Second-generation Chevrolet Camaros have finally been getting love from collectors. That’s after decades of taking a back seat to their 1967 to 1969 counterparts.
With a timeless style that stayed in production for 11 years—and still looks fresh today—second-generation examples represent a desirable and affordable investment that can be driven daily. The 1980 Camaro Z28, recently available on eBay, is one such find.
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A Well-Cared-For Example
This unmodified and largely original 1980 Camaro Z28 shows fewer than 48,000 miles. It’s a nicely equipped coupe that looks much like it did when it rolled off the assembly line. That’s not surprising, given that the car has tires with date codes from 1982. The original factory exhaust system and catalytic converter appear to be in place. A New York state inspection sticker dates from 1996.
This Camaro is finished in its original gloss black with contrasting Z28 side stripes and a black vinyl interior. It has been garage-kept since it was new and is rust-free. A lifetime of meticulous care and very low mileage makes it one of the nicest second-generation 1980 Camaro Z28s available anywhere.
Built for Performance
The original 350 cubic-inch LM1 V-8 provides ample power, an upgrade over the standard 305 V-8. A functional hood scoop for better airflow and power was new for 1980 models, and it remains in place and operational.
Whoever chose the options for this car clearly was going for maximum performance. The order sheet included a factory Borg-Warner four-speed manual transmission, which makes this car especially noteworthy for three-pedal purists. A four-speed stick disappeared from the Z28 option list after 1980.
Car and Driver magazine tested a 1980 Camaro Z28 with the same powertrain and recorded a zero-to-60 time of 8.5 seconds. That was an impressive number for the time and still quick enough for a fun drive today.
Other desirable original equipment includes the following:
- Limited slip differential
- Sport suspension
- Tinted glass
- Power windows
- AM/FM radio
- Tilt steering wheel
- OEM Five-spoke Camaro wheels with Z28 center caps
- Spoilers front and rear
The original compact spare tire is in place, along with a can of factory tire inflator and a build sheet. However, one option the original owner skipped is factory air conditioning. The weight savings helps extract the most performance from the emissions-strangled small-block 350 V-8. With just 190 horsepower on tap, every spare pony counts.
A True Survivor at a Bargain Price
While not sealed away when new, this 1980 Camaro Z28 shows very well, with little evidence of wear inside or out. The bucket seats are free of rips or tears, and the dash pad, carpets, and headliner are all original and in excellent condition.
Earlier Camaros routinely changing hands for as much as $100,000 or more. But this clean, low-mileage manual 1980 Camaro Z28 represents an opportunity to experience a stylish model now coming into its own. That makes it an excellent first collectible or an addition to any Chevrolet enthusiast’s stable.
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