Vehicle Description
For many years, second-generation Camaros weren't on collectors'
radar, but in the last few years they've become red hot and we
can't seem to keep them in stock. And yes, there are plenty of
stock examples out there, but this 1979 Chevrolet Camaro RS
resto-mod speaks to us even more directly, offering an awesome
color combination, great upgrades, and a reasonable price point
that suggests it won't last very long at all.
Dark colors never go out of style, and we love how the Fathom Green
metallic paint on the long, low, sleek second-gen F-body looks like
a million bucks. And if you're expecting a beater that's been
thrashed around, guess again, because this one is really nicely
finished and his babied since it was completed. Not perfect, of
course, but when you pull into the local cruise night, people are
going to stop and watch you roll by with their jaws dropped.
Details like the tall cowl-induction hood, blacked-out grilles up
front, and smooth, spoiler-less decklid out back all enhance the
performance look and it's been subtly updated with cleared lenses
up front, tinted windows, and those oversized rims, so it has a
more modern look than many of its be-striped siblings. Dark paint
doesn't allow for sloppiness in the finish work, and this one
delivers a glossy surface with a good bit of metallic flake buried
inside that's top driver quality all the way, with straight
sheetmetal underneath, and precise gaps - all of which line up
rather well. There's no chrome or stainless trim because it's all
been painted black to match, a cool way of giving this vintage
Camaro a more up-to-date look and we like it a lot.
A black interior on a darkly-painted car is always a fantastic
combination and the upgraded threads this one is wearing are a big
part of why this Camaro is such a screaming bargain. Just about
everything inside is fresh and clean, including those sculpted
sporty racing bucket seats up front that are much more form-fitting
than the originals. The door panels are stock-spec and match the
original bench, a center console that splits the front seats, and
there are plush black carpets on the floors that are way better
than any '70s shag you'd normally see in these cars. You'll note
there are power window switches on the center console, right behind
the B&M shifter for the 3-speed automatic transmission, and a
sporty, leather-wrapped steering wheel is front and center in the
driver's cockpit. The factory instrument cluster is still full of
original gauges, although they've also been augmented with a trio
of auxiliary units at the head of the center console and a
tachometer on top of the dash that all help keep a keen eye on the
nasty motor under the hood, and there's a modern retro-style
AM/FM/CD/AUX stereo head unit in the center stack. There's a taut
headliner above, the rear seats look mostly untouched, and even the
trunk is neatly finished with spatter paint and full size spare
tire and jack set.
A built-up, monster 468 cubic inch V8 (454 block bored and stroked)
makes this Camaro a blast to drive. A big 4-barrel carburetor on an
aluminum air-gap intake manifold gives it snappy throttle response,
and with a few well-chosen chrome bits, it has a great look under
the hood. The chrome alternator is newer, as is the HEI ignition
system and coil, and power steering and power front disc brakes
make this powerful F-body easy to handle for any driver. Long-tube
headers feed a true Flowmaster dual exhaust system that sounds
fantastic but doesn't get too annoying on the highway, although
this bruider certainly enjoys itself on surface streets a bit more
with short 4.11 gearing. The bright Chevy Orange engine works well
with the overall theme and the rest of the engine bay is quite
clean, especially with those wide chrome valve covers and air
cleaner atop the big block. A sturdy TH400 3-speed automatic
transmission spins a heavy-duty 10-built rear-end with 4.11 gears
and an aluminum differential cover, both of which are more than
capable of handling the big block's extra horsepower and torque.
Those 17-inch American Racing Torque Thrust wheels are a perfect
fit and wear staggered 235/45/17 front and 255/50/17 rear
performance radials with plenty of grip.
We can't get over the bang for the buck that this cool Camaro
offers. There has to be far more than the asking price wrapped up
in the build, so don't miss this chance to get a great car at a
great price. Call now!
