This 1979 Chevrolet Camaro is a genuine survivor that wears that badge proudly. It isn’t perfect, but the seller states that it has accumulated show silverware due to its originality. It seems to be no idle boast, since they include the trophies in the deal. The Camaro is a turnkey proposition, needing nothing but a new home with an enthusiast who appreciates classics in their factory form. The seller has listed this Camaro here on eBay in Phoenix, Arizona. They set their BIN at $24,995 with the option to make an offer.
Chevrolet’s Second Generation Camaro was heading towards the end of its production life by the time this car rolled off the line. The seller describes it as the LT variant, which is incorrect. Chevrolet replaced the LT with the Berlinetta from this model year, but VIN decoding confirms it is the entry-level Sport Coupe. The first owner ordered this Coupe in Code 61 Medium Beige, one of the most subtle shades on that year’s color palette. It is unclear whether the color-matched Rally wheels are original, but they are period-correct if they aren’t. Close inspection reveals a wide selection of minor panel and paint imperfections, consistent with a survivor-grade vehicle of this vintage that has been enjoyed as its creators intended. There is no visible rust in the supplied images, so a light cosmetic restoration would be pretty straightforward. However, some readers may argue that since classics are only original once, preservation would be more appropriate. The trim and glass are in good condition, and the rear window louver is an excellent period touch.
The first owner delved into the V8 drawer when ordering this Camaro. They selected the 305ci powerplant, teamed with a three-speed Hydramatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. That year’s Camaro Sales Brochure quotes an output of 130hp for the 305, which is pretty modest. However, the trunk contains a set of Californian blue plates, and if that is where this Chevy started its life, the output figure drops to 125hp. The seller confirms that the originality of this Camaro extends to its drivetrain, which is numbers-matching. They include an enormous selection of paperwork in the deal, tracing the car’s history to Day One. There are also the trophies mentioned earlier, which I suspect were awarded for originality. I also believe that the documentation will confirm the odometer reading of 89,000 miles as genuine. Potential buyers can consider the Camaro as a turnkey proposition that runs and drives perfectly.
The interior may be this Camaro’s highlight. Trimmed in Beige vinyl matching the exterior paint shade, its condition is impressive. It carries the hallmarks of a classic that has been someone’s pride and joy. There is no appreciable wear, the dash and pad appear almost perfect, and there is no broken or crumbling plastic. The carpet may be slightly faded, but this might also be a photographic illusion. The equipment levels are relatively impressive for an entry-level Camaro from this era. The buyer receives air conditioning, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio. I acknowledge that it doesn’t seem much by modern standards, but that list looks good from a 1979 perspective.
This 1979 Chevrolet Camaro isn’t perfect, and that is part of its attraction. It features minor bumps and bruises that could be easily eliminated, and I would understand if some readers saw that as the most appropriate course of action. However, it appears to be a genuine survivor, meaning that preservation is an equally valid approach. I appreciate spotless perfection, but there is something about this Camaro that would prompt me to leave it as is. Do you agree, or would the thought of returning this car to its former glory be irresistible?
Clean car here right down to the factory floor mats. A lot of money here for a 305 engine car here I have had several in Caprices and Impalas backin the day and they all ran good.
305s are small bore but use a 350 crankshaft, so they make fair torque for the displacement, which would feel good in a heavier car.
Nice Camaro. Hopefully it doesn’t get cut up. That said, nothing wrong with warming it up.
The key to keeping a 305 true to its torquey roots is don’t try to build it like a 350. Leave the cam alone unless either higher compression and/or a higher final drive (lower gear) are employed. DO improve the exhaust. DO improve the fuel curve/induction. DO improve the timing curve. DO away with the emissions controls. You will have an engine that makes ~80 HP above stock on the top end, but better yet have a good low end and very strong mid-range punch. 305s do make good street engines when modified within their engineering limits and intentions. The 305 was designed for good torque below 5000 rpm. Don’t try to make it a 450 HP motor.
She’s a simple beauty
My friend in high school’s mom had this car’s twin. She bought it brand new in the summer of ’79. Same color exterior, same color interior, same wheels, same engine, same transmission. Hers had whitewall tires though , which this very likely had from the factory.
After he got his driver’s license he used to borrow it on weekend nights and we would drive around town. It was pretty cool at the time as it was relatively new and it seemed somewhat fast having a V-8, even though we know now it was actually pretty slow.
Having subsequently owned two Z28s from this era (a 1978 and a 1979) i cannot see paying Z28 money for this. But it is still pretty neat that it’s around because you don’t see a lot of the Sport Coupes in good stock condition. These were considered disposable and most of them got modified and then destroyed before we even got out of the 1980s. A lot more of the Z28s were preserved.
Meh. I was around when these were all too common. Nothing about it seems compelling, unless of course it’s just what you are looking for…
Front clip looks wonky in fitment & color, maybe it’s just me.
Twenty five grand for a run of the mill 79 Camaro coupe. No thanks. The only phrase missing here is the usual…”No low ball offers, I know what I got”.
Whatever.
I saw a TV show where they built 305 to make 500 plus Horse Power so it can be done
Yes, it can be…but it will change the engine’s strengths fundamentally. It will basically become a Z/28 302 with a slightly smaller bore. For all of that engine’s glory, anyone with a ’67-’69 Z/28 will tell you that the 302 is pretty much dead below 3500 rpm. Many people switch it out for a 350 just to have some bottom end. Great for stop light to stop light drag racing with a 3.73 or lower (higher numerical ratio) gear, but will be a dog with a lower ratio. A 305 built to 500 HP will be no different. Great for dyno bragging rights, crap for real world driving.
Then the block will crack in the lifter valley. Not worth the effort.
It might win a few more trophy’s without the window louvers…
My first was an 80 Sport 305 4 barrel. Loved it. The 305, then a 350 bolt main, and finally a 383 later……it was a blast. This one looks like it has some ripples in the fender, possibly the hood. Maybe a prior nose hit too? Looks slightly off but those big rubber bumper covers warped out. So….. who knows? Clean car but basically $25k? Not even close. I’ve found numerous very decent 2nd gen Z28’s in the realm. Sorry, a 305, tan Camaro with about 90,000 miles is honestly way overpriced at nearly 25k in my honest opinion. Nice $12000 project car. Anything over that………
Well guys, for me, the trophies mean nothing. At the end of the day, it’s still just a basic 79 Camaro. I can think of many other cars I would buy for $24,995.
$24+K?! Get real.