The Big Block Blog

Now’s the best time to buy a used Z28

With only 3 generations in as many decades (can’t afford to consider the 4th Generation, 2010 Camaro yet), you’d think I could make a snap decision about what kind of Camaro I am setting my sites on.

The 1st Generation is out of the question. Not that a ’69 Camaro Z28 wouldn’t be an awesome choice, but these are pony cars and a lot of them were sold back in the late 60s. Go to a decent-sized classic car show and you’ll see a handful of 67-69 Camaro models in the SS, RS, or Z28 editions. Now with Goodmark making 1969 Camaro hardtops and ‘verts, you’re gonna see a lot more of these creatures roaming the streets. It’s a good thing, but too much saturation might lessen their value.

The 2nd Generation Camaro started out strong, with the incredible 1970& 1/2 Z28 and SS. The model year design carried through until the arrival of the 1974 Camaro, which offered no SS model and a heavily-decaled Z28 with a lethargic 350 that would spell the end of the Z28. That is until 1977, when Chevrolet decided to revive the muscular F-body again.

Even the hood scoop was just a decal, but the '77 Z28 marked a triumphant return!

The 1977 model was a good start – despite the poorly aspirated V-8, but Chevy diehards found a lot of potential there. It had an under-nose spoiler and body-colored bumpers, The rear deck spoiler was decaled to match the hood scoop decal and a set of stamped steel wheels could be ordered that also matched the body color. Pretty cool stuff!

The Z was back!

The 1978 through 1981 model Z28s were called the “2nd Generation Soft-Noze Era” Camaros.

This is one period I am very focused on with my new Z28 search. I think the ’78-81 Z28 were absolutely beautiful and, as I write this, you can still purchase one in very good condition for under $7500. One reason I find this period of Z28 history especially appealing is due to its front fender venting and the front spoilers; both are close in design to the Z28′s bigger and bolder brother from Pontiac – the Trans Am. My very first new car was a 1975 Trans Am, and I am not ashamed to admit that I would just sit and stare at that car for hours.

This '81 is too nice for words. I think I see IROC-Z rims?

So, my choice for this period is a ’79 Chevy Camaro Z-28. although I would be just as happy with an ’81.

The photo on the right is proof enough that these cars were exceptionally pretty. And the fact that a handful of these 2nd Gen soft- -nose cars went through Barrett-Jackson @ Palm Beach means they are already a good investment choice!

The 3rd Generation Arrives: 1982

I am not a big fan of any 3rd Gen Z-28 from 1982 through 1984. The cars looked nice, but they had this chintzy feel about ‘em that I didn’t like at all. It wasn’t until the engines were equipped with the TPI-intakes that I started to take notice of the Camaro again, and that Camaro was of course, the IROC-Z!

The 3rd Generation Camaro IROC-Z was not only sharp, but it could outhandle just about any car on the US market.

Suddenly, Chevrolet was back on track. It had taken about a decade, but the Z-28 was, once again, a respectable muscle car and road warrior.

Not only was there a return to power, but the 5-speed manual and 4-spd. automatic transmissions made them more efficient and faster. The beefed-up suspension and sway bars made it one the the best-handling American cars ever built.

There seems to be a lot of people who look down their noses at the IROC-Z28. I think they believe the IROCs were made for mullett-wearing rednecks who couldn’t afford a Corvette. It’s a shame so many see this super-handling machine as a lower-end of the white trash scale sled. In actuality, the IROC-Z had no real rivals in it’s class.

The Pontiac Trans-Am was also a much-covetted model back in the late 80s, but watch to eBay auctions and Mecum, Kruse and Barrett-Jackson events. I think you’re going to see the ’85-90 IROC-Z appreciate in value – far above the Pontiac F-body from those same years.

So, my choice?

I’m leaning toward a 1979 Z28, possibly an ’81. But I have not ruled-out the ’87-90 IROC-Z28.

The 1981...very nice.

Ouch.

See you next week!

85-87 IROC-Z