Considering its tenure in the Chevrolet lineup, some may not recall that the second-generation Camaro was in danger of being canceled in the early 1970s. Production and labor problems along with a changing market saw a decline in assembly output for Chevy’s “pony car”. But the company pressed on, and the Camaro saw a slight increase in sales to nearly 100,000 copies in 1973. This is one of them, equipped with a 350 cubic inch V8 and a 4-speed manual transmission. It’s being offered from San Luis Obispo, California, and here on craigslist by its second owner of 20 years. The asking price: $28,500 (but the seller may change his/her mind if you don’t hurry). Thanks go to Pat L. for another Bow-Tie tip!
The Camaro managed to escape the growing front bumpers in 1973 thanks to a little re-engineering done by Chevy (but only for one year). The Super Sport model was dropped in ’73 in favor of something more stylish, the LT (which could also come as a Z28). Fewer than 7,000 Camaros came with the M20 4-speed manual tranny which appears to be in the seller’s car. We’re told 350 is present, but we don’t know if it has a two or four-barrel carburetion.
As the story goes, the seller bought this Camaro from its original owner two decades ago. It has been his/her “pride and joy” ever since so it must have been fun putting on the 105,000 miles it carries today. The seller says the car is “all stock” and the color is original but doesn’t go as far as to say whether the paint itself is from the factory. The wheels have been swapped, but the seller has retained the originals to go with the car to its next home.
A lack of recent use seems to be prompting the sale and the seller admits that regret may get him/her to pull the listing. We’re told it needs some work, but besides the upholstery, we don’t know what that may be. The engine compartment certainly could use some detailing. According to the seller, the asking price is a little below market value, but a car – like anything else – is worth exactly what someone will give you for it.
Nice car. My father bought the “luxury” version of the ’73s when he got off a plane in Jacksonville, Florida and saw it displayed in the terminal. His present car at the time was a Pontiac Ventura with the big engine in it. Not long after buying the Camaro he called me complaining about the lack of power compared to the Pontiac. I put together a list of 15 things he could do to make it the hot rod that he wanted. Figuring he’d pick the ones that were easiest to do out of the list I got a call telling me he did all 15! Big ignition, huge carb, total exhaust upgrade, etc. all done at a local speed shop. That big old bird really flew after all that. It was fun to drive to say the least.
I’m not the expert like Stan is, but I suspect the Camaro had highway gears in it and the Ventura had the optional trailer towing ratio.
No towing gears in the Ventura, just a big mother V8 in a fairly light car.
Bobhess is on it Primo.
The problem w the Camaro is these 350s made very low hp. Region of 145 – 175. It wasn’t the gears. 3.08 or 3.42 were std w the 4spd depending on which version of the 350.
Outstanding
Very nice. My brother and my uncle both had a 70 rs. My brothers was restored and sold before I was able to get behind the wheel but I was able to rip the hides off the aftermarket 50′ on my uncles. Don’t know what was done to that car but man was it fast. Absolutely a blast to drive. As would this one be with the 4 spd.
Unfortunately out of my league right now. I love the color the black interior and the view of the rear end lol
Pretty car. Pretty cool., 😎
Not the best Camaro. Problems with the long heavy doors and hinges. Leaks around the window seals. Trunk lid misalignment and leaks. I know, I owned one.
I had one too, and there were absolutely no issues with that car. Wish I still had it….350, 4 barrel, 4 speed. Fun car.
Great looking Camaro. I prefer the organic shape without spoilers. Nice color combo. 350/4-speed will lender entertainment to the drive.
For clarification ’73 was the last year for the SS. LT was the new trim intended to appeal to comfort segment but no difference in the seats until ’74.
Clarification: there was no SS Camaro in 1973. The last was 72.
Wow, you’re right. My fuzzy memory thought it knew something.
I’ve always loved the lines on these. It is great to see one without a rear spoiler. The view down the hood from the driver’s seat is sweet.
Thanks for the post.
This one appears to be very solid but light on accessories. I ordered my 1973 LT with every option available (except for the Z 28 package, unfortunately). I still have it with 67K original miles.
I had a 73 LT Z28 that I bought brand new. it had 3:73 posi gears, the new L82 engine had plenty of power. It however did not compare to the solid lifter, Holly carb models of 70-72, but was much friendlier for hi-way driving. I drove mine from Chicago to San Antonio when it had only 3,000 mi on it. Worst part was the speed limit changed from 70 to the mandated 55 while I was in Tx. And the cops we’re watching for speeders at the time.
Like the color, good looking vehicle imo.
I was 17 years old in 1976 and told my dad i wanted to buy a camaro. I had been working on the farm and had 4k saved up by summer of 76. Found exact same car in yellow type LT and paid 3900 cash for it. It had 39k on the speedo. Dad followed me home that day and about 2 weeks later i got hooked after buying a book called ” how to hot rod chevy small blocks”. Bought a 300 horse 327 engine from local wrecking yard and rebuilt the engine with help ftom local machine shop. The original 350 was a smog motor with no power. Dad came into barn when i was swapping motors and he was not happy as he said “wth that engine runs fine” i told him it wasnt fast enough. I still play with chevy small blocks!