I couldn't help but notice, it seems like every day i see somebody's knew project and most of the time it's a big bumper camaro!

Why are all these cars coming out of the woodwork? It used to be alot of 70-73's, and rubber nose cars... What happened all of a sudden that made these car all start reapperaring?

I bought my 79 Z in '05 after trying to find a 70 1/2 -73 .but I couldnt find one at time for under $10K.

as soon as I start making decent money everything including my early 2nd gens start going up. prior to that they were fairly affordable.

but ....I got me a killer 2 owner garage kept, lady owned ,original ,unmolested (slightly anemic ) 1979 Z28 for $5K. not too bad Id say

I don't know why... but the Big bumpered Camaros have always been my favorite since I was a kid. Maybe they are being realized as something different to have, and affordable over the other models, and can still do anything to them that you could with the other models.

My '77 has "been in the woodwork" for 31 years. Never thought about it since I have other "toys" (not Camaros) Stopped at a camaro show-never went to one before- and got talking with a few guys there. Got me thinking about the old RS that hasn't been srtarted in 17 years-nor registered since '81. Sitting on blocks and "not eatin' nothin' " They are still out there!

I think "we" are wearing them down;)



BBFL

I've been in love with '77 Z28's since high school when my buddy got to go out and buy a new one; he even was able to order it!! I love the look of the '74~'77's but I actually prefer the flat back windows a little more than the wrap-around, so maybe I should've got a '74, I dunno.

The big bumper cars had to "hit" eventually, and them being super-cheap only makes that a 100% true prediction.

I believe that the 70-73's are out of the reach financially for many people, or they will involve too much work to ressurect and get back on the streets.

People are discovering the 74-77's as they are becoming available due to smog laws changing in some areas and there were many cars sold but are now sitting around not being used.

The 78-81's were a smoother and more attractive version that appeals to many but sometimes the rubber nose and tail pieces are so expensive to repair/replace so they don't get the love...

JMO...

Why so many big bumpers?

My theory:
Camaros have shown a rise in popularity the past few years.
The reintroduction and advertising of the new Camaro repeated the name to the masses.
(And let's not forget Bumble Bee!!!)
People start looking for project Camaros and found the 74-77s are the most affordable 1st or 2nd gen Camaros.

NastyZ28 is an internet funnel for these big bumper lovers.





Not that there's anything wrong with that! :o

The Big Bumpers have always been considered the least favorite of the camaro's, but I have noticed lately on ebay that they are going up in price. In a lot of cases you can pick up a rubber bumper car far cheaper than a big bumper. Maybe they are finally finding the place they deserve in camaro history.

Noah, as you know I have big bumper and rubber bumper cars. I love them all.

With 70-72 prices going thru the roof,and the fact that hardly anybody keeps their lame factory engine these days,the 73-77's are a more attractive car to build. The 70-72's had higher factory power in most cases,but since all 73-81 Camaros have motor mount holes in the frame for every 73 and later GM engine,they are easy to repower with a bigger/better engine. The 74's have had a cult following for years because they are a unique 1 year only car with the flat back window,and no catalytic convertor,so they have a bit more of a factory performance legacy then the weak kneed 75 and later smog cars.

Even if you came of age in the late 80's,the 70-73's were already going up in price,so a lot of us who were in high school back then got our start in a 74-77 since they were so cheap. Now all us 40-somethings are getting nostalgic for our old rides. I am big into both 73's and 74's. I like the look of both of them,and like the fact that neither one commands the top dollar that the 70-72's demand since neither year had a big block or solid lifter small block. Who cares though? I build all my own engines anyway.

Another thing is that these 74-77's have always been around,but any one with even the slightest amount of rust was passed over and sat unloved. It has come to be that you cant buy any reasonably rust free 70-73 for less then a hostage ransom,while clean 74-77's have been sitting out there waiting to be found.

So thats my opinion on the matter.