Turnkey Survivor: 1980 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

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By the 1980s, the Camaro Z28 had come a long way from its roots, with a 302 V8 prepared so the new car (1967) could compete on the SCCA Trans-Am circuit. By the 1970s, these cars were for street use only and changed considerably during the second generation of the Camaro (1970-81). This 1980 Z28 looks to be in good condition overall and the seller says it performs well. The bronze paint is a little tired on the hood and trunk lid, but you can’t have it all. Located in Melbourne Beach, Florida, this Camaro is offered here on craigslist for $14,990. Thanks again to Pat L., for another great tip. He seldom disappoints!

Regulatory and consumer changes during the ‘70s resulted in a different car for a different market. By comparison, the 1970 Z28 sold 8,733 copies with a 350 V8 that was rated at 360 gross horsepower. 10 years later, the 1980 Z28 sold 45,137 units even though the 350 motor had been downgraded to 190 horses, rated on a net basis. So, it was no longer about pure muscle. It was about style and handling that appealed to either the same buyers who had gotten older or folks that had not grown up during the ‘60s.

We assume the seller’s car was not built for California, which means it has the 350 engine. California buyers had to settle for a much slower Camaro, one with the 305 V8 that produced 25 fewer hp. We’re told this car is 99% factory original, which would tell me everything is stock except for consumables. At 78,000 miles, it’s said to run great, shift smoothly (an automatic) and sound cool. That should equal a turnkey car that would be ready for a road trip.

The paint is original and looks okay, certainly nothing that the buyer should run out and schedule time for in the paint booth. The seller tells us there is no rust, and the limited photos don’t show any. What we see of the interior looks fine with no issues. The seller makes it a point to say he’s not a dealer but the owner of the car. All the photos on craigslist have a watermark from an online consignment portal for vintage and performance cars. He also has it listed on We Be Autos.

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Comments

  1. Tony Primo

    Looks like dark claret metallic paint colour. It’s a dark maroon. My 1981 Z28 had it. Nice colour, but once it fades this badly it won’t come back and your looking at a repaint.

    Like 3
    • PRA4SNW

      I think you are right about the maroon paint color. A friend had a 1980 in that color – looked sharp.

      I’m not sure on the price, but this is nice if you are looking for an original. Almost all of these have been messed with in one way or another.

      Like 3
  2. AndyinMA

    That’s a handsome car

    Like 4
  3. PRA4SNW

    I’m not sure what is going on, but the website that is mentioned in the ad – WeBeAuto.com – is not active.

    Like 0
    • Jack M.

      Use the Craigslist link in the story.

      Like 2
  4. NovaTom

    Looked promising until the no AC part.

    Like 1
  5. dogwater

    well it a nice grocery getter take it to a car show people will look the other way sorry

    Like 0
  6. Arthell64

    Looks like a decent car for the money. No a/c is a plus to me.

    Like 1

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