1981 was the last year for the Generation 2 body style, because 1982 would usher in a brand new design that included making the car extremely lighter. This car has the feel and mobility of a sports car, however when I get her barreling downhill at 65-85 MPH, she feels like an absolute tank. So I'm not going to provide a ton of details about the 1981 Sports Coupe because you can easily find that information online. However I will give you what information I was told/ or researched about the cars history.
I purchased this vehicle about 4 months ago from an older man, he held it for about 6 months for his grandson, however his grandson wanted a motorcycle. Therefore he quickly put it up for sale in order to get his money back. (NOW HERE IS WHAT MAKES THIS CAR SOO SPECIAL AND DIFFERNT FROM MOST) He purchased it from his wife's sister who recently passed. Now She was the original owner for the previous 37 years of its 38 year life. This women only drove it locally (City of Upland, Ca) its entire life. Its been in the Inland Empire (San Bernardino County), an hour east of Los Angeles, California, for all its life. Only appropriate that such a classic car spend most of its life traveling east to west, and west to east across route 66, which travels straight through our area. That being said, this Camaro is in tip top shape for a car that's been hitting the pavement consistently for 38 years! As a matter of fact I have added a few miles to the vehicle myself for two reasons. One, I wanted to kind of test out the cars limits and see if she would Overheat, breakdown, leak, screech, smoke, or smell after various types of driving sessions, and second...Well, its just super fun to drive, not to mention ALL the heads turns and thumbs up. So what did I find out after testing the cars limits?
Here are the results:
I have driven this engine in these types of situations.....
3 hour block, 2 hour block, 1 hour block, stop and go traffic on a warm day for 1 hour and 15 min, daily pickups of my kids from their elementary school -They requested I pick them up in the "Cool" "Fast" Car, 85 MPH on the freeway consistently for 45 min, and after driving in these types of conditions none of the afore mentioned items exist. I mean, talk about "Turn key." This Automatic engine is a true Gem and in great shape.
When looking at the pictures notice how immaculate the interior is. Here are some highlights: No tears in any of the Vinyl seats. Original cigarette lighter still attached and never used. windshield wipers and windshield spray are in good working order. No cracks in dash board and is in good shape. I have not encountered any electrical issues, as a matter of fact, ALL lights are in proper working order, including both right and left hand turn signals, interior lamp, and HI beams! Original Car manual included in glove box. Original spare still in trunk of car with very little wear on it-if not any wear. Also in trunk is the original jack and tire iron. I have the vehicles parts list and sticker for your reference.
As far as the exterior is concerned...
Well, I think the pictures state it all. Straight lines down both sides of the vehicle showing zero body work. All original hubcaps included are in decent shape and are in good working order. Antenna is inside the rear windshield. Previous owner stated the tire have less than 10,000 miles on them. Original Gas tank cap is attached and in working order.
I ran a Carfax on the VIN, and it stated; Zero accidents, and not a salvage. No fire, flood or theft. Carfax also shows car only owned locally here in California.
Of course there are a few issues that I have noted down in order t make you aware what I have encountered, and here they are:
Although the heater works great, I have been unsuccessful at getting chilled air out of the A/C, oh and yes this car has A/C. Not sure what it will take to get A/C running, but the previous owner thought that all it needed was a quick charge from a mechanic. Also, the driver side rear reverse lamp cover has a been shattered and has a tennis ball sized hole through it. although the bulb does still work. There is one small dent under one of the side view mirrors. Key lock on driver side is a little sticky. Lastly, I have noticed a faint rattle in the cars rumble that might indicate a need in the near future for a Catalytic converter.
