Upgraded 350/5-Speed: 1973 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Rally Sport

If a lack of originality isn’t a deal-breaker, this 1973 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Rally Sport deserves a closer look. Its presentation is impressive, and a life spent in favorable climates has preserved its factory steel. However, the mechanical upgrades could be the star of the show, perfectly combining excellent performance with accomplished long-distance cruising ability. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting the Camaro listed here on Craigslist in San Antonio, Texas. Handing the seller $59,000 could allow you to drive this classic home.

Although it was essentially business as usual for Chevrolet’s Second Generation Camaro in 1973, the company was forced by legislative requirements to upgrade the front bumper to the dreaded and cumbersome 5mph units. The Rally Sport variant received a partial reprieve, because it retained a modified version of the split front bumper for a final year. Finished in Midnight Blue with contrasting White stripes, the seller confirms that this Z28 Rally Sport was repainted approximately twenty-five years ago. The lack of deterioration not only suggests that it has led a sheltered existence since then, but that whoever completed the work focused on a high-quality result. The paint retains an excellent shine, and the stripes are crisp. There are no panel imperfections, but the best news hides below the surface. The Camaro has split its life between California and Texas, with the dry climates in both states helping keep this classic rust-free. The trim is excellent, and there are no glass issues.

The first owner ordered this Z28 with a 350ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, a 3.42 Posi rear end, power steering, and power brakes. The small-block was feeling the effects of tighter emissions regulations, but with power and torque figures of 245hp and 280 ft/lbs, it still provided respectable performance. Much has changed below the surface since this classic left the line. It retains its numbers-matching rear end, and the deal includes the original transmission. However, the engine bay houses an L82 version of the 350 that originally powered a 1978 Corvette. It features an aluminum intake, an upgraded camshaft, and headers. The improved breathing from these changes should allow the motor to produce better numbers than the 220hp and 260 ft/lbs of torque quoted by Chevrolet in that year’s Corvette Sales Brochure. The motor’s power feeds to the Posi via a five-speed Tremec transmission, which should improve the Camaro’s open-road cruising ability. Potential buyers can consider the Z28 a turnkey proposition, with the seller stating that it runs and drives extremely well.

Trimmed in Black vinyl, this Camaro’s interior features ice-cold air conditioning, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio. A Hurst shifter pokes purposefully through the console, allowing the driver to swap cogs confidently. The upholstered surfaces are free from wear and other problems, and the carpet is clean. The faux woodgrain fascia on the spotless gauge cluster is a classy touch, while the dash and pad have withstood the harsh UV that this classic has experienced throughout its life. As with every other aspect of this Z28, the interior appears to need nothing.

Classics like this 1973 Camaro Z28 Rally Sport write their own rules when it comes to the asking price. The seller’s figure would be in the ballpark if the car were unmolested, but the mechanical upgrades blur the line. I believe it is realistic, though some readers may disagree. One thing seems guaranteed: this Camaro won’t cost its new owner anything beyond the fistful of cash they will eventually hand the seller. I suspect it will find a new home relatively quickly, but would you be interested in making it yours?