Find of the Week: 10,000 km 1981 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

It's a showroom-fresh looking version of the last year of a strange model. The second-generation of a car that is just now starting to get the love it deserves. It's the perfect car for throwing in REO Speedwagon on cassette and rumbling down to the local car watering hole. It's a 1981 Chevrolet Camaro with fewer than 11,000 km on the odometer and it's our autoTRADER.ca Find of the Week.

When the second-generation Chevrolet Camaro was introduced, it was a massive departure from the car that started the line. Big, brash, and boxy was gone in favour of sleek, swoopy, and smooth. And while the first-gen lived for just three model years, the second-generation would last for 12, though it would see some big changes over those years.

The 1970 Camaro was developed in a very different way than the 1967 model. The 1967 was the result of a rush to put a competitor alongside the ultra-successful Ford Mustang. The 1970 saw more time and more budget, thanks to the sales figures of the first-generation car.

That meant a much more refined suspension than the first car. More soundproofing, more chassis development, and more performance. The first one could turn tires and heads, the second could turn corners too. And while the car would last for a long run, it saw some big styling changes over the years.

In 1974, the Camaro's overbite disappeared in favour of a big-bumper chin. Federal bumper standards were to blame there. Then in 1978, the bumpers were changed again. This time, the big and bulky steel bumpers were gone. in their place were new urethane pieces that were body coloured. It was a much-improved look and sales took off. Sales hit a new record in each of the next two years. By this point, the original flat rear window had also been replaced with a curved piece of glass and thinner pillars that improved the view out the back. So you could see all the Mustangs, we assume.

The 1981 was the last year for the second-generation of the Camaro. It also marked a big difference between the Canadian and American versions of the car. At least for the Z28 model.

In the Camaro lineup, the Z28 was the top dog. The badge started in 1967 with a slash. No, really, it was Z/28 that year. It was a semi-secret performance package intended to let the car go Trans Am racing. The name came from GM's internal production codes. Z28 was simply the assigned code for that option package. Like Z06 on a fast Corvette, or the Z71 that means off-road suspension on a pickup. Not all of the codes are glamorous, for example, the B37 code that meant the car got floor mats front and rear. You probably won't ever hear tales about that one like you will the Z28.

In 1981, Z28 meant the big 5.7L V8. It meant dual exhausts, special springs, shocks, and sway bars. It also meant a functional hood scoop, front air dam, rear fender flares, and white-letter tires. It also meant that sweet, sweet sticker package.

US cars got a computer controlled carb that added an oxygen sensor and check engine lights. It also meant more complexity and 15 fewer ponies. Canadian cars didn't get the extra electronics. Like this one. That means they kept the 190 hp, 280 lb-ft 5.7L V8.

Time and the promise of cheap performance have taken their toll on the second-gen Camaro, especially the later year cars. First-generation cars are now old enough that they're being restored as classics. And that's been moving through the second-gen cars too as those cars are being recognized as the classics they are. After all, this 1981 is now nearly 40. Even better, this one doesn't need to be restored.

It's been in the same family since near the end of 1981, and they haven't driven it much. This stunning car has turned just 10,400 km on the odometer. That's because the seller says it was bought to be a long-term collector car. It's been kept in storage, and it lives in BC, and it looks like it came off the factory floor yesterday.

The blinding white paint is highlighted by the bright blue Z28 letters and graphics package. Inside, the blue interior looks immaculate. Even original tissue paper GM floor mats. Best of all, this car has T-tops, which is exactly what you want when you're cruising downtown. And raised white-letter tires. Though if they're original too you'll probably want to swap them out.

It comes with all the paperwork and history and it might be the nicest 1981 Camaro in the entire country. And that's why this Z28, for sale in Smithers, BC, is our Find of the Week.