Well-Preserved 1979 Chevrolet Camaro RS With Only 3,000 Miles For Sale
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If you’re in the market for a second-gen Camaro, then have we got a find for you. Behold this well-preserved, (nearly) all-original 1979 Chevrolet Camaro RS with less than 3,000 miles on the clock. It’s a “true time capsule,” with the only changes being a set of tires and new OEM exhaust system. At least that’s what this Craigslist ad claims.
The red-on-red color combination is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, as it pairs well with the overall design of the second-gen Chevrolet Camaro. In addition, this RS model is powered by GM’s 305-cubic inch V8 mated to a 4-speed manual Borg-Warner transmission. The car appears to have been well-maintained, and is said to have been stored on a lift rack in a temperature-controlled environment.
We initially came across this listing courtesy of Barnfinds.com, where author Adam Clarke points out a few intricacies regarding the information disclosed in the ad. For starters, the seller doesn’t mention the fact that there’s no radio, which is perplexing as this is claimed to be an “unmolested, unrestored original.” Clarke also points out that there are no photos of the engine bay, which is rather peculiar as one would think this would be of great importance to any potential buyer. That said, the seller does state that they are willing to provide any additional photos, and that the vehicle is available for an “up-close inspection by appointment.”
If we have any reservations about this Chevrolet Camaro, it would have to be the fact that it’s not a split-nose model, which was produced from 1970 – 1973. But if it were a split-nose model, then it would certainly fetch a higher premium.
So, is this ultra-low-mileage 1979 Chevrolet Camaro RS a worthwhile deal, or are there better cars available for the $17,500 asking price? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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That steering wheel is from a Malibu/Monte Carlo and is also not original to the car
I noticed that myself
That is not an RS. Rally Sports from 75 on had a two tone paint job. Also, the transmission is a Saginaw, much weaker than a Both Warner which came in the Z28, Trans Am and Corvette.
It’s not a original RS and may never have been one. It should be two tone with base red and black upper paint scheme. It should also have the RS stripe package separating the two colors with the Rally Sport decals on the front fenders not chrome Camaro emblems and the decal should be on the rear spoiler. The steering wheel is also incorrect it should have a 4 spoke steering wheel. My RS which I had restored a few years ago originally came with a 350 and Saginaw. I replaced it with a 383 and Muncie and kept the two tone blue paint and stripe package.
I desperately need that steering wheel for my “79 ElCamino Royal Knight. Mine is pretty rough by comparison.
The car also has been exposed to UV. the center hump rear rug is faded and the 1/4 trim on both sides is also faded.
Beautiful car but I agree with the the knowledgeable commenters. Wrong steering wheel and paint scheme.
Only 3000 miles? Why would you put new tires on it?
40 year old tires need replacing no matter how many miles. Dry rot is inevitable.
I think I have aids for this car
What a waste of a Camaro. This was clearly bought as an investment that didn’t appreciate like they thought. The car was prob $5000 new. The fun that could have been had was worth way more than $12,000
Not one of my favorite Camaro’s. Never liked it as a boy back then, worse now as a grown man.
Yea, I thought the late 2 gens were fat and goofy compared to the 3 gens when I was growing up but now I actually now see attraction to them.
Which reminds me on a similar subject the whole personal luxury couple market how it lasted so long after the pony car launch in the 60’s, the Monte Carlo shoulda died when the Camaro took off in sales in the 70s. The T-bird lasted in several iterations after the Mustang took it’s spot in the 60s and Chrysler got out the PLC market in the 80s when Daytona / Laser debut.
By the way folks: the “emblem” on the steering wheel is of: pontiac, oldsmobile, Buick, or cadillac!? By all the imperfections the owner made i would think the cars value would be: $1k-$1,500! It would not even be titled as a custom.
Clone job from base Camaro. Possible repaint, and no radio? What up with dat? Steering wheel R&R. Let’s put it up on the rack, and see some more. I doubt mileage as well.
This is a clear example of, “why not to shop from Craigslist”.
Interior also shows way more mileage than 3k. This is a $10,000.00 car at best. If the underneath is clean. But I doubt it. Something’s not kosher here…
If the 1979 camaro had “ALL” original item’s; it would be worth:$2k+!? “But Not In It’s Current Description/shape”!!?
@ least not by the NADA book/or KBB?!
Well my neighbor had a 11,000 mile 81 Camaro. It was all original but for the shifter, exhaust and gear. The car was an original 305 4 speed base Camaro with the rare silver interior.
The car was a show case for original factory delivered build quality.
I took it to a Camaro show and you could tell by the factory orange peel the ill fitting carpet and other flaws how well todays restored cars conditions are. Most are so much better than new.
The one thing most do not have what his car had. It had that tight factory feel with not rattles, no miss aligned doors or other things many restored cars lack.
If this car is a real 2900 mile car it’s had a harsh life and is far from original.
My neighbor by the way passed away and they sold the car just before he passed. But he wanted me to take him for drives that summer and we had a real good time traveling the back roads and he finally enjoying the car he never drove.
If you have a car drive it. You may one day with you had. I know he did before he could not remember he even owned it.
The newer commenter sounded like a troll & the car mis-leading, fake!
It’s a base model Camaro with optional rally wheels and rear spoiler. The 305 2BBl V8 was also optional. Every Camaro I have seen has the 4 spoke wheel. This wheel is one from a Monte Carlo.
W/all the negative improvements you’ve made too the “whatever”; It’s far from being worth $17,500! W/ALL the mixed-matched salvaged parts on it; even w/3k miles on it; It’s just a $500 paperweight!! “(If you would have put Genuine camaro part’s on the 1979; it would be maybe worth $2k)”!!? & You should have put it under a roof of something instead of letting the car fade everywhere out in the open(then again if the original interior was a different color; that also takes away from the collectability value)! [I myself have been an enthusiast of “GENUINE” original Chevrolet Camaro fan like other detailed followers!]
It’s still a nice car. I am thinking the writer of the article was mistaken. I don’t think it will sell for 17 but someone will buy it. There’s a lid for every pot.
If folks don’t like my comments like the editor that wrote this article then the article should be pulled and deleted to terminate the drama.