The Chevrolet Camaro had one of the strongest images in the 1960s, but a changing market compromised its position. A 1972 UAW strike hurt sales that were already hurting to begin with, making some within General Motors feel updating the Camaro with upcoming federalized requirements would not be worth the effort. Our Pick of the Day, a 1974 Camaro Z28, shows what happened when Chevrolet rose to the challenge. It is listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Wilson, Oklahoma.
When the second-generation Camaro appeared in February 1970, it was celebrated by all enthusiasts for its lean, European-inspired styling, handling, and giving distinction that other pony cars lacked. Though the Super Sport returned with both 350 and 396 (really, 402ci) engines, it was the Z/28’s new-found sophistication and flexibility that caught the attention of both the public and the press. Of special note was the new 360-horsepower LT1 350, which clearly was over the 5.0-liter limit in Trans-Am racing but it was one of the hot small-blocks of the era that could run with big-blocks.
The LT1 had its compression lowered for 1971 and continued into 1972 before it was replaced by the L82 for 1973. Though the Camaro looked the same as before, a new 5-mph front bumper was the second federal mandate in two years that compromised most cars, less so the Camaro. But the transformation would become complete for 1974 when the federalized rear bumper was ushered in as part of a restyle that lengthened the Camaro by seven inches. The Corvette-inspired round taillights were replaced by wrap-around units, while the front featured a gently sloping grille surrounded by recessed, round parking lights. Two models were available: the standard Sport Coupe and the luxurious Type LT, aka Luxury Touring.
Either were available with the Z28 package (note new spelling). Like before, it was equipped with an exclusive 245-horsepower L82 350 V8, plus the package included aluminized dual exhausts, dual-snorkel air cleaner, special suspension, 15 x 7 wheels, F60-15 bias belted white-letter tires, increased cooling, power brakes, Positraction, sport mirrors on both sides, front and rear spoilers, and more. A wide-ratio four-speed or three-speed automatic were available, plus an exclusive close-ratio four-speed could be ordered as long as you didn’t want air conditioning. A special stripe package on the hood and trunk lid was available for those who wanted others to know what they were driving. An impressive 13,802 Z28s were built, though Chevrolet then decided to give the Z a break until 1977.
This unusual Lime Yellow 1974 Chevrolet Camaro is a Sport Coupe equipped with the Z28 performance package. There is no disputing it is the latter based on the “T” in the VIN, a luxury pre-1972 Camaros didn’t have. Features include four-spoke steering wheel, air conditioning (though compressor is currently MIA), power steering, power disc brakes, and remote driver-side mirror. “Extremely nice black bucket seat interior, black headliner, dash pad, rear package tray, door panels, and carpet in great condition,” says the seller.
Back in 1974, this was one of the hotter cars in the market. The color and stripes really make it—if you were not in the market for a 1974 Camaro Z28, maybe you’re in the market now? That’s the kind of magic this car has. For $25,500, are you ready to discover that magic?
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com