1973 Chevrolet Camaro RS

Description

How about an all American head turning muscle car? How about this 1973 Camaro that steals its blue right from Betsy Ross' first flag. Packing a reliable 383 cubic inch stroker motor with a ready reserve of performance, a sleek paint job, and a look that is all its own, it delivers a performance that's true to the Camaro legend without copying someone else's work.

Look closely at this car, because someone invested heavily to get it to look this good. The bright blue paint is far more vivid than anything else on the GM color charts in 1973 and gives this car a racy look that doesn't get in your face. Of course, black SS stripes are a welcome addition, making any F-body look faster, but you'll note they kept the stock flat hood and 1-piece bumper instead of trying to make an RS clone like everyone else. Fit and finish are very, very good, with a reflective surface on the paint that only comes from hours of careful buffing. Camaro performance basics like the chin and deck lid spoilers give it just the right look, and the grille, headlight rings, and door handles were blacked out to add a sinister attitude. The taillights are neat convex lenses that look stock until you get up close, a subtle trick that pays big dividends. A complete de-badging and bright chrome bumpers complete the look, making this one of the better-looking second-generation Camaros we've seen recently.

The interior has been thoroughly upgraded with new performance bucket seats wrapped in black and blue suede with vinyl trim. Even the stock rear seat has been upholstered to match, a nice touch that a lot of builders omit, but you can see the difference it makes. Recent carpets and door panels add to the appealing makeover. Factory instruments remain in the dash, but you'll probably ignore them in favor of the big Auto Meter tach on the steering column and matching auxiliary gauges down under the dash, just ahead of the chrome shifter. An AM/FM/CD stereo head unit fills the slot where the original radio used to live and there's a gorgeous Billet Specialties steering wheel with a trick carbon fiber rim to tie it all together. Open the trunk and you'll find immaculate spatter-finish paint and the electronics for the upgraded stereo system.

383s are renowned for their prodigious power output and the over-achieving small block in this Camaro is no exception. It rumbles with anticipation when you fire it up and pulls like it could accelerate forever. It also looks cool with a monochromatic set of valve covers and a black air cleaner, dispensing with any pretense of being stock. There's a big radiator up front and an MSD ignition system to light the fires, and long-tube headers scavenge the spent gasses. Power steering and brakes ensure easy handling and the quick-witted automatic transmission and 4.10 gears and a Posi unit out back make it a downright vicious point-and-shoot machine in traffic. The suspension is lowered enough to give it the right look and improve handling, but not so low as to ruin the ride quality, and 4-wheel disc brakes with cross-drilled rotors are effective in the heat of battle. Gorgeous 17-inch Billet Specialties wheels fill the wheel arches with low-profile Kumho performance radials.

This car isn't trying to be anything other than what it is. Fortunately, what it is is a fast, competent, and very attractive Camaro that's ready to rock. Call today!