11k Original Miles: 1989 Chevrolet Camaro RS Convertible
Some car models look fantastic in drop-top form, while others look unwieldy and unappealing. I believe the Third Generation Camaro fits into the former category because it almost looks like the company designed the Convertible model first, with the more common coupe version appearing as an afterthought. This 1989 model presents superbly as an original survivor, and its odometer reading of 11,900 genuine miles places it in elite company. It could be the perfect weapon for a spot of summer top-down touring. Located in Springfield, Ohio, you will find the Camaro listed for sale here on eBay. The seller has set their BIN at $19,900, although there is the option to make an offer. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beauty for us.
As the 1980s progressed, vehicle manufacturers utilized increasing amounts of plastic for exterior fittings. While some of those items proved pretty robust, other plastic components crumbled and cracked as weather extremes and UV exposure took their toll. This Camaro hasn’t suffered that fate, with its body moldings, bumpers, and aerodynamic features appearing free from deterioration. The car’s Bright Blue paint shines beautifully, coating panels that are straight and free from defects. The seller supplies several underside shots, demonstrating that this classic is rust-free. The Black soft-top is as tight as a drum, with no tears or other problems. The glass is excellent, and the original alloy wheels have been spared from stains and physical damage.
It is common for Camaros of this vintage to receive updates and changes, especially to items like the stereo. This Convertible has received no such changes, with its interior appearing as it would have when the car rolled off the showroom floor. The Gray cloth upholstery is flawless and supports the owner’s mileage claim. The dash and pad are excellent, the carpet is free from wear, and there is no crumbling plastic. It isn’t loaded with luxury features but comes with cruise control, power mirrors, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio and cassette player.
Lifting the hood reveals a 5.0-liter V8 that should produce 170hp. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes. The combination isn’t the most potent on the planet but should allow this classic to romp through the ¼ mile in 16.1 seconds. The engine bay presentation is spotless, which you might expect from a classic with a claimed 11,900 genuine miles on the clock. The seller doesn’t mention supporting evidence for the claim, but the car’s overall condition makes it plausible. It is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives perfectly. If the buyer is contemplating flying in and driving home, that seems a reality with this beauty.
This 1989 Camaro RS must be a strong contender for buyers seeking a turnkey convertible. Its overall presentation and condition are hard to fault, and its odometer reading would be one of the lowest you will find in the classic market. The seller’s BIN is right at the top end of what you might expect to pay, but the factors just mentioned probably justify the figure. If it proves slightly too rich for your blood, it could be worth submitting a reasonable offer. You never know, but today could be your lucky day.
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Comments
Now that’s a great shade of blue.
Unsafe enough with T-Tops,no thanks..
War story – I ordered a copy of this car as my college graduation present to myself once I landed a job. Ordered it from a friend of my father in NJ. Same color, five speed, maybe the same options, but whatever. When it came in, insurance would have been an implausible 5k a year. In 1989 camaros were stolen in bulk in PA/NJ/NY. The dealer didn’t care, he sold it off the floor and I bought a 75 Grandville convertible.
Going to reach out tomorrow, buy it and party like it’s 1989. Wish me luck.
Good luck, Jim. High mileage thirdgens aren’t for the timid, but this low mile v8, man pedaled droptop pushes all the right buttons.
Update: of all the luck, no AC. Can’t daily drive a car with no AC in Florida. I’m still trying to get my arms around it, but there’s no practical way to add AC. I told them I would follow up tomorrow, but I’m afraid I may have to pass. Never meet your heroes I guess.
Jim in FL…please update us.
These desperately need subframe connectors. I welded them in on my ‘89 and it transformed the ride and handling
Mine has both styles, inner and outer, and yes, on a convertible they are pretty much mandatory.
I’d wait to this opportunity where this 65 corvette roadster with
4 speed 366 cui injection race engine and good condition
comes back for 3500$.
This looks like an a/c delete car. If that’s factory, I would expect that to be pretty dang rare especially given the low production of convertibles overall.
You are correct sir. No ac. Honestly can’t believe it, but my girlfriend’s dad in college in upstate PA had a 1988 Pontiac firebird formula with t tops and no ac. It’s a bit of a dream crusher for me. I can’t really see taking the whole dash out and adding ac on an unmolested low mileage car. But I still want the beast. I will talk with them again tomorrow.
I’m not trying to advise, Jim, but for what it’s worth: I have an 89 convertible, an iroc, with a/c. I’ve replace the top once, and neither the replacement or the original seal(ed) well, anywhere, or have/had a headliner to create any sort of insulation barrier. Point is, the a/c is not very effective; maybe a 2-3 on a scale where a new mustang convertible is a 10.
On the plus side, the airflow in the driver and passenger seats is very smooth with the top down; depending on your height, smooth enough to wear a snug fitting ball cap at speed. I used to daily a 57 T-Bird. The turbulence would beat you to death in that car.
Personally the idea of the car being a one of not many with a/c delete adds a layer of interest, if not value, to this car.
I had a loaded firebird with the same underpowered mill , this one is a nice car and will only need an LS conversion !