1981 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

Description

The 1981 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 marked the final year of the second generation, introduced in 1970. By 1981, it featured distinctive Z28 graphics, front and rear spoilers, and functional hood air induction to the Z28's 350-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) V8. The engine, which produced 175 horsepower and 275 lb-ft. of torque, was paired with either a four-speed manual or Turbo-Hydramatic 350 automatic transmission. The model year also introduced GM’s Computer Command Control system (early technology to manage emissions and fuel), reflecting tightening federal regulations.

Originally Dark Blue, this Camaro Z28 was refinished in maroon paint and reupholstered in black vinyl with cloth inserts in 2016. Additional upgrades under current ownership include installing a performance intake and carburetor, a larger-bore dual exhaust system with Chevrolet bow tie tips, and new OEM N90 wheels with Hankook Kinergy ST tires. The dashboard was also replaced, and its gauges received white face covers with LED lighting. The original odometer reportedly showed approximately 68,000 miles at that time.

This 1981 Z28 is now offered on dealer consignment with an accident-free CARFAX history report and a clean Washington title in the current owner's name.

Highlights

• Refinished in maroon paint with orange tri-colored graphics

• 350 cu-in (5.7L) V8 engine with performance upgrades

• TH350 three-speed automatic transmission

• Accident-free CARFAX history report

Factory Equipment

• Functional Air Induction hood

• Rear spoiler

• Power steering, brakes, and optional power windows

• Air conditioning

• Cruise control

• The data plate decodes as:

  • B – Assembly plant code

  • 09E – Built filth week of September 1980 (Sept. 28-29-30)

  • 1FP87 – Chevrolet Camaro Sport Coupe with Z28 trim

  • N – Norwood (Ohio) assembly plant

  • 153325 – Fisher Body sequence number

  • 64R – Camel vinyl upholstery (now black vinyl with black cloth inserts)

  • 29L 29U L – Dark Blue lacquer paint on upper and lower body (now maroon)

  • A51 – Bucket seats

  • Z28 – Z28 appearance package

  • A31 – Power windows

  • SA2 – Stripe code

  • 280066 – Fisher Body scheduling or accessory code

Modifications

• Under current ownership:

  • Replaced dashboard (85-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, clock, and fuel, temperature, volts, and temperature gauges); added white face covers and LED lighting

  • ECU module removed (no emissions controls)

  • Performance intake and carburetor

  • Larger bore dual exhaust system with Chevrolet bow tie tips

  • Installed new OEM N90 wheels and Hankook Kinergy ST tires

  • LED headlights, turn signals, and brake lights with new taillight housings

  • Replacement dashboard with white face covers and LED lights

  • New Z28 graphics

  • Replaced black carpet and sill cover plates

  • Custom Auto Sound stereo with Bluetooth, USB hard plug, and new speakers

• Under previous ownership:

  • Refinished (from original Dark Blue) in maroon paint with tri-colored orange stripes and stickers on side panels and hood (2016)

  • Reupholstered (from original Camel) in black vinyl with cloth inserts

  • Corded steering wheel wrap

Known Imperfections

• Paint chips on some forward-facing surfaces, including the front bumper

• Paint bubble/imperfection on roof behind driver’s door

• Some rust spots on edge of driver’s side rear wheel well

• Heater blower motor works but is said to be weak

• Z28 badge on steering wheel is cracked

• Corrosion on steering column

• Cover plate on the front end of the center console (below stereo) is missing

• Voltage meter appears to read over full

• The selling dealer states that the engine bay would benefit from some cleaning/detailing

• The included CARFAX history report lists a "mileage inconsistency" when the reported odometer reading went from 129,000 in July 2000 to 52,063 in June 2023.

Ownership History

According to the accompanying accident-free CARFAX history report, the seller purchased this Camaro Z28 in July 2023.

Included Items

• Spare tire

• Jack

Additional Information

The consigning dealer states, “Lots of hard work went into making this a clean nice daily driver. The owner is now selling because of life changes — he just found out that a new baby is on the way and needs to sell to raise funds for a family vehicle... The previous owner had the car apart for a long time and then in the paint stage for a long time, as well — hence the low mileage (68,000 on the original dashboard) is believed to be correct. The car has been repainted maroon (from its original Dark Blue factory color).”