1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
To many of us born early in the Gen X period, the idea that our high school daily drivers are now classics is both heartening and a little depressing as we realize how much time has gone by since we received our diplomas. If you had an F-body in high school, you had a cool factor assigned to you no matter what your extracurricular endeavors were. If you were in marching band, and drove a base Camaro, you got points. If you had a Z28 or Trans Am, you scored even higher on the social ladder. Then Fast Times at Ridgemont High was released and added ultimate cred to us F-body kids.
For consignment, a 1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 with all the graphics and body accentuations that made Z28's a race inspired American cars with a nod to the era's Trans Am racing when flared fenders, fat tires, and low slung cars were revered.
Exterior
Bright Blue is aptly named and "newer" paint according to our consignor. This two stage paint includes the decal package which puts Z28 in huge, italicized characters on the lower side panel trailing a two toned stripe. Those two colors are used to surround the epic but non functional Z28 hood scoop behind Z28 on the hood edge, and all of this graphic goodness is repeated across the rear spoiler and stripes flow across the front spats which flank a lower air dam. Black bezels, a black grille, window frames, and the inner hood scoop work together to form a beautiful contrasting pattern while the fender vents work to create the ultimately cool profile. Straight steel pipes leave the back under the bumper cover and the 15-inch wheels are nicely painted to match the car. Imperfections include areas of rust or paint bubbles, a chin scrape, and a scuff.
Interior
Black vinyl stitched pattern door panels cover the inner doors and show a bit of looseness creases, which is actually a fairly common occurrence with these. Button backed high bucket seats in black vinyl occupy the front and are in good condition with a bit of wear on the driver's side which shows some creasing and wear in a seam. The back seat is where your buddies crammed in but the rear seats in this car look virtually untouched and are in great shape as are the molded plastic side walls. Faux rope wrap surrounds the 4 spoke steering wheel and another red Z28 badge is dead center. The no nonsense gauge cluster has a flat housing that's super clean and the center stack is a simple assembly of a lighter, a defog toggle, vents, and an AM/FM radio. The black cubby hole begins the molded black plastic center console and this is where we stored cassette tapes, (when equipped), clove cigarettes, a bottle of Drakkar Noir, and other assorted essentials. A B&M shifter is in the console which was a common and aggressive looking "mod" back in the day. Low pile black carpet covers the floor in good shape and the newer perforated headliner and visors looks great on this solid roof car. The trunk is bare metal and otherwise clean.
Drivetrain
We opened the hood to find a very clean 350ci LM1 V8 with an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor and intake manifold. These were originally rated at 170 horsepower and this one includes a shift kit in the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission. The rear is a 10 bolt with 3.42 gears and our consignor states it has Positraction. Power disc brakes are up front with power drum backing them up. Headers now have the task of taking the spent exhaust southward.
Undercarriage
Very clean underneath with no surface rust or errant oil to speak of. No road spray, no grease build up, not even spider webs! The dual exhaust runs from the headers to Flowmaster mufflers then out to the back. Coil spring suspension is found up front and leaf springs in the rear.
Drive-Ability
Slow down, Spicoli! Yes, nothing quite like a second gen F-body to get our blood going. This car sounds great with the headers and dual exhaust and has decent acceleration, good braking and of course, wonderful handling. All functions work with the exception of one, the horn. 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.
Alright Gen-Xers, here's one you all remember. And oh, the memories this car encapsulates. Some of them we can't legally divulge, (what the statute on doing donuts on the football field?). Anyway, here's a fine running, good looking representative of 1979. Millennials also take note, this one is an automatic and if you're into 70s/80's retro, it doesn't get much better than the bedazzled Z28. And if you don't get the Fast Times reference, we suggest you rent it. Or stream it. Or whatever youngins do nowadays.
1Q87L9L640175
1-Chevrolet
Q-Camaro
87-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
L-350ci LM1 4bbl 170hp V8
9-1979
L-Van Nuys, CA Assy Plant
640175-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
79 1FQ87-1979 Camaro 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
L30645-Van Nuys Body #
19R-Black Standard Vinyl
24L 24U-Bright Blue
W-Water Based Paint
A51-Bucket Seats
B-Black Steering Column & Cluster Surround
3-Power Windows
8-Z28
13449-Batch 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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