The 1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 30th Anniversary Edition convertible represents a high point for fourth-generation F-body enthusiasts. Released to celebrate three decades of muscle car heritage, this model utilizes a striking color palette inspired by the original 1969 pace car. This specific example carries a unique emotional weight, having stayed within a single family in California since it was purchased new. With only 49,000 miles on the odometer, it serves as a remarkably well-preserved survivor of the late nineties performance scene. Finding one of these rare convertibles today often involves looking at high-mileage examples, making this low-mileage Arctic White unit a notable exception. The 1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 remains a definitive statement of American power from the end of the millennium.
Anniversary Aesthetics and Exterior Detailing
Every 30th Anniversary 1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 left the factory finished in Arctic White accented by bold Hugger Orange racing stripes. This convertible version features a matching white soft top that integrates seamlessly with the body lines when raised. Out back, the SS-style rear spoiler adds a more aggressive profile compared to a standard Z28. The headlight surrounds are finished in black, providing a sharp contrast to the bright white front end. While the seller mentions a few paint chips on the hood, the overall condition reflects its decades of careful single-family ownership. White-finished 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels complete the monochromatic look, sitting on Cooper Zeon tires fitted in 2021. It is a visual package that remains instantly recognizable to any car enthusiast.
Chassis and Handling Specifications
Beneath the commemorative paint, the 1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is equipped with the Performance Ride and Handling suspension package. This setup was engineered to provide a flatter cornering profile and more communicative steering feedback for the driver. Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with an anti-lock system ensure that the convertible has the stopping power to match its V8 output. The car has spent its life in the mild California climate, which has helped preserve the integrity of the underbody and suspension components. Consequently, the driving experience remains tight and responsive, just as it was when it left the Sebastopol dealership. It offers a mechanical honesty that is often lost in modern cars with overly complex electronic assists.
Houndstooth Heritage and Cabin Amenities
The interior of this 1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is perhaps its most nostalgic feature, sporting black Houndstooth cloth and white leather upholstery. This specific pattern was a deliberate throwback to the classic Camaros of the late sixties. The headrests feature custom 30th Anniversary embroidery to remind passengers of the car’s limited production status. For comfort, the cabin is equipped with a power-adjustable driver’s seat and ice-cold air conditioning for summer drives. Long-distance trips are made easier with factory cruise control and a trunk-mounted 12-disc CD changer. This combination of vintage-inspired style and modern convenience made the Z28 a formidable grand tourer in its day. It remains a comfortable and evocative place to spend time behind the leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Preserved Controls and Documentation
The driver faces a clear and functional dashboard featuring a 155-mph speedometer and a tachometer with a 5,700-rpm redline. All primary gauges for oil pressure, coolant temperature, and voltage remain clear and operational within the cluster. This 1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 still retains its original cassette stereo, a charming relic of the era’s technology. Included with the sale is the original window sticker, which shows a total price of nearly $30,000 when new. Such documentation is vital for collectors, as it verifies the factory options and the initial delivery to Pellini Chevrolet. The clean Carfax report further confirms a life free of accidents or major damage. This level of transparency is rare for a car that has lived through nearly thirty years of history.
LT1 V8 Power and Performance Delivery
The heart of the 1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is the 5.7-liter LT1 V8 engine, which was factory rated at 285 horsepower. This engine was a derivative of the Corvette powerplant of the time and is known for its excellent low-end torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential for maximum traction. A fresh serpentine belt was installed in 2023 to ensure the engine accessories operate reliably. This powertrain configuration provides a smooth and effortless surge of speed that makes the Z28 a perfect candidate for highway cruising. While it may not have the sheer numbers of modern supercars, the LT1 offers a visceral mechanical sound and feel. It represents the pinnacle of the small-block V8 evolution before the move to the LS series.
Summary of a Rare Anniversary Find
This 1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 30th Anniversary convertible is one of only 979 units produced for the North American market. Its single-family history and low mileage make it a standout for anyone looking to invest in a late-model classic. The combination of Arctic White paint and Hugger Orange stripes is an enduring symbol of Chevrolet’s racing and design heritage. With its clean California title and original window sticker, the car is ready for a new collector to continue its legacy. It serves as a perfectly preserved capsule of nineties muscle car culture. Whether the top is up or down, this Camaro is bound to turn heads at any gathering. It remains a rare opportunity to own a legendary piece of the F-body story.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
