1982 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Coupe (LHD)

Description

Freshly restyled for 1970, changes to Chevrolet's popular Camaro were more than just skin deep. While the first generation Camaro had used the same basic platform as economy cars likes the Nova, the latest model had an all-new 2+2 platform that ensured a much better handling car. The second generation F-body was longer, lower and wider and most pundits agreed the new Camaro had a more sophisticated look than its predecessor, more akin to a European GT than an American muscle car. Chevrolet dropped the ragtop from the model line-up, leaving the fastback coupe as the only body style available, while a lot more thought went into the interior ergonomics. There were six engines initially on offer, ranging from a six-cylinder through the base 307-cid V8 to a full-house 396-cid unit pumping out 350 bhp along with a choice of four transmissions. Throughout the course of the 1970s Chevrolet continued to improve the Camaro and the original styling underwent a major revision in 1974, with a distinctive pointed nose inspired by the new Vega incorporating a deformable urethene panel and eggcrate grille, while in 1975 a new wraparound-style rear window improved vision considerably. In 1978 a dramatic new front end was unveiled, featuring an integrated spoiler and bumpers, while the revised rear end retained the three-piece spoiler. In Z28 guise, the Camaro also got attention-grabbing graphics and, for 1979, a functional rear-facing scoop, along with functional side vents and flared rear guards to cover wide cast alloy rims and radial tyres. Under the tough looking skin, the Z28 retained Chevrolet’s 5.7-litre V8, coupled with a four-speed manual, although the automatic remained the preferred option (indeed it was mandatory for Californian buyers), plus uprated shock absorbers, anti-sway bars and heavy-duty springs. Inside the Z28 featured a fully stocked dash with a tacho, voltmeter and electric clock. New features for 1981 included a space saver spare wheel as standard and uprated front disc brakes, plus the option of halogen headlamps. With an all-new model just around the corner, sales of the second-generation Camaro’s fell to just to 126,139 units in 1981, making this one of the rarest Z28s of all. As the final year of the F-body Camaro, these cars continue to represent excellent value for money and the Z28s are becoming increasingly collectible.