1980 Chevrolet Camaro

The 1980 Chevrolet Camaro received a new grille with a lighter crosshatch pattern and an updated list of engines including the 350 and 305 CID in California that was found in the distinctive Z28 offering. Along with the respected drivetrain, the chassis utilized a performance suspension that was designed specifically for the Z28 with thick sway bars, heavy-duty shocks and springs. The exterior received a rear spoiler, front air dam, graphics, and color-keyed Z28 wheels.

Several significant changes occurred in 1979 including the introduction of the luxury-oriented Berlinetta model replacing the Type LT. Another change was a restyle instrument panel with a much flatter appearance than the previous wraparound design (although the gauges themselves remained in the same places as before) The Berlinetta joined the RS and Z28 trim levels with the Z28 wearing fender flares and a front spoiler similar to its Pontiac Trans Am twin. Z28 decals ran from the beginning of the front flares to the bottoms of the doors. Electric rear window defroster became optional this year, replacing the old blower type. Sales for 1979 were the highest ever for any generation Camaro before or since, numbering 282,571 units. The base and RS Camaro models were powered by the 250 CID inline-6, with the 305 CID 2-barrel being an option and standard on the Berlinetta.

The 250 CID inline-six was replaced in 1980 with a 229 cubic-inch V6 engine. The 120 hp V8 engine became an option on the base, RS, and Berlinetta models this year. The 350 cu in V8 was no longer available in the base, RS, or Berlinetta models, being reserved only for the Z28 this year.

The speedometers now read 85 mph, down from 130 mph. The Z28 hood had a rear-pointing raised scoop (air induction) with a solenoid operated flap which opened at full throttle, allowing the engine to breathe cooler air. The Z28s could be ordered with new optional grey 5-spoke rims that were later used on the 1986 through 1988 Monte Carlo. They also had a unique style upper and lower front grill and smaller revised graphics on its lower-door decals. The side scoops were also changed from a louvered design to a flatter one with a single opening.

The Rally Sport package came with an all-black 'thinline' grille and standard equipment included a V6 engine, a three-speed manual transmission, bucket seats, a console, a day/night mirror, a rear spoiler, sports suspension, black-finished rocker panels, black headlamp bezels, body-color bumper covers, sports mirrors, and color-keyed Rally wheels.

The Camaro Berlinetta came standard with a V6 engine, a three-speed manual transmission, bucket seats, a console, dual horns, an electric clock, special instrumentation, sport mirrors, wire wheel covers, quiet sound group, bright windshield moldings, bright headlamp bezels, bright grille moldings, and black-finished rocker panels.

Total 1980 Chevy Camaro production was 152,005, down from 282,571 the prior year. 68,174 were base Camaros; 45,137 were Z28 models, 12,015 were RS and 26,679 were Berlinettas.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2020