1983 Chevrolet Camaro

This 1983 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Convertible is one of the coolest and rarest classics you can get your hands on right now. The factory never offered a drop-top this year, and instead, a few select people paid a lot for a specially-bodied car like this. The result is the best of both worlds. You get a beautifully presented Z-car that's great for driving, and it's a professional coach-built classic that will be a big attraction at some car shows.

The two-seat convertible configuration makes this a true collector's item. This was the first couple of years of the 3rd gen Camaro. Chevrolet was selling plenty of this new design, and so there was no need yet for an official convertible. Of course, bright red V8 all-American like this was just meant for drop-top cruising. That's why a few people with deep pockets would get their car custom converted by Auto Form. They are a specialty professional builder, but construction could better be described as by the handful rather than mass production. Because this was a specialty product they took the time to give you some beautiful details. The back seat was eliminated so that you could store the roof without a trace, and the custom panel had head fairings to make this Camaro look like a personal roadster. As cool as this looks with the top down, the roof arrangement is also quite sophisticated. The tan top looks nice, and it fits well. The elimination of the back seat and design of the roof looks similar to the contemporary Mercedes SL and will also draw comparisons to the Mercury ASC McLaren - an American specialty rival that came the next year. And because this is such a unique machine, and a desirable Z/28, it has also seen quite good care. The bright red paint remains vibrant that's to a later respray, and the body has good lines when everything is buttoned-up. You have the best Z/28 pieces in place, like the hood scoop trim, blackout headlight buckets, lower triple-stripe, and an upgraded set of later Z/28 alloys. The Auto Form conversion even made sure to keep the three-piece rear spoiler. It's unknown if the odometer reflects the full actual mileage, but with a solid investment in the paint, wheels, and details, the overall presentation has the right look of quality care.

The tan interior looks good against the red exterior. And because the conversion was expensive, they also used a loaded Camaro. That means power windows, power locks, a tilt steering column, cruise control, and an upgraded AM/FM/cassette stereo. The convertible top stores where the rear seats were, and that means you still have a real trunk. This is still a driver's car, and so you can find some areas to improve if you're looking for perfection. For example, the air conditioning has been converted to R134a, but it will need servicing and/or parts to blow cold again. The idea here is that the value price on this specialty machine gives you some room for personalization and/or upgrades. Most of that has to do with the readily available 3rd gen factory components. Everything that makes this one rare/special appears to be in place. And what we love about a driver's car is that it has the same carefree attitude you really want in a convertible. The upgrade bucket seats are finished in a comfortable cloth (perfect for the days you're wearing shorts.) So this just feels right for hopping in on a whim and hitting the road.

These early third-gen Z/28s are often quite favorable. They have a 305 cubic-inch V8 with a four-barrel carburetor on top. That means this highly stock setup gives you a torque-filled powerhouse from day one, and it's always ready for affordable power upgrades if you so desire. And this convertible is a true cruiser with power steering, power brakes, front discs, modern sport tires, and a four-speed automatic transmission with highway-friendly overdrive.

This sharp-looking specialty build is a unique piece made irresistible at an affordable price. Call now!