Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 | Spotted

It’s easy right now to be a little despondent as a UK-based car fan, given how little fun stuff seems to be available to us. Or if it is, how expensive it seems to be. But times could hardly be better in the US, with the wild Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X coming soon, the final Blackwing Cadillacs available, surely the bulk of Mustang GTD going there, Acura Integras, 86s and BRZs… you get the picture. Truth be told, the US has been cranking out some fantastic driver’s cars for bloomin ages now. Pretty much since the Big Three were bailed out, they’ve been on an amazing streak with the Hellcat Dodges, the Voodoo-engined Mustangs, the final generation of Viper ACR and so on. 

The return of the Camaro Z/28 was a perfect example of the breed. Not every Z/28 in history had been brilliant, but the fifth generation really was something special. Because it was so much more than a big engine, even if the dry-sumped 7.0-litre LS7 – paired with a six-speed manual – really was a huge part of the appeal. There was the torque from that gigantic capacity, but also a real willingness to thunder on thanks to forged titanium conrods, forged steel crank and titanium intake valves. 

Extensive weight saving measures were employed, including a one-speaker stereo (!) no boot carpet, thinner glass, a lighter battery, standard ceramic brakes, simpler headlights and even the removal of the tyre inflation kit. Not that it’d have any hope, really, against four 305-section Pirellis. While the Z/28 remained a large, heavy car at more than 1,700kg, the commitment to circuit speed was laudable. And proven, with a 7:37 Nurburgring lap. For a manual, naturally aspirated car of this stature – a Camaro, no less – that’s not bad going at all. 

The super sticky tyres will have helped, as will the brakes, plus the fitment of Multimatic DSSV dampers – a hugely expensive addition to a $75,000 Camaro. It was Chevrolet making the very best muscle car it could, and the Z/28 was mighty; check out the PH Rise & Drive video for proof… 

The 7.0-litre Camaro was only made for a few years, never to return, and now the Camaro nameplate has been retired. What always seemed significant is now even more so. Let’s not forget another key element of the Z/28’s appeal, either: it’s glowering good looks. It’s mean, moody and handsome as hell, the Z/28 aero additions front and rear making this the best looking Camaro of a very smart generation.

This one was brought to the UK by its first owner who’d grown very attached overseas, registered here in 2018 and with 14,000 miles under its wheels. It appears to want for nothing more than many gallons more super unleaded (the trip computer is reading 11mpg). Any buyer will, of course, have to deal with left-hand drive, and make their peace with an ordinary interior, but heck does the Z/28 have plenty in its favour as well. There are 7,011 reasons to buy one just under the bonnet…

Engine: 7,011cc, V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 505@6,100rpm
Torque (lb ft): 481@4,800rpm
MPG: The ad says 15…
CO2: Erm
Year registered: 2018 (UK)
Recorded mileage: 14,314
Price new: $75,000
Yours for: £48,995