1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

Description

It seems that late model second generation Camaros are in that well-traveled collector car limbo where buyers either find an all original, garage queen or a rough and tough back yard project. As great as original F2s are, and as admirable as project car owner's aspirations are; neither of those polar extremes represents the full potential of these often under-appreciated pony cars. Just imagine the kind of Camaro you could build with deep enough pockets and modern restoration techniques that create a better than factory car. Well, if you're one of those countless car guys who has been endlessly searching the classifieds in an attempt to turn that imagination into reality, we have the car for you! This sizzling black and orange 1979 Camaro is a documented, numbers matching Z28 that is fresh out of a top-notch restoration which combines the best virtues of originality with straight body and a fresh interior.

Before we go any further, I'd like to break down the optional equipment listed on the car's original build sheet:

• A01 – Soft Ray tinted glass
• A31 – Power windows
• A51 – Bucket seats
• B37 – Color-keyed front and rear floor mats
• B80 – Roof drip moldings
• B81 – Body side ornamentation (delete)
• B89 – Black reveal molding
• B93 – Door edge molding
• C60 – Air conditioning
• D35 – Sport mirrors with left remote control
• D55 – Floor console
• D80 – Rear spoiler
• D88 – Sport stripes
• D92 – Door handle décor tape
• F41 – Special performance suspension
• GU6 – 3.42 rear axle
• J50 – Power brakes (included with Z28)
• K77 – 55 amp alternator
• LM1 – 350 V8/ 4-barrel carburetor
• MM4 – 4-speed wide range automatic transmission
• NA5 – Standard emissions
• N65 – Stowaway spare tire
• P06 – Wheel trim ring (standard on Z28)
• QGR – P225/70 x 15 white letter tires (Z28)
• T93 – Black tail lamps (Z28)
• UA1 – Heavy duty battery
• UN9 – Suppression equipment radio
• U14 – Special instrumentation
• U35 – Electric clock
• U76 – Windshield antenna
• V01 – Heavy duty radiator
• Z28 – Special performance package
• 73 A – Red stripe #1
• 74 R – Carmine trim

Built in Van Nuys, California and delivered to William H. Stahl Chevrolet in Southampton, Pennsylvania this 1979 Z28 looks flat out sinister in its slick coat of correct GM code 19 black paint. During its 32 years of careful and limited road time, this F2 has never been wrecked, significantly damaged in any way or torn apart for itemized repairs. Recently, the car was fully restored to better than new condition and presents exceptionally straight panel alignment which lends the fresh gloss black basecoat/clearcoat a straight and smooth sheen from panel to panel.

For the 1979 model year all Camaro Z28s were equipped with the option B81 body side ornamentation delete which allows this cars jet black paint to really show off this second generation Camaro's multifaceted design and vivid orange stripes. At the front of the car, a pliable front bumper houses a showroom fresh plastic grille and a traditional Camaro crest between clear headlights and parking lights which mimic the look of the original second generation Camaro. Below the grille, a new for 1979 three piece spoiler displays bright orange striping which flows over exaggerated fender flares to door mounted “Z28” decals. At the top of the car, a familiar hood scoop with pristine orange stripes sits in front of like-new glass that is bordered by straight and correct blacked out stainless trim. The cars clean fuselage keeps extraneous trim to a minimum with only chrome flip up door handles, cool knife edged front fender louvers and body matched sport mirrors breaking the cadence of the slick black paint. At the rear of the car, a traditional D80 second generation rear decklid spoiler hangs a second orange stripe above a blacked out rear valence, clear tri-colored tail lights and a second pliable bumper cover.

Pop the hood on this cool '79 F-body and you'll find the cars original LM1 350 cubic inch small block V8! Mechanically, this 350 is a great sounding motor that has been immaculately maintained throughout its entire existence. Visually, it's a clean piece in a highly correct engine compartment that presents extremely well. Just below the hood, a satin black air cleaner pipes cool air into a correct Quadrajet carburetor that's equipped with a correct yellow spring. Below that carburetor, the engine block displays GM's traditional corporate blue paint from its intake to its oil pan and sends exhaust through original cast iron exhaust manifolds that still retain their factory heat shields. At the back of the motor, a correct Delco-Remy HEI distributor sends fire through gray suppression plug wires, and at the front of the motor, a new battery and fresh cables join correct hoses, correct clamps and fresh V-belts to provide rock solid drivability. Whoever restored this Camaro spent a lot of time making sure the majority of components look just as they did when the car rolled off its California assembly line, and the result is an engine bay that looks every bit as good as the car it rides around in.

Underneath this Camaro, straight and solid floorpans are bolted to a clean 32 year old chassis over an original 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 350 automatic transmission and a correct option GU6 10 bolt Posi-traction rear axle with performance biased 3.42 gears. If you're a Chevrolet fan, then you know any time an F option code is listed on the build sheet, it means some serious suspension upgrades. According to this Camaros build sheet, it is equipped with the Z28 specific F41 special suspension which for 1979, added higher rate springs, stiffer valved shocks, and a thick rear sway bar. That aggressive handling package is further augmented by correct J50 power front disc and power rear drum brakes and factory equipped power steering. At the center of the car, a fresh mandrel bent dual exhaust system makes good use of an H-pipe and factory replacement mufflers; and at the back of the car a new stainless fuel tank sends fuel through new stainless fuel lines. Torque flows to the pavement through beautifully restored 15 inch GM turbine wheels that wear modern 225/70 BF Goodrich Radial T/As at all four corners. Everything under this F2 Z28 looks functional and well put together, and it's sure to provide years of reliable showing and cruising.

This Camaro's well maintained GM code 74R Carmine Red interior looks good and feels great. The custom cloth seats benefit from firm padding and solid frames that are in excellent shape, and great looking reproduction carpet is protected by correct front and rear factory optioned floor mats. On the roof, a tight headliner frames a round dome light that, along with all of the other factory optioned accessory lights, works like brand new. Between the seats, a red full length console houses a correct factory shifter in front of chrome switches for the cars optional power windows. In front of the shifter, a soft and warp free dash houses new for 1979 gauges above controls for the cars HVAC system and a date correct radio. At the sides of the seats, stainless trimmed door panels feature cool “Z28” emblems along with stainless trim, chrome door handles and like-new door grabs. The simulated rope steering wheel looks perfect atop its red tilt column, and behind the rear seats, you'll find a restored trunk that contains a correct 14 inch Stowaway spare tire.

Documentation included with this sale is one of the cars original broadcast sheets, a clear copy of that broadcast sheet, the cars original owner's manual, an original maintenance pamphlet and a 1979 Camaro sales brochure.

It's hard to find a clean second generation Camaro and it's even more difficult to find one that's been fully restored to better than new condition. With an original numbers matching drivetrain and a killer color combination, this '79 Z28 is the kind of car that you can drive and show off for years while watching its value grow. And best of all, you're getting a complete turn-key car for a fraction of what the original owner paid to have it restored. Don't miss your opportunity to own one heck of a collectible!