Patience and

I bought this ‘76 Big Bumper Camaro 6 years ago and really grew to love and appreciate it, and while I know prices have risen since Covid I’m offering it as a lesson for those hobbyists and enthusiasts who really want an affordable old car to care for and enjoy. I paid just $4000 for it because no one came to see it as (1) it had two rotted holes on the rear “shelf” lip of the wrap around rear window even though it was an original SoCal car; (2) there were a few smooth surface rust spots that second owner/flipper just treated and primed (see photo); and (3) it was a 6 cylinder. I came to see it because I saw taillights and glass that appeared to be in showroom condition… here is what I found…

After I properly repaired the two holes and cleaned off the rust drips below them I looked at the car during the months after I never got over what amazing condition it was in besides the glass and taillights —- only 80,000 original miles, garage-stored for 20 years after the original owner died (all his records were with the car) original interior in amazing condition, trunk perfect despite the holes, and everything under the hood was rust free and all there. The Chevy six was so smooth and subdued that it often seemed like a V-8. It handled great and had a beautifully shifting Turbo 350 trans, power discs, power steering, and the Style Trim chrome on the window sills and hood and sport mirrors, along with the original 14×7 inch rally wheels. Everything had been properly serviced or replaced to resurrect it — gas tank, fuel pump, oil pump, brakes, new white-lettered tires, etc, — and the exhaust and radiator were still factory original. The body and what remained of the original paint – about 90% — was amazing – totally straight with no dings and even the bumpers and rubber strips were practically factory new.

Most telling was when I took the seats and carpet out the body-colored floors remained as if it was just going down the assembly line in Ohio (see photo).

I’m telling you all this because these cars are out there and my hope is that the people who work hard and most deserve them can patiently wait and recognize and grab them when they show up, instead of the predatory profiteers – flippers and dealers – who have made a business out of driving up the prices on these cars.

God luck and keep your cash ready!