Time to get your hands on a time capsule. This 1982 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 is an Indianapolis 500 Pace Car edition with an exceptionally low odometer. And as you look at the detailed exterior, loaded A/C interior, and numbers-matching fuel-injected V8, you can tell this is something quite special.
This was the debut year for the new 3rd generation Camaro. It was a big deal in the new car world, and so the car took a true victory lap. It got to be the official pace car for the Indianapolis 500. It's also reported that Chevrolet only made 6,360 official replicas. But while the Z-cars were often used for blacktop battles all through the 1980s, this one is quite different. The odometer is believed to reflect the full actual mileage, and that's the kind of distance some of us put on in just a road trip. So this one has a barn find kind of vibe. The color package is quite unique. It's a factory silver car where the lower section is encircled in a detailed decal package that looks like it's done in blue and fading into the silver rockers of the Z/28 body kit. The sports hood has blue streaks to match, and the red pinstripes on the decals go with the red accenting of the special Z/28 15-inch wheels. And of course, it all goes with the special Indy 500 door graphics. The paint is believed to be the original application, and this is where the barn find feeling really makes it cool. The paint is well preserved with a nice glow and only a few scuffs (possibly from storage?) And the decal package is complete but it is showing the kind of age that lets people really see that this is entering its fifth decade. So it wears its history with the kind of distinction that will get plenty of attention everywhere from true survivor fans to the cars & coffee crowd.
The interior continues the blue and silver two-tone. It has the kind of bright and complete presentation that feels like a time capsule that has been sealed for decades. Details like the blue piping on the seat, the soft feel of the velour inserts, the vibrant blue of the seatbelts, the ribbed texture of the silver door panels, and so much more all would have been worn or faded in a car that saw any regular use. So you can tell this never spent much time with the T-top out, and you'll really have to search hard for details that have been altered or aged. As a premium-priced Z/28 Pace car, this was loaded with the best features, like power windows, power locks, cruise control, an electric rear defogger, and an AM/FM/cassette stereo. There's even cold-blowing factory air conditioning (the factory controls are running a more modern R134a system.) The T-style three-spoke sports steering wheel is on a tilt column, and so you get a clear view of the dual mph/kmh speedometer that's a distinct hallmark of early 3rd gen cars.
Under the hood is the numbers-matching 305 cubic-inch V8 in almost a time capsule style of cleanliness. This is the optional Cross-Fire fuel injection version, which was the top dog in 1982. And it's a true rarity that was only offered for a couple of years. Fuel injection is the key to the right balance in this car. After all, it has a high degree of originality, but this modern delivery system means the V8 fires up and runs with confidence. And if you do choose to add miles to this time capsule, as a true Z/28, it makes for a solid driver. So you have a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and a sports suspension with sway bars front and rear. This even has upgraded four-wheel power disc brakes.
The sale comes with the original window sticker and the owner's manual for good documentation. This is the first-year third-gen Camaro that's a rare pace car survivor. So if you've been looking for the ultimate Camaro find, this one goes right to the top of the list. Call today!!!
