The third generation Camaro was a big departure for GM. The styling was not retro - it was in no way tied in to Camaros of the past in terms of being an updated version - the design was all new, and done on a clean sheet of paper.
Released in 1982, it was well received by car enthusiasts and automotive professionals alike, but the main complaint was that it lacked power. Like many malaise era cars, the V8s were all sound and fury that amounted to very little.
Enter the L69 engine in mid-year 1983. This HO 5.0 liter V8 had 9.5-1 compression, very high for the day - it was also good for 190HP and 240 lbs-ft. of torque - pretty good figures for the early 1980s. With Ford's Mustang upping the ante with their 302, the horsepower wars were back on, and continue to this day.
Another big departure for this Camaro was that it handled. A Motorweek test of the Z28 against the Porsche 928S had a surprising result - the Camaro was faster around the racetrack:
• 1983 Porsche 928S Vs. ...
The Camaro was competing as a world-class grand touring car with a German hot rod that cost three times as much - score a win for GM.
That said, this generation does not get the respect it deserves, but that's because of its own success. The cars were so popular, and sold so well, there was pretty much a Z28 on every street corner. Only now are these cars coming back in to their own, and setting new highs on the collector market - and as they should.
Full review and test drive of a 1984 L69 Camaro Z28 with 38K miles. Vehicle for sale at Autohaus of Naples, on the web at www.AutohausNap..., or at (239) 263-8500.
7 сен 2024