T-Top cars were all the rage in the 1970’s and 1980’s after Oldsmobile introduced the first T-Top Hurst Olds in 1975 . Of course, Chevrolet had made T-Tops standard on the Corvette coupe in 1968 for 3rd generation of their sports car. Pontiac was the first to introduced T-Tops on the F-Body in 1976 and Camaro added them in 1978. This 1980 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 is black and gold and was equipped with T-Tops and a 4 speed manual transmission. This survivor car is located in Miami, Florida and is listed for sale here on eBay. With three days remaining in the auction, the Z/28 has been bid to $7,900 and it appears the reserve has been met.
This survivor is said to be equipped with its original 350 cubic inch V8 engine. The LM1 5.7 liter engine was rated at 190 horsepower in 1980 and included a new air induction scoop. This was the last year for the 2nd generation Camaro that could be ordered with a 350 cubic inch V8 engine and 4 speed transmission. In 1981, a buyer could only order the 305 cubic inch V8 engine with a 4 speed. The odometer indicates mileage of approximately 85,000.
The interior looks nice but the dash has some cracks and the carpet is sun faded. The car does not have air conditioning and a period correct aftermarket radio and equalizer have been installed. The tan interior contrasts well with the black exterior. The car has power windows and remote mirrors. A picture of the undercarriage indicates that the catalytic converter is still on the car. This was a second generation catalyst and was freer flowing which improved the horsepower rating.
The Z/28 has aftermarket louvers added to the back window and the paint is faded. There is a pretty good dent in the front fender but the car has the factory optional aluminum wheels. The radio antenna has been replaced with a flexible whip antenna. I think it takes away from the lines of the car. The tinted T-Tops work well with the black paint. I bet this car sells for closer to $10,000.
I guess I don’t know much about the market for these, but $7,900 seems like a pretty good deal for this car. The first years and last years of the 2nd gen F bodies were the best and showcased GM’s stylists’ talents.
Same car on this site 3 weeks ago. $20,000 BIN then. Watch the EBay shenanigans on this auction. Love the car, hate the game. Phantom bidding or “Item no longer available”.
Wouldn’t this car have had a 170 horsepower LM1 350 V8? I still wouldn’t race any Japanese economy car built in the last twenty years with it, but it probably doesn’t feel lethargic.
Hate the feel of that steering wheel……feels like sand paper in your hands, friend of mine had one back in the day, don’t know what the Chevy engineers were thinking.