The Collection

Muscle & Speed / 1960–1979

1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Custom

No. 157 of 207

The second-generation Chevrolet Camaro is an American pony car produced by Chevrolet from 1970 through the 1981 model years. It was introduced in the spring of 1970. Build information for model 123-12487 was released to the assembly plants in February of that same year. It was longer, lower, and wider than the first-generation Camaro. A convertible was no longer available.[3] GM engineers have said the second generation is much more of "a driver's car" than its predecessor. The high-performance Z/28 option remained available through 1975, redesignated as the Z28 in 1972.

The second-generation Camaro was an all-new car, with its basic mechanical layout familiar and engineered much like its predecessor: a unibody utilizing a front subframe, A-arm and coil spring front suspension, and rear leaf springs.

The chassis and suspension of the second generation were, however, refined in both performance and comfort; base models offered significant advances in sound-proofing, ride isolation, and road-holding. Extensive experience Chevrolet engineers had gained racing the first-generation led directly to advances in second-generation Camaro steering, braking, and balance. High-performance configurations were initially available, but the marketplace changed as 1970s progressed with fuel crisis, higher insurance rates, and tightening emissions regulations. Major styling changes were made in 1974 and 1978; 1981 was the final model year.

1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Custom — museum photo

There were few changes to the 1979 Camaro. Engine choices remained with the 250 I6standard in the base and RS models, with the 305 2bbl being an option and standard on the newly introduced luxury-oriented Berlinetta model. It replaced the Type LT, and had a restyled instrument panel with a much flatter appearance than the previous wraparound design (although the gauges themselves remained in the same places as before). The base models, RS and Z28 remained, the Z28s came with a front spoiler and fender flares much like the Pontiac Trans Am already had, and came with "Z28" decals that ran from the beginning of the front flares to the bottoms of the doors.

An electric rear window defroster became an option, replacing the old blower type.

Sales for 1979 were 282,571 units, the highest ever for any generation Camaro before or since of which 84,877 Z28s.

350 cubic-inch V-8 engine

200 horsepower (estimated)

B&M "slapshifter" automatic transmission

108-inch wheelbase

Base price of $6,115 in 1997

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