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Unfinished Project: 1973 Chevrolet Camaro LT Z28

Sometimes an enthusiast will unintentionally find themselves the owner of a classic. That is the story with this 1973 Camaro LT Z28. The seller located it two years ago while searching for a ’58 Impala project. The Camaro had sat for years but proved too tempting to resist. They trailered it home and revived the Z28, ready for it to find a new home and an owner willing to return it to its former glory. It is a complete and solid car that could represent a rewarding first project. The seller listed it here on eBay in Hickory Flat, Mississippi. Bidding has raced past the reserve and currently sits at $6,600.

In 1973, Chevrolet released a new variant of its classic Camaro pony car. The LT brought a few luxury touches, but buyers could still add the Z28 pack to unleash additional performance. That’s what the original owner did with this Medium Red Camaro. When combined, it generally meant that Chevrolet deleted the stripes and Z28 badges. However, this car features those items, which may be a later addition. It also wears the distinctive split front bumpers, which the seller added. They state they prefer this look but include the original one-piece item for those who don’t. The paint shines surprisingly well for a barn find, but there are issues and inconsistencies which may motivate the buyer to perform a cosmetic refresh. Rust is surprisingly limited, and the seller includes repair panels for the passenger-side rear quarter and a spot under the back seat. I noticed a couple of other spots in the lower extremities, but these appear to be patchable propositions. The rest of the car is solid, meaning it won’t take much work to whip the body into shape. The aftermarket wheels add a purposeful look, while the trim and glass look acceptable for a driver-grade project.

Powering this Camaro is its numbers-matching 350ci V8, with the original owner selecting a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. Although emission regulations had made themselves felt by 1973, this small-block should still produce 245hp. That is enough to launch this Z28 through the ¼ mile in 15.6 seconds. The seller states that this classic didn’t run when they purchased it, but they’ve revived its engine. It is strong and runs clean, with the car in a driving state. The engine wears a few aftermarket additions that may improve performance, which is never bad. They replaced the front brake calipers, front brakes line, and hoses. They also fitted one rear wheel cylinder, so this Camaro should stop on a dime. It may require additional work to be genuinely roadworthy, but the new owner commences that process from a solid foundation.

The previous owner had commenced a restoration on this Camaro, and the car was partially dismantled when the seller purchased it. They have reassembled as much as possible, but the buyer needs to add the finishing touches. The interior shows promise, with the seats wearing new Black vinyl covers. The door trims are cut to accommodate speakers for the aftermarket radio/cassette player, but the only other addition I can spot is the B&M shifter. It will take an in-person inspection to determine what parts might be required. Still, their ready availability and affordability mean this aspect of the build probably won’t break the bank.

This 1973 Camaro LT Z28 contains all the ingredients for a new owner to create a potent and desirable classic. The included parts and the work performed over the past two years by the seller gives someone a headstart, making it easy to understand why it has already attracted thirty-one bids. There is still plenty of time remaining on the auction, and I expect the action to heat up as the end draws near. With the reserve no longer an issue, it is set to head to a new home. With Christmas fast approaching, it could be a great gift to yourself that won’t quite fit under the tree. Do you agree?

Comments

  1. Tooyoung4heyday Tooyoung4heyday Member

    This one taps close to home. I just picked up a ’73 LT from a friend who gave up on the project. Not one of my first choices but it was at a price I couldn’t resist. I actually wouldve loved if it was a Formula Firebird or TA from 70-73 but beggars cant be choosers. The car was raced three owners ago. Two owners ago never did anything with it and sold it. The now prior owner to myself had intentions of an LS swap but lost interest. Car is a 4spd originally with 350 2barrel. Original motor long gone but current motor and trans were sold by last owner. Im figuring on a 5 spd trans but havent picked either big block or big inch small block. Sorry, not into the LS thing. Thinking g-machine or Motion clone. Long way before i have to make that decision but should be fun car no matter the direction. Car came to me mostly disassembled but also with lots of new dynacorn sheet metal. I call it Camaro in a box. This one looks to be a good base as the author stated. Perhaps a rebuild while driving candidate?!? Too often when something becomes torn apart thats how they stay. Good luck to new owner.

    Like 9
    • Steve

      Good luck with your project! All I can tell you is, after a 5 year restoration of a 69 SS, it’s going to cost lots more than you expect. But if you love the car and plan to keep it, then it’s worth every penny spent!

      Like 8
  2. Rw

    Should it have the round turn signals ?? Everybody usually have comments about split bumper with rectangular turn signals.

    Like 1
    • Paul

      Yes along with the rubber Endura bumper on the nose.

      Like 0
  3. Nick P

    “Is numbers matching by my research.” Well, its just not that difficult. It either has the same VIN # as the car or it doesn’t. I love seeing an engine for sale and its “numbers matching.” To what? Itself? Geez this is getting frustrating

    Like 7
  4. Gary Hines

    Looks like a good start to a real Z28. Not sure why Adam referenced the LT as the eBay listing never mentions that and the trim tag confirms it is not an LT; hence the stripes and emblems are correct.

    Like 1
  5. scottymac

    Thanks, but I’ll take the Ranchero.

    Like 1
    • Darrell

      Ranchero Vs Camaro LT / Z28…. Thanks but NO!

      Like 0
  6. Roland Schoenke

    My favorite style of camaro

    Like 0
  7. Paul Trickett

    It’s not an LT or someone has replaced the seats, taken off the hideaway wipers and removed the LT quarter badges. Take it from someone who bought/ordered a new 73 RS/LT/Z28.

    Like 2
  8. RMac

    I am shocked nobody has yet stated” not a real split bumper” the real split bumper front had the round parking lights above the bumper eyes
    Don’t think it’s a real LT either
    Too bad not a 4 speed

    Like 0
    • Paul Trickett

      Not many real Camaro lovers are fooled by the fake split bumper cars without the endura front bumper and round turn signals.

      Like 3
  9. Kayla73

    I’m not convinced it’s a Z-28 or an LT until I can see the factory cowl tag and the seller hasn’t provided a photo of it so good luck with that!

    Like 1
    • Paul

      It’s no LT or RS, hard to say about it being a Z28.

      Like 0
  10. RMac

    In re reading the excellent post from Adam he does state “ it wears split bumper that the owner said they prefer but does include the original one piece “

    Like 0
  11. Swisher

    I live less than a hour ( Memphis,tn) from where car resides..I may check it out…stay tuned friends..

    Like 0
  12. Robert West

    The 1973 model didn’t come with the horseshoe shifter?

    Like 0
    • Paul

      1972 was the last year for the horseshoe shifter. !973 introduced the single stick shifter.

      Like 0

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