When this 2001 Camaro Z/28 convertible was built, nobody knew what the future of the F-body would hold. Today we know its legacy is secure, but in the mid-2000s, fantastic, original, V8 Camaro Convertibles like this 2001 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 SS were like gold. Finding one that's stock, impeccably preserved with low mileage, and offered in a very rare color combination is one way to assure future collectability, and in the meantime, it's an absolute blast to drive.
GM was fascinated with Red, White, and Black on their performance cars around the turn of the century, so finding one dressed in super-rare Code 28U Navy Blue Metallic (only 39 made in this exact iteration) is quite the treat, and the contrast between brute-force performance and the dark color is insanely attractive. The composite bodywork strikes a nice balance between F-body icon and grown-up performance car and since it's immune to rust and dents, this one shows quite well today. Sure, there are a few very minor signs that it's been driven, but overall there's no doubt that this car was beloved by the Texans who have had the honor of owning it since new. The well-integrated wing looks even better on the convertible than it does on the coupe, and the hood scoop up front previews the powerful V8 underneath, and who doesn't love the way those front fenders swoop up to meld into the side mirrors? Even though this a top-of-the-line Z/28 SS, there are no gaudy stripes or over-the-top decals, just an ultra-smooth look that makes this Camaro a fantastic grand touring car rather than a silly boy-racer. If nobody notices those discreet SS badges, this car could be one heck of a sleeper.
Code 522 Neutral Supersoft Sierra Leather is a terrific choice with the Navy Blue bodywork, again reinforcing the idea that this is an adult's car, not a slot car toy. The leather buckets are as comfortable as they are supportive, equally well-suited to long-distance hauls as to carving through back country roads. Particularly for a convertible the leather is in really nice shape with only minor comfort marks that add character. Z/28s came only one way: loaded, and this one includes all the goodies including A/C, power windows, locks, mirrors, and top, a tilt wheel, power driver's seat, airbags, anti-theft, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cruise control, so it really does cover all the bases. The original Monsoon Premium stereo system sounds absolutely fantastic, top up or top down, and it has obviously never spent any time being stored outdoors, because the plush carpets, original floor mats, and expansive dash pad are all excellent. The Neutral convertible top stows beneath a matching semi-rigid boot and the trunk, while modest, is nicely finished and includes a space-saver spare and factory 12-disc changer.
A lot of guys were worried about the LS1 in the Camaro, but once the performance numbers came out, those fears were laid to rest. While GM put different numbers on the F-body LS1 engine and the Corvette version, the truth is that they're pretty much identical inside. As a result, this was among the most potent Camaros ever built, yet still pulls down decent fuel economy and idles as smoothly as a Cadillac. The LS1 is insanely easy to modify, but this engine bay remains completely unmolested, right down to the air filter, so it's reliable and you don't have to worry about questionable workmanship. A 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission means that massive acceleration requires only one foot and two hands on the wheel, and the rear end was swapped-out for a Strange 12-bolt that can easily handle all that horsepower. The factory suspensions on these Camaros were somewhat lacking in 2001, so a smart owner in the past upgraded this droptop with a front K-member, torque arm, and big sway bars fore and aft from BMR, Bilstein shocks at the corners, and big Baer brakes with drilled and slotted rotors to help it stop on a dime. Shiny chrome SS wheels add flash and come wrapped in grippy 275/40/17 Yokohama performance tires.
Fully documented with maintenance receipts and original owner's manuals, this is an investment-grade fourth-generation Camaro that's turn-key ready. Enjoy it now, because cars like this are going to be really hard to find in the future. Call today!
