1979 Chevrolet Camaro Is A Road Hugging Legend

What changes did the 1979 Chevy Camaro have?

Nothing major mechanically. A new Berlinetta model was introduced that was sort of like a GT muscle car with more sound deadening and comfortable seats.

The gauge cluster was now more square than round. Electronics like a rear window defroster, and cassette player were introduced along with a new 3-piece spoiler for the Z28 model.

Super stern California emission laws meant that all '79 Camaros sold in the Bear State had 5-10 hp less when compared to the ones sold in all other states.

Similarly, only automatic Camaros were sold in California, and they all had shorter service intervals.

The 1979 Z28 Remained Peak Camaro

Source- Brochure

Equipped with a 4-speed close-ratio manual and a thunderous Rochester 4bbl 350 V8 the '79 Camaro Z28 made about 170 hp and 270 lb-ft. All Z28 had a tell-tale graphics package with 3 piece front bumper and black grille along with-

• Front and rear sway bars
• Heavy-duty springs
• 3.73 rear axle
• white lettered tires
• exclusive body graphics with blacked-out grille and light frames
• body-colored wheels with disc brakes
• special gauges and steering

A GM Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 was optional in all states but California where it was mandatory. The interior was available in either cloth or vinyl along with colors like red, black, blue, camel, carmine and green. Bone stock 1979 Z28 can run 1/4 mile in about 14–16 seconds, as per Hot Rod Magazine.

More than 84000 were made and cost around $6,000 back then.

1979 Camaro Rally Sport and Sport Coupe

Source- Brochure

The RS and SC were the most affordable duo among the 1979 Camaro lineup and also the most gas-friendly. They packed a 1bbl 259 Cu L6 as standard with hydraulic lifters and a 7-bearing crank, which made around 115-120 hp and 200 lb-ft.

A 3-speed manual was standard. Upgrades included a 350 V8 in either 2bbl or 4 bbl trim, paired with a 4-speed manual or an automatic tranny.

The Rally Sport was among the most customizable of the bunch, with dual-tone paint options and a ton of upholstery colors available. Standard options included exclusive badges, steel belted ply tires, special shocks, and front sway bars.

The Camaro sport coupe was the most sold Camaro with over 111,000 made and by far easiest to get in used car market.

Behold the Camaro Berlinetta

Source- Brochure

Berlinetta was an instant hit upon its launch as Chevy sold more than 67,200. It was designed for folks who wanted both comfort and performance. Just like its its RS and SC siblings it came with L6 as standard with V8 and automatic available as options.

It had pretty road-friendly manners with 6 uniquely tuned engine mounts, revalved shocks, thicker insulation, specially designed bolstered seats Berlinetta badging and a new grille pattern.

Source- Brochure

Available options for all Camaro models included Power door locks, an electric defogger, a color-keyed floor console, removable glass panels, and a spoiler.

How many Camaros were made in 1979?

282,582 units were made. 111,357 were Camaro Sport Coupes, 19,101 Rally Sport Coupes, 67,236 Berlinetta coupes, and 84,887 Camaro Z28 Sport Coupe. Out of these, 249,012 had automatic and, 18,987 had 4-Speed CR Manual (all Z28s). Colors like Dark Blue, Black and White were most popular.

What are they worth today?

A used base Camaro with L6 goes for around $8,000 to $15,000 depending on the odo miles. While a used 1979 Camaro Z28 starts around $25,000. Options like Muncie 4-Speed, glass panels, CB radios, Light green and medium green paint fetch a premium of about 20 to 30 percent as per Hagerty.

The 1979 Camaro Berlinetta is priced around $11,000 to $21,000 depending on if it has L6 or an V8.

1970 Camaro Problems

Real owners at Camaro forums called out Rust and corrosion as the number one problem with '79 Camaro. Especially in areas like - radiator body, shock towers, floor pans and rear frame rails. Oil leaks should not be ignored from parts like rear seal, oil pan, heads, valve covers and front seal.

1979 Chevrolet Camaro Full Specifications

Note - California-bound Camaros had 10-15 hp less. 350 V8 in Z28 had 175 hp. 4-Speed CR was available with Z28 only. Source-Brochure