to order this Z28 with its interior trimmed in Oyster cloth and vinyl was inspired because it provides a welcome contrast to the dark exterior. It might look great, but trim of this color and type is prone to marks and stains. That hasn’t been the case with this Camaro, with its lack of issues standing as a testament to a life of care. The carpet has avoided the stains common with this shade, with no evidence of UV damage or plastic cracking. The owner added blue LED lighting to the gauges but reversing that change shouldn’t be challenging. They installed a retro-style stereo to the spot usually reserved for the factory unit, but since they haven’t cut the dash, reinstalling an original radio is viable. The interior doesn’t feature many factory options, but the buyer will welcome the air conditioning in such a dark car on sunny days.
If you walked into a Chevrolet dealership in 1980 with your heart set on driving away in a Camaro with a 350ci V8 under the hood, your choice was limited to a Z28. That is what this car’s original owner did, adding a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The full impact of tightening emission standards made themselves felt on the Z28, with this car using its 190hp to cover the ¼ mile in 16.5 seconds. The manual version was marginally faster but couldn’t break the 16-second barrier. To place that figure into perspective, a 1967 Z28 took 15.4 seconds to cover the distance, and the least powerful auto-equipped ’67 SS took 15.5 seconds. This Camaro is in excellent mechanical health and is a turnkey proposition for a new owner. The seller supplies this YouTube video featuring a detailed walkaround and footage of the Z28 running and driving. The engine sounds perfect, the transmission is smooth, and there is no evidence of the squeaks and rattles that often develop with advancing years.
Chevrolet enjoyed an “on again, off again” relationship with the Z28, and sadly, you can no longer buy one. The current generation Camaro features drivetrain combinations that would provide the performance a modern Z28 richly deserves. The company plans to permanently end Camaro production next year as it focuses on zero-emission models. I hope they revive the Z28 badge for one last hurrah because it deserves it. If that doesn’t happen, cars like this 1980 model have greater historical significance. It may not possess the performance credentials of its predecessors, but it is still a stunning survivor worthy of preservation. The BIN figure is heading toward the top end of the market, but with values climbing at a dizzying rate, it could be a pretty solid investment. That makes me wonder whether one of the people watching the listing will hit the button. If they did, would you blame them?
Always liked these, especially with those wheels.Love this color too. Does anyone know how many paint variations they offered? They seem endless. Quite a difference from what is available today.
80 Camaro
11L White 11.5%
15L Silver 9.5%
19L Black 11.6%
24L Bright Blue 10.5%
29L Dark Blue 12.4%
40L Light Green/white 0.8%
51L Bright Yellow 2.3%
57L Gold 6.7%
67L Dark Brown 7.7%
72L Red 5.1%
76L Dark Claret 6.1%
79L Orange 3.1%
80L Bronze 8.0%
84L Charcoal 10.3%
Tony Primo does.
I bought a new Z28 in 1980 in black, T-tops, 4 speed, silver stripes, and the oyster gray cloth interior. It was absolutely gorgeous. It’s so rare to see the cloth. The more common vinyl interiors look so cheap, the cloth really added a look of luxury. The interior in this car looks odd to me, the shades of color not as nice as my new car, maybe some restoration has been done. With 83,000 miles maybe that’s possible, I know mine was beautiful.
This has the optional custom interior – nicer seats, door panels and additional sound insulation that was standard on the Berlinetta model.
I had a new 1981 Z-28 identical in color and trim to this car. Beautiful and well built. It was a great grand touring car. Fun to take out on the back roads for a Saturday morning run.
My buddy had a brand new orange one in 1980 as we graduated high school. I loved the car, especially the air induction and it set off a mean screech after the shift kit was installed.
He never could understand how I could dust him off in the 1/4 in my 77 Trans Am T/A 6.6 That version of the Trans Am was just over 200 HP but was churning out 325 ft of torque. I paid $3,200 for it in spring of 80, drove it about a year and it met it’s fate against an oak tree one night. Just like most here, I’m glad to have survived those days!
Had a 79 T/A 6.6 Liter that I totalled in the fog. $10,000 out the door from the dealer. Got a 79 T/A 6.6 for $5k. Loads of fun.
Too many miles for too many dollars. Drive it for a few years and you have a 100,000 mile car. How many folks will want a 100,000 mile collector car? It appears there are many lower mileage Z-28’s available.
Wouldn’t blame anyone for hitting the “buy now” button…..this Zed28 is spectacular all the way ‘round!
I remember cruising the lots of the local Chevy dealer when these were new, and the startling color combinations of three or four of these sitting next to each was simply pure eye candy….what a great memory!
Charcoal Gray with an oyster interior sticks out in my mind….
All the best to the new owner! This example will turn many heads….👍 😎
1980 approx. cost high end $7100 = The 3.03% inflation rate means $7100 in 1980 is equivalent to $25678.05 today
Had a 79 Trans Am. Would blow this Camaro into the dirt.
You are very welcome, Adam. It’s a pleasure to do “business” with you. Have a great weekend!
Wow, I really like that interior.
Nice, yes.
Stunning? Maybe not.
Not even worth the buy $ with NO 4 SPEED~T/10 BORG WARNER 3’73 POSI REAR END STANDARD WITH THE 4/SPEED AND ALL U HAD TO DO BACK THEN IF NOT IN SMOG CALIFORNIA LAND IS ADD HEADERS AND A CAM + A FEW OTHER SMALL ADJUSTS ON THE MOTOR AND A TRANS AM WOULD BE LEFT IN THE DUST ~! I E A T Z/28 TRANS AM CATCH ME IF U CAN ON THE HYW WONDER LAND ~ ! SAMMY HAGAR THE GOLDEN BOY HAD A TRANS AM RED ON HIS STAGE WITH BOSTON GROUP AFET 1978 CONCERT EUGENE OREGON MAC COURT HOME OF THE MENS B BAL TEAM O DUCKS ~ CHEERS CRAIG S. AND I WAS THERE AND HAVE A 77 Z/28 78 Z28 AND WENT ON TO SELL CHEVROLETS IN HAWAII AND SOLD 80 CAMARO’S IN 1995 AND Z/28’S HAD A LT 1 275 H/P AND WITH A MANUEL 6 SPEED WERE NASTY AND FAST ~ ! CHEVROLET DA ONLY WAY AND VETT’S IN THE SHOW ROOM ALSO NICE C/4’S ~ HAD A FEW AND A C>5 ALSO. LOVED THE FEEL OF THE WHEEL SEAL THE DEAL $$$ SPRATTMAN 62 OUT TROPICS 4 LIFE PI.
I know it’s original but the 85mph Speedo ruins the whole vibe. Would look better without the Z28 markings on the door. Looks like Spicolli’s dad did a good job fixing Jefferson’s car.