Adverse weather conditions can exact a heavy toll on classic steel. This 1973 Chevrolet Camaro LT Z28 graphically demonstrates that. The owner is candid about its overall condition, and as you will see, it will take a dedicated buyer to return this classic to its former glory. However, with a healthy small-block V8 feeding its power to the rear wheels via a manual transmission, it should offer sparkling performance when and if it returns to its rightful place on our roads. If you are stout of heart, you will find the Camaro located in Silver Lake, Kansas, and listed for sale here on eBay. It has attracted a single bid of $6,700 in what appears to be a No Reserve auction.

The fact that this Camaro’s original Antique White paint looks tired would seem to be the least of its problems. The owner is candid that the car has seen more than a few Kansas winters, which have taken a toll on its panels and paint. The roll-call of rusty components is a long one. It includes the rear quarter panels, rockers, floor pans, trunk pan, trunk drop-offs, floor braces, outer rear wheel wells, and front frame rails. The owner admits there may be more, but he hasn’t delved too deeply into this vehicle. The parts required to repair all these problems are readily available and affordable, but it’s going to take a lot of work to return this body to a rust-free state. It appears that most of the exterior trim is present, and like the original Z28 wheels, it looks to be a restorable proposition. It will take a brave person to tackle this project, but at least one person has put up their hand to take it on.

While tightening emission regulations were biting deeply into vehicle performance by 1973, the Camaro could still provide a respectable driving experience if the buyer selected the right drivetrain combination. The original owner of this Z28 chose the L82 version of the venerable 350ci small-block V8 that produces 245hp. That power finds its way to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. While the performance figures were not as impressive as in previous years, this Z28 would still have been capable of covering the ¼ mile in 15.4 seconds. It appears that this classic is a numbers-matching vehicle and that the motor does run. The owner has driven it, but its complete lack of brakes means it is not roadworthy. However, the fact that it runs is a positive ray of light in what has been a pretty dark story to this point. It is possible that the new owner could return the car to a mechanically roadworthy state without spending a fortune.

There will probably be some relief amongst our readers that they can’t smell what they can see with this Camaro. It spent twenty years hidden away in a barn, and a large family of rats and mice took up residence during those decades. If you have ever opened the doors of a car for the first time in a situation like that, you will undoubtedly remember the smell for the rest of your life. It is a long way from being pleasant. They have done a fair amount of damage to most of the upholstered surfaces, and a total re-trim will be the most likely course of action. However, there are some good points with this interior. The headliner looks pretty good, as do the dash and pad. There are some missing items like the factory radio, but it seems to be essentially complete. The interior isn’t loaded with luxury extras, but the inclusion of factory air conditioning is a welcome one. Returning this interior to its original appearance will leave little change from $2,000, but given how long it should last if treated with respect, it should be viewed as a one-off expense.

There will be readers who will argue that the fate of this 1973 Camaro Z28 rests as a parts car, and there is some validity to that view. Returning it to its former glory is going to be a significant undertaking, involving plenty of overtime for a welder and grinder. The buyer will need to dismantle this classic to the last nut and bolt if the work is to be completed to a high standard. While the required parts are affordable, the process will be labor-intensive. If the next owner has to pay a professional to perform the work, that places a huge question mark over this project’s financial viability. However, one person has already thrown their hat into the ring on this one. You have to wonder whether there will be any more or whether somebody is about to own this classic with a single bid. Are you tempted to spoil their fun by slipping in a sneaky bid?