Modern Classic: Camaro Z28

To qualify as "modern classics," we're choosing vehicles that are comparatively affordable now which we think will increase in value over time. These are cars that many people would love to have: head-turners, trend-setters in their time, cars we still see that make us smile, cars that were definitive in their own right, stylish and fun to drive. We're focusing on cars that are at least 25 years old so they can be registered and insured cheaply and aren't subject to annual inspections.


Tastes may vary, as may people's own definitions of "affordable." Our theoretical limit is $50,000 for a car in good to excellent condition, which rules out many of the traditional exotics. This month's selection is the Chevrolet Camaro Z28.

History
Few "collectible classics" spawned models still in production; Chevy's venerable Z28 Camaro is one exception. If the Ford Mustang hadn't been a smash hit in 1964, there might never even have been a Camaro. Ford's ponycar beat the original 1967 Camaro into the marketplace by two and a half years. Ralph Nader's attacks notwithstanding, the rear-engined Corvair was never a match for the versatile Mustang. Chevy's contender was originally to be called the Panther, but division general manager Pete Estes liked Camaro better, so he made the eleventh-hour name change.


After a crash development program, Chevy's own "long-nose, short-deck" coupes and convertibles hit the pavement running. The base car was a well-equipped, low-cost six ($2,466). Soon there were five more engines—from a 210-hp 327-cid base V-8, a 275-bhp 327, a 295-hp 350, 325- and 375-hp big-block 396s, and the now-legendary RPO (regular production option) Z28 Special Performance Package with its 290-hp, 302-cid V-8 ($858.40 with exhaust headers and air plenum)—especially built for Trans-Am racing. Stock 302s reportedly produced closer to 375 horsepower. In race trim, modified Z28 motors pumped out 450 horses!

Options
Unlike the fully unitized Mustang, Camaros employed a semi-unitized chassis with a rubber-bushed, isolated front subframe. Ride and handling, especially with shock/suspension upgrades (RPO F41) were good for the period, although the stock suspension bottomed easily when bigger tires were installed, and the rear wheels hopped under hard acceleration and braking. Optional traction bars helped a bit.