Chevrolet’s Camaro was introduced in 1967 as their contender for the pony car class, and spawned a sister car from GM known as the Pontiac Firebird as well. Some people think that the Camaro lives in the shadow of the Corvette, but the reality is, the two cars are competing in very different target markets, although they may share powerplants every now and then – which isn’t a bad thing. This fourth-generation 1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is a fine example of a contemporary Camaro that’s entering classic status, but not too old to eschew some of life’s modern conveniences. With a healthy 102,000 miles, it’s a 30th Anniversary edition Z28 of which only 979 were made, and has reportedly seen some critical parts replaced with new items, granting it ample life for another 30 years, and beyond if looked after.

Exterior and Interior

The fourth generation Camaro had to take over the mantle from the highly successful 3rd generation. Introduced in 1993, it enjoyed a nine-year production run, and saw production moved from the Van Nuys plant in California to Sainte-Therese in Quebec, Canada. The clean white base paintwork with jazzy twin orange stripes that this 1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 wears is the 30th Anniversary special paint job that was offered for 1997, and the five-spoke chromed 16-inch alloy wheels are also original Z28 units for the 1997 model year. Another lovely factor is that this car is a T-Top, granting you an open air experience at will, with the security of a proper roof. There’s Z28 badging on the sides and rear as well. The interior is in white, and features white leather bucket seats with the 30th Anniversary logo on them. You’ve got electrically adjustable driver seat, air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors and power door locks. The factory Delco radio has been upgraded with a double-DIN touchscreen unit that adds Bluetooth capability as well. The factory Delco CD changer remains in the trunk although we’re unsure of its functionality.

Engine

As the performance variant of the 4th generation, this 1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 packs a 5.7L LT1 small-block V8 engine that was also found in the Corvette of the time. The power output when new was 275hp, and torque stood at 325lb-ft, impressive figures for 1997. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed 4L60 automatic transmission. There are quite a few components that have reportedly been replaced with new ones, including the fuel pump, distributor, spark plugs, brake pads, brake rotors, and horn.