Intact Induction: 1982 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 – Sold?

April 10, 2022 Update – While this “Classifind” expired recently, given the seller’s past history we suspect may not actually be sold yet.  For now, we’re labeling this ride “Sold?” However, we will keep an eye out for an updated listing. In the interim, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

March 3, 2022 Update – The private seller of this unmolested 1982 Camaro Z/28 just replaced their original expiring listing with a new Craigslist ad. In it, they reduced their asking price by one thousand dollars from $13,500 to $12,500.

If you’re a life-long car enthusiast, chances are good you remember what the “it” new car you wanted to have was when you were a senior in high school. In 1982, it was the newly launched, third-generation, 1982 Chevrolet Camaro such as this unmolested red over light gray example originally listed in January 2022 on Craigslist in Jacksonville, Florida. Reported to be a “nice, original, unmolested example”, this Z/28 retains its original Cross-Fire induction system but appears to feature a modern aftermarket in-dash stereo.

Currently offered for $12,500 (the original ask was $13,500), checking the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his Z28 priced between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $12,200 and its #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $17,000. As a second data point, the Collector Car Market Review Online Valuation Tool reveals the seller’s ask is now $3,100 higher than this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of only $9,400.

Chevrolet replaced the long-in-the-tooth, twelve-year-old second-generation Camaro with the hatchback third-Generation in December 1981, beginning production on October 12, 1981. The then-modern design Camaro Z28 easily became Motor Trend magazine’s Car of the Year for 1982. Available in either base Sport Coupe, luxury-themed Berlinetta, or the high-performance Z28, 173,000 Camaros were sold in n 1982.  Despite coming standard with a 2.5 Liter “Iron Duke” inline-four and having optional V6 power, over half still opted for the optional 305 cubic inch V8.  The Z28 came standard with the LG4 four-barrel-carburetor topped mill rated at 145 horsepower available with either a four-speed manual or the Turbo Hydra-Matic 200C automatic. While the optional LU5 twin TBI ‘CrossFire Injection’ (305 cu in) with functioning hood scoops bumped the horsepower 165, it was only available with the automatic.  The new Camaro received positive reviews for its styling and handling. While criticized for the low power ratings for the Camaro Z28 at the time, keep in mind the lone engine in the Corvette only produced 200 horsepower.

Z28s included lightweight fiberglass SMC hoods with functional hood air induction flaps on RPO LU5 cars. Z28s also came equipped with a unique nose, a three-piece rear spoiler, and front, side, and rear lower body valances in silver or gold. Just above the valance was a three-color lower body stripe that encircled the car. Headlamp pockets on the Z28 were black. Standard were new 15×7-inch cast-aluminum five-spoke wheels accented with silver or gold. Z28 badges appeared on the right rear bumper and on the side valances. In early models, if the “Conteur” sport seats were selected as an option, the passenger seat was purposefully a mismatched high-back bucket seat design, due to production shortages of the passenger seat.

Here’s Chevrolet’s Sales overview for dealers when they launched the third generation Camaro for the 1982 model year:

This 1982 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 appears to be a nicely preserved example right down to the car’s somewhat problematic induction system many mechanics refer to as “Cease-Fire.”

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1982 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Cross-Fire

1st Year for the 3rd generation. Here is a nice original unmolested example. Everything works as it should and no mechanical issues.

Cold AC, even the cruise control works.
A really nice driver.

Partial trades considered.“

Show or go: what would you do with this 1982 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28?  Comment below and let us know!