Chevrolet quit making convertibles for a time beginning in the mid-1970s, ahead of proposed federal rollover regulations that never materialized. For the Chevy Camaro, the last of the factory convertibles had rolled off the assembly line years before with the 1969 model year. There were no factory second-generation Camaro ragtops, although T-tops could be had starting with the 1978 model year. If you wanted top down, wind-in-your-hair Camaro excitement, you had to have it custom built.
Our feature 1981 Chevy Camaro Z28 convertible was the final year of the second-generation Camaros. It is one of about 400 converted by National Coach Engineering of Michigan from 1979 to 1981, and is reputed to be one of around 100 still in existence. Finished in its original white-over-red vinyl interior, it has a full-framed white vinyl convertible top, numbers-matching 350 cubic-inch Small Block V8, Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed automatic transmission, power windows, AM/FM stereo, and factory air conditioning. It has only been driven 75,723 miles from new.
The Chevy Camaro’s white factory finish retains good shine, and the Z/28 decals show only a hint of fading, strongly suggesting the car has had lifelong care and indoor storage. With the top down, the car is a sharp looking conversion, however when the top is raised, it is quite wrinkled, another strong indicator of indoor storage, likely with the top down. Convertible tops tend to shrink when not stretched, but the top may be able to be stretched out again if left up outside on a hot sunny day. It would likely take a bit of time before the top could be properly latched in the up position, but this is an easy fix.
The body panel gaps are consistent with factory standards. The Z/28 spoilers and fender flares all appear to be in good nick, with no cracks or excessive fading present. Glass is clear, with no chips or tracks noted.
The bright red vinyl interior of the Chevy Camaro convertible is a handsome complement to the white exterior. It appears as if the driver-side bucket seat has incurred some frame damage toward the top of the inboard bolster near the headrest, as it slopes backward somewhat more than the rest of the seat. The remainder of the cabin is bright, colorfast, and free from the cracking that was so often a hallmark of this generation. The carpet is not faded nor does it show any appreciable wear.
The engine bay of the Chevy Camaro convertible is the standard-issue melee of hoses and wires typical of this era. The rubber gasket that seals the air intake to the cowl induction hood is still in good shape, appearing to be soft and pliable as it would need to be. The engine could benefit from a bit of cleaning, but is far from unpresentable.
This rare 1981 Chevy Camaro Z/28 convertible is being offered by Garage Kept Motors for $39,900.
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Comments
Oh dear…1 of 100 too many.
I almost bought one in 1981 Maroon color 350 engine t tops Z28. Didn’t do it my insurance was way to high due to to many tickets. Oh well live and learn. The Z28 is still my favorite car until this day.
What is wrong with that ragtop . . . it looks absolutely terrible with the roof closed over. That just can’t be right??? It should be tight and smooth when fully snapped down.
Pretty steep price just to have someone laugh at you.
A REDONE TOP? Maybe this isn’t the original idea. I would have only put the one center rear window in and made it smooth all the way around the edges. Well, in any case, this car is definitely well preserved. $39,900 well preserved? Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, but I’m not beholding $39,900 in my eyes. Maybe it would come into focus at $19,900?
I had a 1981 z 28 very up set when a Honda 4 cylinder blew my doors off. Give you blue book value or less, does the factory radio still works.
1981 Chevy Z/28 0-60 mph 8.8 seconds and 0-100 mph in 26.5 seconds. 2018 Chevy Impala 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds and 0-100mph in 16.0 seconds.
That convertible top looks like a reject from a boat. Geez.
Yes, that is exactly who probably did the actual top manufacturing since the real convertible top suppliers had probably gone away by that time. There were Monte Carlo’s from the same era with the same conversions…
It looks like a CHEAP backyard barbecue cover. Well, discount the price to accommodate a new top and it will probably sell a lot easier. This car is like a parade type cruiser, definitely not a performance car. Nice but too expensive for what it is.
These were legit conversions. Car and Driver magazine did an article about them. It had a Firebird and Camaro on the cover that month. I bid on one of these about ten years ago and was sniped at the final seconds. Don’t forget, in 1981 your options were an early 70’s beast (I had a 1975 grandville convertible) or nothing.
A sloth: 1981 Chevy Camaro Z/28 0-60 mph in 8.8 seconds and 0-100 mph in 26.5 seconds. A gazelle: 2018 Chevy Impala 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds and 0-100 mph in 16.0 seconds (per Car & Driver magazine)
Geez does anyone read?
The article states that the top cannot be properly locked into place.
Because the car was stored with the top down
It shrunk.
I’m sorry, but that does not look like a top that has shrunk. It looks like a poorly made top that was improperly installed and never raised because it looked so bad. That’s why it was stored with the top down, out of sight out of mind.
I had a light metallic blue 1982 Monte Carlo that was one of seven conversions like this. It has the frame stiffened with cross braces, and a very manual convertible top. It locked down with Corvette style latches. You had to release the latches, then unsnap all the side snaps on the rear quarter panels, and then roll the top into a roll that basically laid on the speaker panel. Then you snapped a tonneau cover over the rolled up roof.. I loved the car but it was not good for daily use.
Unique Indeed but with that top up it’s a Hot Mess that needs attention immediately before selling to anyone at any price