1984 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Coupe
"Everybody agreed that the Z28 had a delightful combination of tight adhesion, telegraphic controls, manageable response, and forgiving limits. We are pleased to report that Chevrolet's once rough gem has been polished into a handling jewel. "It's a bit harder to drive at ten tenths than the Daytona," explained Ceppos in the Z28's logbook, "but it's far easier to handle than the Corvette.". This opinion was echoed by more than one staffer in the logbook.". Excerpted from Car and Driver's May 1984 comparison of the five best handling American cars.
For consignment, a 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 with less than 100,000 miles and representing the F-body prowess of the mid 1980's Z28s. In 1984, the Z28 was equipped with a steel hood where the previous year's car had fiberglass.
Exterior
Distinctive deep set headlights in a black lined box along with the gray rocker panel that encircles the car help identify the car as a Z28. There's also those familiar hood vents and a low wing on the decklid, as well as 15-inch 5 spoke wheels that were specific to the Z28. If you wanted a Camaro in 1984 and could afford the insurance, the Z28 was the one to have, and more than 100,000 people signed on the dotted line. Our car is Classic Red and sports a red and maroon stripe over the gray and Z28 badges on every side but the front. Curved rear glass and black trim on the taillights provide a nice view for those behind you and side molding protects your door from those to the side. Overall, the car is in great shape on the outside with imperfections that include scraps on low hanging pieces, discoloration on a fender panel, a long, thin dent under molding on a door, chipped or missing paint on the gas door, and cracking paint on the bumper cover.
Interior
The black vinyl door panels, with their vertically patterned insert, are in great shape and so are the bucket seats up front, made of gray cloth with black vinyl surrounding. This pattern continues on the rear 2+2 seat configuration with one piece back over split seats, all in fantastic shape. The leather wrapped steering wheel is not as taut as it once was but is intact and fronts a simple dash, framed in black plastic and housing the basic gauges for the driver. The lever controlled A/C switchgear is in the center above an aftermarket Kenwood AM/FM/Cassette radio. Belying the mileage on the car, the center console is in remarkably good condition as the stout shifter rises from the plastic base, all surrounded by low pile charcoal carpet in decent shape, and it also covers the rear cargo area. Up above, the foam formed gray headliner looks good.
Drivetrain
Just beyond the gleaming red paint of the hood's underside is a clean 5.0 liter V8 tied to a 4-barrel carburetor and a 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the 10 bolt axle in the back. Power brakes are a welcome standard and are equipped as disc on front and drum in the rear.
Undercarriage
Driver quality means that surface rust exists underneath, some pitted bordering on invasive, some evidence of residual oil, a drop of oil on the flywheel cover, and a bit of deeper rust on a small body brace. A single exhaust flows into a stock style muffler in the back which splits the exhaust to each side, in this case with slightly asymmetrical tail pipes. Coil springs are up front and a torque arm with coil springs is out back.
Drive-Ability
In high school these were too new for us kids, or we had the Berlinetta, but some parents had Z28's and they were considered top of the food chain! Today, the simplicity of the interior harkens back to those days as we prime the carb, turn the key, and start the five liter. Car and Driver wasn't wrong, the cars handle great and even at 40 years old, aside from some squeaky knees, the car still handles the road while possessing decent acceleration, good tracking, and a nice visibility with the dome of a rear window. We did notice soft brakes but all other functions were in order. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
It was an exciting time when third gens hit the road and a bit surreal that they are now classics. But here we are 40 years later and clean examples are getting harder to find. This is a nice driver but by no means a project. It's ready for show and go and it's obvious previous caretakers maintained this car well. Eighties goodness awaits at Classic Auto Mall!
1G1AP87H7EN178727
1-USA
G-General Motors
1-Chevrolet
A-Manual Belts
P-Camaro
87-2 Door Coupe
H-5.0 Liter V8 4bbl
7-Check Digit
E-1984
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
178727-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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