When we think of Choo-Choo Customs vehicles, we almost always associate that aftermarket brand with a Chevrolet El Camino. While the changes made by the now-defunct Tennessee company were purely cosmetic, these cars have a healthy following of enthusiasts who recognize that a Choo Choo Customs-modified ride is a guaranteed stand-out at any car show you wish. This 1985 Chevrolet Camaro was apparently modified by Choo Choo into the “Team Camaro” you see here on craigslist, where it has an asking price of $15,000.
Personally, I’ve never found the Choo Choo models particularly compelling beyond being an interesting footnote in GM’s history of relationships with aftermarket builders. Whether it was to create a custom conversion van or to build a muscle car like this, GM (and Ford, too) kicked many of its more sought-after models over to the aftermarket to install wild decals, body kits, custom interior furnishings, bigger wheel/tire packages, and more. This Camaro supposedly has just 79,000 miles and sat in heated storage for 15 years.
It’s clear that Choo Choo also added the fake woodgrain kit to the dash, which was an “upgrade” not limited to the domestic brands. The interior is in good shape, but I always wished Choo Choo upgraded the seats to a nice set of Recaros or Flo-Fits when they were making the other cosmetic upgrades. The seller describes the condition as “good” which could mean there are some cosmetic flaws upon closer inspection; to his credit, he has made several maintenance-related improvements to the Camaro.
In addition to the 5.0L 305 engine, the Camaro is also equipped with T-tops, power windows and locks, and air conditioning. The list of new parts includes a fuel pump, fuel filter, carburetor rebuild, spark plugs, cables, distributor cap and rotor, and fresh brakes. Some of those cosmetic flaws are evident in the listing, and likely just came from the years of storage. The asking price seems slightly ambitious to me, but I also can’t recall ever seeing a “Team Camaro” Choo Choo Custom – can you? Thanks to Barn Finds reader Pat L. for the find.
First thing I saw are those wheels, didn’t like them in the eighty’s and hate them now!
It looks okay? for a $5,000 runner of the 80’s. Replace those wheels with stock and it might be worth $6,000.
Agree wheels r beyond terrible..
Say what you will but for the sake of keeping this car in the period/era/decade from which it was built, I think those wheels look good on it. My take away is if it was born with them keep them there!
Looks like somebody had a 3rd gen Camaro that they wanted to make look like a 25th anniversary Vette.
Nothing about this “limited edition” is collectible or desirable. These are basically pigs with lipstick applied- tacky & in poor taste. Just like the city these were made in. Very thankful I don’t live there anymore.
Another swing and a miss from our pals in Chattanooga.
Wood grain in a Camaro….YUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!