When was the last time you saw a clean, stock 3rd-gen F-body?
We’re guessing it was back when there were just three Star Wars movies.
Let’s be clear—upgrading a car for style and performance is awesome…but a pristine, unmodified 80s-era Camaro sticks out like Hayden Christensen in Return of the Jedi.
That’s because the Camaro accepts mods like Jabba accepts free Droids. Commonly-seen upgrades usually involve wheels, engine, drivetrain, and suspension.
In short, a stock 3rd-gen is rarer than an accurate Storm Trooper.
So when we spotted this near-showroom-spec 1985 Chevy Camaro rolling into Summit Racing’s Tallmadge, OH retail store parking lot last fall, we had to snap some pictures.
At least we’re pretty sure it’s a close-to-stock 1985 Camaro. It’s obviously got aftermarket wheels—but if we missed any non-original modifications, let us know.
We determined this Camaro’s year using these two factors.
- This one has the MPFI 2.8L V6, which was only available from 1985-89
- There’s no 3rd brake light, so it’s pre-1986
How clean is it? When we looked in the back, we found the original GM T-top storage bag. It very well may be the only 3rd-gen Camaro T-top bag to escape the 20th century.
Take a look at this 1980s time-capsule, and transport yourself to a time before Jar-Jar and creepy CGI Yoda.
Exactly like mine…….was.
Mine is a December 1985 model and had the high level brakelight, no T tops.
Bought it in 1992 and discovered Summit…..
This is my vehicle. I recently did a history search and discovered a bit of a back story. This was purchased in 1985 in Spokane WA. by an Air Force pilot. He kept the car in a temp controlled garage and only drove it on Sunday’s. It sold and shipped to Michigan in March of 2017. It was purchased by a dealer in Ohio where I bought it in October of 2017.
The car is original mostly. This is a rare car. It is a 2.8/173 v6. It was purchased with a berlinetta trim and a Corvette performance package. The car originally had the corvette wheels and Berlinetta body trim. Unfortunately it was all removed by the last dealership. They also lost the original sales sticker, service history, and original manuals. I guess someone wasn’t aware of the effect of making these changes. It may be only one of two left in this condition I’m the country. In fact, the last 1985 V6 coupe berlinetta with Corvette Performance Package and t-tops sold with 38k miles at Mecum Auto Las Vegas for $23,400.00
Everything in this car is in 100% working order. I hope to one day find the wheels and documents for it. Thank you for the wonderful article
Brian Jones