1973 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 – Auction Car of the Week

There are muscle cars and then there are muscle cars and the Chevrolet Camaro embodies all that is great about these snarling American beasts. One of the kings of the genre, the Camaro, along with the Ford Mustang it was built to compete with, was the pick of the Pony Cars back in the late ’60s when it was unveiled. Now on to its fifth iteration the Camaro began life back in 1966. These front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, first-gen cars were available with a whole host of V8 engines; from a 4.1-litre all the way up to a 6.8. A 3.8-litre, inline six cylinder was also an option but nobody really cares about that as it pales in comparison to those motors with the extra two cylinders. Whatever the engine though, the Camaro was a hit for Chevrolet right out of the gate.

The car we have here is a second generation Z28 model. The Z28 was the nomenclature used to denote the high performance version of the Camaro and was an option from the very beginning. First generation Z28 cars were fitted with a race-designed 4.9-litre V8 which could produce around 400bhp when fitted with dual four barrel carburettors. Lovely. The second-gen Camaro debuted in 1970 and despite being a wholly new car, retained the original F-Body platform and also carried over most of the drivetrain and mechanicals from its predecessor, albeit refined. The restyled body was aggressive and it certainly still looked the part, especially in Z28 guise with its rear spoiler and induction scoop on the bonnet. Or should we say hood? Whatever the case it was, and still is, a genuine head-turner.

This particular 1973 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is no exception and is honestly one of the best we’ve seen. Go ahead, take a moment to let it all sink in, we’ll wait. See what we mean? It’s simply gorgeous. This is due in part to a complete respray in its original Medium Orange Metallic paint with contrasting black stripes. Not only that but the full size front bumper has been replaced with much more elegant quarter items. The wheels have also been swapped out for 16-inch Minilite style alloys and we think they suit the car perfectly.

A rust-free example this Camaro has been fully restored care of Lamude Racing Engines and benefits from myriad mechanical upgrades, covering only 800 miles since. Works include, but are not limited to, a fresh 350cui V8 with Edelbrock intake manifold and aluminium heads, roller rockers, an uprated cam and a pair of steel four-branch headers making their way into a large bore exhaust with x-pipe and Flowmaster silencers. All of this makes for an incredibly capable, and glorious sounding Camaro.

The Muncie four-speed M20 gearbox has been fully rebuilt too and the car is fitted with disc brakes all round ensuring it stops as well as it goes. The suspension has also been fettled with and features heavy duty anti-roll bars, solid bushings, adjustable upper A arms and upgraded coilovers and rear suspension, amongst other improvements. Rest assured, this is one sorted muscle car. But it has transcended that original blunt instrument engineering to become something so much more. No longer just a brawler for laying down rubber in a straight line at the drag strip, this Z28 has been transformed into a proper grand tourer, with a whole host of brand new parts.

Nothing has been overlooked here, from the underneath to the immaculate interior, and the restoration has been carried out to the highest specification. It’s obviously a US import but all of the necessary paperwork is present and correct and the car is currently registered here in the UK. That means it’s ready to be driven away by its new owner. And that, dear reader, could be you. Just imagine. It’s an exciting and captivating thought isn’t it? All it takes is the winning bid…