Restored Right: 1978 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 – Sold?

October 17, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

To say second-generation, Malaise Era Chevrolet Camaros are enjoying a jump in popularity and price recently is an understatement.  Despite their lackluster performance compared to both generations that preceded and followed it, prices of these second-generation “Huggers” continue to rise, especially in T-Topped, Z/28 form.  A prime example is this thoroughly sorted, 67K original mile, bright blue 1978 Z/28 originally listed in September 2021 on Craiglist in Wallagrass, Maine.

Currently offered at $27,500, comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his Z/28 priced between the #3 “Good” estimate of $19,800 and the #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $32,300. As a second data point, the Collector Car Market Review confirms the seller’s ask falls just below this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $29,040 after adding in a ten percent premium for the desirable T-Tops.

Hagerty Insurance provides a nice overview of the ’78 Camaro in the Valuation Tool:

“The year 1978 brought the third and final facelift for the second-generation Camaro, which received a body-colored soft streamlined nose and urethane rear bumper with wraparound taillights. T-Top panels were offered for the first time, as were alloy wheels. New Rally wheels were also offered with matching painted inserts. The two millionth Chevrolet Camaro was built at the Van Nuys, California plant on May 11.

Sales jumped to a record 272,631 units, of which 36,982 were six-cylinder models and 235,649 had a V-8. By mixing and matching titles, Camaro now had five models on offer. There was a basic Camaro Sport Coupe, a Type LT Sport Coupe, a Rally Sport Coupe and a Type LT Rally Sport Coupe, plus the Z28. Prices ranged from $4,414 to $5,065. Rally Sport models could be recognized by their various two-tone paint schemes that separated hoods, tops of fenders, tops of doors, and roofs with tri-color striping.

Engines were still the 105hp, 250 cid, six-cylinder, the 145hp 305 cid V-8 and the 170hp, 350 cid V-8. The Z28 was available with a 185hp 350. All California models lost about 10hp to stricter emissions.

The Camaro Z28 had front fender louvers, a scooped hood, front and rear spoilers, a string-wrapped steering wheel, sport suspension, 4-speed close-ratio M21 gearbox, and a free-flow dual exhaust. A total of 54,907 were sold, starting at $5,603.

As production climbed, the number of luxury options added to base cars soared. For example, 194,584 1978 Chevy Camaros were fitted with air-conditioning, 207,393 had power brakes, 233,115 had tinted windows, 239,559 had automatic transmissions, 117,035 buyers ordered tilt steering wheel, 102,563 chose rally wheels, 95,225 checked a rear defroster, and 51,008 chose power windows.

Meanwhile, 111,054 selected the style trim brightwork package, 126,900 chose color-keyed floor mats, 111,904 picked drip rail moldings, 136,724 chose door moldings, and 79,002 picked door edge guards. The number of vinyl roofs plunged, probably due to complex striping and the advent of T-Tops, though only 9,875 sets of those were sold.

The 14 paint colors were evenly spread, with only a couple of duds. Silver was top (32,060), followed by Black (30,789), Dark Blue (29,788), White (28,808), Bright Blue (24,828), Carmine (24,509), Dark Camel (23,370), Camel (20,267), Light Red (16,163), Bright Yellow (15,361), Dark Blue-Green (15,030), Saffron (9,230) and an unloved Yellow-Orange (2,311). The Camaro Z28 was now available in 11 of the 14 colors.“

The Osborn Tramain YouTube Channel currently has this 1978 Camaro Z/28 30 second commercial posted:

This Camaro Z/28 appears to be nicely refreshed that features a nicely detailed undercarriage.  We love the bright blue exterior combined with the more comfortable plaid cloth interior. While many prefer the look and leak-, and squeak-free “slick-top” roof, we prefer having the T-tops as we would only drive this Z/28 on nice days anyway.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1978 Camaro Z28, ~67,000 original miles, 350 4-speed, matching numbers car. Recently refreshed inside and out; new paint (original blue), new carpet, and headliner (original interior upholstery and trim). Recently gone through mechanically and electrically; great condition. Includes original space-saver spare and components. Documentation includes Build Sheet, original purchase invoice, owners manuals/cards, and clean Maine title. Collector quality vehicle, $27,500 obo.​“

Show or go: what would you do with this restored Camaro Z/28?  Comment below and let us know!