Five-Liter Fun: 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 H.O. 5-Speed – SOLD!

February 20, 2023, Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “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.

Halfway through the 1983 model year, when Chevrolet launched a carbureted 190 horsepower 305 cubic inch V8 Z/28 mated to a Borg-Warner T5 five-speed manual, it was a sign the Malaise Era was coming to an end. More importantly, it signaled a modern Pony Car rebirth as this was Chevrolet’s competitive response to Ford’s then-new Mustang GT 5.0.

Finding an unmodified version of any generation Camaro is always a challenge, so this red-over-gray cloth 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, last listed in February 2023 in Spokane, Washington, checks all of the right boxes for us.  Specifically, in addition to being a “Slick Top” (i.e., no T-Tops), it features the aforementioned 5.0L H.O. V8 mated to a T5 manual transmission.  The seller reports that their Z/28 remains unmodified, including all its original emissions equipment.

Last offered for $6,000, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is well below the six-month rolling average of this guide’s summary for third-generation Chevrolet Z/28s produced between 1982 and 1992.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can navigate to each comparable car sold as a way to help you evaluate the price of the Z/28 featured here:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #4 “Fair” estimate of $4,650 and its #3 “Good” appraisal of $8,300 before factoring in a ten percent premium for the desirable T5 manual transmission.

Only one year after its model launch, significant mechanical improvements arrived with the third-generation 1983 Chevrolet Camaro, indicating that manufacturers, including GM, were easing back to performance. Three models were offered: The base Camaro Sport Coupe, the high-tech and luxury-themed Berlinetta, and the performance-geared Z28.

A 5-speed manual transmission became available and was standard on the Berlinetta and Z28 but optional on the Sport Coupe, which kept the 4-speed as standard equipment. A 4-speed automatic transmission was introduced and referred to as an overdrive unit. It was optional on all models but the only automatic available on Z28 versions.

Meanwhile, buyers paid $350 extra for the 150 horsepower 305 cubic inch V-8, which was standard on the Z28. Z28 buyers had two extra choices. First was the 175hp V-8 with cross-fire fuel injection; buyers shelled out $450 for that. Mid-year, the 190-horsepower H.O. engine was introduced with more power and a simpler four-barrel carburetor. The H.O. engine also had a more radical cam, cold air intakes behind the headlights, and a cast alloy manifold. It was only available with a 5-speed gearbox.

The Muscle Car of the Week YouTube Channel features this modern look back on the 1984 Camaro and why it was such a milestone for the rebirth of modern muscle cars:

Third-generation Z/28s remain the unloved generation, and prices for most remain the most budget-friendly.  While the 150K on this driver-quality example may make some potential buyers pause, it features a freshly rebuilt engine and transmission installed in a rust-free body featuring its original paint, making this a viable entry-level candidate.

Here’s the seller’s description:

Show or go: What would you do with this driver-quality 1984 Camaro Z/28?  Please comment below and let us know!