The Last of the Third-Generation Camaros: A Junkyard Find
When GM introduced the third-generation Chevrolet Camaro for the 1982 model year, it was 367 pounds lighter than its 1981 predecessor. The third-gen Camaro had gained most of that weight back by its final model year of 1992, but it still showed plenty of early-1980s-style swagger. Today’s Junkyard Find is one of the very last third-gen Camaros ever built, found in a Denver car graveyard recently.
This car was built at the notorious Van Nuys Assembly plant in California’s San Fernando Valley. This car made it to nearly 200,000 miles, but most of its Van Nuys-built siblings didn’t hold together quite so well. The plant was shut down forever, soon after this car was built.
There’s a shopping mall called The Plant where Van Nuys Assembly once stood. 1992 was the 25th anniversary of the first Camaro, so all the ’92s got commemorative dash badges. There was also a 25th Anniversary Heritage Edition Camaro package that year, with extra stripes and special wheels.
In order to experience 1982 in 1992, you needed a T-Top roof on your Camaro. This was an $895 option, or about $1,990 in 2023 dollars.
The VIN and emissions sticker in this car tells us it left the line with a 5.0-liter small-block V8 rated at 170 horsepower. That may even be the very same engine we see here, but Camaros have traditionally received engine swaps early and often and I didn’t feel like getting filthy looking for block casting numbers, so we can’t know for sure.
A five-speed manual transmission was base equipment in the 1992 Camaro, and that’s what was in this car. The T-5s that went in these cars are still worth something, so they tend to get bought quickly by junkyard shoppers.
The MSRP for a 1992 Camaro RS coupe with 5.0, 5-speed and T-Top roof was $13,339 (about $29,655 after inflation).
Along with stickers from cannabis dispensaries, this one is standard equipment on junkyard-bound cars in Front Range Colorado.
The base-level RS didn’t get much attention in Camaro advertising. Did the 1980s linger until the last third-generation Camaro was sold?
[Images: The Author]
As we explore the last of the third-generation Camaros, it’s clear that these cars have a unique place in automotive history. Despite their weight gain over the years, they still exude the style and swagger of the early 1980s. This particular Camaro, found in a Denver car graveyard, is one of the very last third-gen models ever built.
Built at the Van Nuys Assembly plant in California’s San Fernando Valley, this car managed to reach nearly 200,000 miles before meeting its demise. Unfortunately, many of its Van Nuys-built siblings did not fare as well, as the plant was shut down soon after this car was produced.
The significance of this car is further highlighted by the fact that it was built in 1992, the 25th anniversary of the first Camaro. As part of the commemoration, all ’92 Camaros received special dash badges. Additionally, there was a 25th Anniversary Heritage Edition Camaro package available, featuring extra stripes and special wheels.
One notable feature of this particular Camaro is its T-Top roof. In order to capture the essence of the 1982 model year, a T-Top roof was a must-have option for Camaro enthusiasts in 1992. This feature came at an additional cost of $895, equivalent to approximately $1,990 in today’s dollars.
Under the hood, this Camaro is equipped with a 5.0-liter small-block V8 engine, producing 170 horsepower. While it’s uncertain if this is the original engine, it’s worth noting that Camaros often undergo engine swaps throughout their lifespan.
The transmission in this car is a five-speed manual, which was the base equipment for the 1992 Camaro. The T-5 transmission used in these cars is highly sought after, making it a popular choice among junkyard shoppers.
In terms of pricing, a 1992 Camaro RS coupe with a 5.0-liter V8, five-speed manual transmission, and T-Top roof had an MSRP of $13,339. Adjusted for inflation, this would be equivalent to approximately $29,655 in today’s dollars.
As we bid farewell to this third-generation Camaro, it’s worth mentioning that it represents an era of automotive design and style that is often associated with the 1980s. Despite its eventual weight gain and the closure of the Van Nuys Assembly plant, the third-gen Camaro remains an iconic symbol of its time.
In conclusion, this junkyard find serves as a reminder of the last of the third-generation Camaros. With its unique features and place in automotive history, it captures the essence of the early 1980s and the legacy of the Camaro brand. While it may have met its end in a car graveyard, its presence serves as a testament to the enduring popularity and appeal of the Camaro.
