Coral is the traditional gift for a 35th anniversary, but lacking that, today’s Nice Price or Crack Pipe 35th Anniversary Camaro might just do. That is, if its price doesn’t totally poop the party.
We featured a rare as goblin’s goobers 1991 Audi 200 Avant Turbo Quattro, yesterday, and its mere presence was cause for much rejoicing. I myself shed a tear for the car as both its distance and price sadly put it out of reach of my driveway. That proved the general consensus too, and at $6,200 it was considered Nice Price worthy by a full 69 percent of you.
When post-punkers the Dead Milkmen sang about a “Bitchin’ Camaro” they used the car as a trope exemplifying an elitist, entitled frat boy mentality. I’m pretty sure not every Camaro owner fits that description, however it’s not implausible to think that a few just might. Just not those that might drive a 35th Anniversary Z28, right?
Today we have just such a car, and when looking at this 2002 Chevy Camaro Z28 SS 35th Anniversary Edition I’m struck by a pair of epiphanies. The first is the reminder that the 4th generation F-body—introduced all the way back in 1992—actually made it into the 21st Century. That seems so recent and yet this model of Camaro feels so old school. The other revelation was that 2002 was fully 17 years ago. Hell, this Camaro’s almost old enough to vote.
This Camaro is all about the years. As a Z28 - SS - SLP it’s the ultimate expression of the 4th-generation model. Following this, the Camaro name wouldn’t appear in Chevy showrooms for another eight years.
It’s also a celebration of the Chevy pony car’s 35th year of siphoning off some of the Ford Mustang’s sales. Along with all that, this one also comes with just 8,076 miles on the clock, which aren’t years but they are numbers.
First, some particulars. The Z28 was the Camaro’s top performance model, and on top of that, this 35th Anniversary Edition piles the SS package which imbues it with just a little bit more.
That’s made possible by way of a, SLP-massaged 5.7-litre LS1 V8 offering up 345 horsepower. Here that all aluminum OHV engine makes itself known through an optional center-exiting exhaust. A six-speed T-56 stick sends the ponies back to a live—and LSD-imbued—rear axle. The 35th Anniversary package includes a Hurst short-throw shifter for that gearbox.
Other unique 35th Anniversary features include embroidered seat backs and black-painted SS alloy wheels. I’m pretty sure these came with a pair of stripes down the hood and hatch too, but the only remnant of that is in the incongruously painted grille insert.
The car is a T-roof model, one of three options offered on the Gen-4 F-body. The bodywork looks to be in as-new condition, with clear lamp lenses and gleaming paint.
The interior likewise looks to be all that and a bag of chips. Yes, this Camaro hails from an era when GM’s interiors were crap, but at least all the chintzy-looking plastic here is all present and accounted for. The giant Kirby-esque airbag in the steering wheel is a throwback that’s more than a little disconcerting however.
This is a one-owner car and is offered with its original Monroney sticker and two sets of keys. The dealer selling the car doesn’t offer any info on its mechanical condition but with so few miles any issues would likely be owed to lack of use rather than wear. The title is clean and according to the ad no test drives are allowed meaning you couldn’t experience it without plunking down the $16,990 asking.
Now, we’re going to have to figure out if that’s really worth doing. This is a fairly rare—claimed one of 944—Camaro, and it’s kitted the best way possible save for the glass roof which adds weight and flex over the closed coupe.
The question for you is whether the dealer has set a fair dinkum price at that $16,990 asking. What do you say, is that anniversary worthy? Or, for that much would you be bitchin’ about it being too expensive?
You decide!
MDK International out of Los Angeles, CA, or go here if the ad disappears.
So, I can’t find the tip for this car. Whoever sent it, hit me up again and I’ll tip you tomorrow. Mea Culpa in advance.
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