Out To Pasture: 1973 Camaro Z28
Though most people always prefer first-generation Camaros, I always preferred second-generation cars, especially the chrome-bumpered ones. This particular car is a Z28, and is a desirable chrome-bumpered model. Find it here on eBay in Shoshone, Idaho, with reserve not met.
This Z28 has been sitting since 1991, but has been in a dry, desert-like climate, so there is minimal rust. The owner notes rust on the right front fender, the left rear quarter panel (behind the tire), and under the window channel under the vinyl top. There is also a small dent on the nose of the car. The seller does provide new front glass, and a new front spoiler was installed. The five-spoke steel wheels were also stripped and refinished with new trim rings, center caps, and lug nuts, and shod with brand-new BF-Goodrich Radial T/As. There is also a fifth Z28 five-spoke wheel included, but it has not been refinished. Though it does not feature the split front bumper I usually prefer, it does have the optional and larger rear spoiler and looks cool in brown with white stripes. Aside from the rust, the body is clean, though missing paint in spots (I personally prefer the weathered look its currently in, however).
I’ve always dug those finned valve covers. For 1973, the Z28’s solid-lifter LT1 350 was replaced by a hydraulic-lifter 350 V8. Rated at 245 horsepower, it was down from the LT1’s 255 horsepower rating in 1972, but still tied with the 454 big-block V8 as most powerful engine available by Chevrolet. This particular car is backed by an aluminum Muncie 4 speed manual (probably an M21), and features a positraction rear-end, which should combine for an attractive performance package. The car does run and drive, the engine “runs strong with no smoke”, and the transmission shifts smooth, according to the seller. A new cap and rotor was recently installed, as was new AC Delco spark plugs and gas tank sender and pickup.
Though a bit faded, the interior appears to be original and in decent shape. Tan must be an uncommon interior color; black seems to be more common. I definitely dig the floor shift, but I’m surprised there’s no full console (I’m wondering if the consolette is factory or aftermarket; I’m guessing aftermarket). The seats appear to rip and tear-free, the dash appears to be in decent shape, and I definitely dig the cloth seats. The carpet is a little faded, but appears to be in overall decent condition. I would leave the cosmetics alone, make sure the mechanicals are in working order, and drive this to cruise nights and car shows for the rest of the summer. What are your thoughts on this final-year-for-the chrome-bumper car?
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Comments
Nice and rare to find all there….with little rust…me likey…
Thanks Mitchell, more in tune than the 1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4. Nice write up, Mike.
Guess you just had to “know” where this Z/28 was sitting. Looks to be off the beaten path so to speak so not very likely it could be spotted from the road. Very desirable car even with the lower compression 350 engine. Should be interesting to see where this ’73 Z/28 goes price wise.
A buddy in high school bought a brand new 1973 Z28. Red with black stripes. Automatic but what a blast to drive.
1970 split bumper camaro
Shouldnt trash talk the 300 gt im shure it would dust the camaro!
That being said very cool car!
Actually Mitchell the final year of the chrome bumper Camaros would be 1977. 1973 would be the final year of the good looking chrome bumpers!
I thought the ’74-’77 bumpers were aluminium.
thats correct . and i saw the other post . the last year for muncie 4 speeds was 73 . the M22 was gone in 72 but you could get the M21 or the M20 muncie in 73
For the millionth time, Z-28 does not equal split bumpers.
Lol, thank you! Yep, split bumpers were part of the 70-73 RS trim option.
I think 73 as the last year nicer ,roundie chrome and of course the split bumper.
The wedgie,BIG bumpers where74-77.I don’t mind later style,but love the 70-73
These were iconic muscle cars in their day. But they used to be THE most common hot rod to saturation point. I was sick of seeing them. But now pretty rare and interesting the values climbing. This one is already at $9k. The muncie is a nice touch and adds value.
My wife knew I had 2 Muncies stashed and commandeered one for her Chevelle project.
The downside to these camaros were they weigha ton, and the doors sag. Plus unless properly rebuilt they sound like the army tank in the movie Fury inside
As you state, the z is running on both legs check the drain plug on the trans. Having posi could be sporting a rock crusher m22. If this be the case suggest thinking over sale price or swap out with m21 and sell m22 on side. If an m22 another option check see if all is # matching if so you have a gold mine.
That drain plug story is an old wife’s tail. There were VERY few M22 s used in production and they could be heard a mile away over open exhausts. Straight cut gears – no helix. About the only production cars you would find them in is an L88 Corvettes. Most were sold over the parts counter of a dealership.
M22 was definitly an option on the Z28 .. but not in 73 . 72 was the last year
When did GM start putting the B/W Super T-10 in these Z’s? I’ve seen several back in the day(replacing clutches) in non modified Z’s. (’74-’81?)
They were aluminum also. Could be confusing to the novice, assuming aluminum means Muncie.
I remember a second gen. Camaro fiberglass body that was shortened, narrowed and had its roof chopped off. It was made to be mounted on, what else, a WV platform. It was the coolest Camaro I’ve ever seen! Has anyone else have recollection of these bodies? They used to advertise them in PM.
Leave This Z 28 Out In The Pasture With The Cows Mite Like It ! This Is The Most Uncared For Car I’ve Ever Seen ,The Motor Must Be Blown Or Something Bad Like That For Someone Not To Take Care Of A Z 28 Camaro Like This .!
The cup holder is a Kmart option not factory I had a 71 Z back in the 70’s 4 speed buckets no counsel BTW The 4sp was an M22/3.73 posi. Had a lot of fun with that car
I saw this on the internet recently and noticed this is the same care I own. Not that its the same model, but that it is the car.