Vehicle Description
1981 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
It's the end of the road boys. After a 12-year run, the Second
Generation Camaro was heading for automotive history. A lot has
been written over the years faulting the impracticality of the car
in general; the poor headlights, lack of controls on the steering
column, poor seats, poor fuel economy, poor trunk space.... it was
time. While the exterior of the 1981 Camaro was a carryover from
the previous year, there were some significant changes under the
hood. Most notably the CCC, (Computer Command Control), emission
system. This meant the 1981 Camaro was the only 2nd gen to have a
"computer", which controlled the carburetor mixture, along with a
"check engine" light and ALDL connector. The transmission now had a
lock up torque converter, also controlled by the CCC. Alas, many
people took a "wait & see" attitude and held out for the all-new
1982 Camaro.
For consignment, a 1981 version of the Camaro carrying the well
known Z28 moniker. This car has remained true to its included build
sheet with the interior and exterior color, with a refresh on both
during the restoration and presents in excellent rust-free
condition. Along the way the engine was given a serious upgrade on
the performance front,the transmission upgraded to an overdrive
unit and some gnarly dual exhaust was added. Also our consignor is
includingthe 3 tone silver decal package, the factory Z28 wheels,
and some extra body panels along with the original 350ci V8 for
this last year 2nd generation body.
*Due to modifications of the emissions control devices installed by
the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and federal laws
to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on public
highways in your area.*
Exterior
With its 3-piece front spoiler wrapping around the front of this
car, along with the body matching crash bumper with integrated
single round headlights and outward V billet style grille shape,
rear facing scooped hood, the Camaro had come into its own with
styling for 1981. This car bathed in a respray of the factory Dark
Blue Metallic that presents with some inclusions and roughness to
the paint that could possibly be wet sanded out. 3 tone silver
decals are included but have not been applied to the body.
Highlighting the body is the reverse scooped hood and spats to
accentuate the front and rear wheel wells. Chrome trimmings have
been kept to a minimum with only the windshield, side and back
glass being encircled. Exterior panels are straight and rust free,
Z28 badging is on the tail panel, and gaps are noted as well
minded. Body matching sport rally wheels are slapped on all 4
corners, and this beauty has the "look" that every Camaro owner
desires.
Interior
Nicely stitched paneled doors are inside and showing off in silver
and are highlighted with chrome bezels for the door releases and
mirror joystick. These panels play out with smooth vinyl, tufted
broadcloth in gray and a lower black carpeting for good looks.
Keeping in theme the front buckets have silver vinyl bolsters and
have deep tuck and roll gray broadcloth stitching for inserts. A 2
plus 2 rear seat in the same pattern is looking mostly unused and
all in near excellent condition with the exception of a few
cigarette burns in the driver side front and rear lower cushions.
The square and rectangle design genre is abundant utilizing some
brushed aluminum-like material for the cluster with dual round
gauges in the center and surrounding smaller rounds at the corners.
A/C is noted on the heater control slides and is still present
under the hood, along with an aftermarket AM/FM/Cassette player and
3 more essential gauges added just below. The original steering
wheel badged in Z28 with its 4 splines appears with a heavy ribbed
wrap the rim. A vinyl textured center console, providing storage
and a place for the B&M shifter, is racing between the buckets
and towards the 2 plus 2's in the back. Black carpet floods the
floors and a tight black felt headliner totally seamless is
floating above.
Drivetrain
Prior to flipping the hood, I could feel the Heartbeat of America,
and opening up the hood witnessed it in all its red/orange block
glory and polished parts. A consignor stated rebuilt and punched
.015 over 400ci V8, all polished and nice, sports headers, chrome
valve covers and an open element air cleaner assembly. This mill
has been fitted with a .490 lift camshaft, a Quadrajet 4-barrel
carb redone by Jet 2, and the heads have been flowed before as well
as having roller rockers bolted on. Bolted to the back is a 700R4
transmission 4-speed automatic transmission with a 2600rpm stall
converter which sends power rearward to a 3.73 geared Eaton Posi
equipped 10-bolt axle. Just a beauty to look at...Lub dub, lub,
dub...
Undercarriage
Black paint, factory undercoating, and some surface rust provide
the backdrop for this undercarriage. Strong steel for the flooring
and unibody give solid attachment points for the independent coil
spring front suspension and leaf spring rear suspension. Power disc
brakes are on the front and power drums are on the rear. The
aforementioned header's snake their way down from the clean orange
engine and feed into Turbo style mufflers before ending at the rear
axle. We see that the catalytic converter has been removed to
accommodate the dual exhaust. Our consignor notes that a pair of
new tailpipes are included with the purchase.
Drive-Ability
She fired right up, and all was good on the warmup to the test
track. Here it handled well, had smooth acceleration, and straight
bias free panic stopping. The steering was tight, and the overall
ride was comfortable, even at cruising speed. I did note 2 frowns
during my drive, both relatively minor; the horn not tooting and
the reverse lights not illuminating. I did not attempt the
"moonshiner's" turn but wanted to just in deference to Jim
Rockford!
If you are looking for a Camaro in classic early 80's style, stop
here, as this is it. All rust free, all totally restored and
rebuilt, all running just perfectly. Great bodystyling for this
last year 2nd gen and a fine runner, just showroom condition here
in 2023, right out of 1981.
1G1AP87L1BN104414
1-USA
G-General Motors
1-Chevrolet
A-Manual Belts
P-Camaro
87-2 Door Coupe
L-5.7 Liter V8 4bbl
1-Check Digit
B-1981
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
104414-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
09E-5th Week September
15D-Silver Deluxe Cloth
29L 29U-Dark Blue Metallic
A51-Bucket Seats
Z28-Z28 Performance Package
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
