9,978 Actual Mile Camaro Z/28 SS SLP 5.7L V8 6 Speed

Few cars in the history of American motoring have been as consistently good as the Camaro. Where some of their rivals took a misstep or two, Chevrolet did what they could to ensure the F-body always remained a stylish and affordable performance platform. Because of that, each new generation has found a following and, ultimately, a place in the collector car world. In recent years, third generation Camaro prices have seen steady growth and limited production fourth gens are already claiming a few rays of the spotlight for themselves. Take, for example, this 1997 Camaro SS. Number 453 of 957 anniversary models to receive the SLP touch, this 9,984-actual-mile F-body has all the hallmarks of a great collector piece. Well optioned, well maintained and fully documented, all you need is keep it safe and watch your investment grow.

If you're not already familiar with the 30th anniversary models, SLP alterations included:

• 305 horsepower LT1 V8 Engine ( 310 horsepower with Optional Exhaust )
• Lightweight Composite Hood with Functional Forced Air Induction System
• High Flow Air Cleaner Filter
• Rear Deck Lid Spoiler
• White and Orange SS Exterior Badges
• 17” x 9” Arctic White Cast Aluminum Wheels
• BF Goodrich Comp T/A ZR 275/40ZR17 Tires
• Quaker State SynQuest Motor Oil
• Orange Dual Hood, Roof and Deck Lid Stripes
• 30th Anniversary SS Cloisonné Dash Plaque
• 30th Anniversary SS Key Fobs
• Premium Embroidered SS Floor Mats
• Owners Manual Supplement

SLP Additional Content:

• Performance Exhaust System with Twin Dual Polished Tips
• Level II Bilstein Sport Suspension Package
• Torsen Limited Slip Differential
• Hurst Short Throw Shifter
• Engine Oil Cooler
• Performance Synthetic Lubricants Package
• BF Goodrich Comp TA R1 17” Tires

For the introduction of the fourth generation, GM moved Camaro production from the legendary Van Nuys, California plant to Saint Therese, Quebec, Canada where production would continue until 2002. Unlike the 5th generations which rely heavily on nostalgic influence, the Canadian-produced fourth generation is entirely its own car. The wedge-shaped profile has aged well, still appearing aggressive among today's designs. As a well maintained low-mileage car, the body is free of any major dents, dings and defects while the original coat of Arctic White shows no signs of being 15 years old. Accented by dual orange stripes, the anniversary package is one of Chevrolet's more striking offerings in recent memory.

Ornamentation on this car is simple but effective. Up front, angled headlights with black surrounds give the car an aggressive front view that was lost the following model year. Below, fog lights and turn signals are tastefully built into the bumper with a Chevrolet logo centered in the bumper cover. Above, a functional ram air hood draws cool air into the bay and looks great in the process. At the sides, orange SS fender badges pick up the stripe color while body matched dent strips add some movement to the body. Up top, T-tops open up the cabin while playing on a classic F-body design cue. This is one of only 466 produced with this option. Out back, new-for-97 tri-color taillights and another orange SS badge round out the look,

If you find a Camaro with SS badges are, the chances are good that something mean lives under the hood. This anniversary model continues that claim with a variation of the venerable 5.7L LT1 V8. Not to be confused with the high-performance LT-1 of the 1970's, this version was introduced in 1992 as the Corvette's motivation. By 1997, the basic formula of a two-bolt main block with aluminum heads remained but the motor had been revised to employ a mass air flow sensor and sequential port injection. The Optispark distributor which had some moisture issues on the '92-'93 variants was also updated with vacuum vents to keep everything dry. The package produced 305 horsepower good for 14-second quarter mile passes in stock trim. This car breathes especially well thanks to the forced air induction system and SLP exhaust. Turn the key and the LT1 comes to life without hesitation and, as a relatively late model motor, handles daily driving situations like a pro.

Peer underneath this Camaro and you'll find a clean undercarriage preserved by limited road use. Behind the LT1, a Hurst-equipped six-speed manual transmission makes quick work of gear selection before applying power to the ground through a Torsen limited slip differential. Around the drivetrain, the suspension remains in its stock configuration with double A-arms up front and a live rear axle located by a torque rod and trailing arms out back. As an anniversary model, this Camaro features the Level II Bilstein sport suspension package that further tightens the handling of what is largely considered the best-handling F-body ever built. Power rack and pinion makes steering a breeze while four-wheel discs bring the car to a halt with authority. At the corners, body-matched cast aluminum 17”x9” wheels are wrapped in BF Goodrich Comp TA tires for maximum grip.

Open those elongated doors and you'll find a show-room fresh Artic White interior. If you've ever sat in fourth-gen seats, we don't need to tell you how comfortable they are. Factor in the houndstooth inserts and it's hard to imagine a more perfect factory Camaro seat. In between the buckets, a black console hosts cup holders, a storage compartment and the shifter which is wrapped in black leather and stamped with a Hurst “H”. From the driver's seat, a two-spoke steering wheels connects you to the chassis through a tilt column. Instrumentation is provided by a tidy cluster with gauges that track all the usual suspects including speed, revs temperature, oil pressure, alternator output and fuel. Around the gauges, a sculpted dash makes room for niceties such as a air conditioning and a factory AM/FM/CD stereo. Just above the stereo, a dash plaque reminds you that you're in a 30th Anniversary Camaro SS. From the carpet up, all soft surfaces look great and make this cabin a pleasant place to spend time.

Chevrolet made no bones about the 30th anniversary being a limited production car. With that in mind, smart buyers kept as much original paperwork as possible. This one carries it's original window sticker and SLP options list as well as all original books and manuals.

There is never a bad time to buy a limited-run car in pristine condition – especially when that car is a Camaro. While there are significantly more Z/28 versions around, these SS cars are hot commodities now and we're willing to be that they're just getting warmed up. If you're looking to buy in early, don't miss the chance to bring this awesome 1997 Camaro SS home today!