Hey guys, need some clarification. Is this REALLY a factory option for Camaros? If so, is it worth any bit more than he is asking? How rare are they? I'm considering buying it and holding onto it for a while. Please let me know, thanks much!

EDIT- Little more info. The car is a 1983, it used to have wood grain interior near the glove box- its been replaced. It is a 2 seater. The guy who owns it had a best friend whos step dad bought it new. He died, it sat for 5 years. He bought it after the 6th year from the widow, went on military tour for another 5 years, so it sat again. He opened the garage today, it runs, and decided to sell it. Should I pick it up? Is it truly limited production numbers/ can I find this option in the VIN decoder, or is it not that sensitive?

 

What that appears to be is an L69 305 H.O. camaro. And yes the ho motor was an option for 83-86. However, that car is not a factory vert. It started out life as a coupe and appears to be an autoform conversion. Im sure someone who knos more about verts than I can chime in.
Matt

 

autoform conversion hmm interesting, never heard of it,

what do they charge for such a kit ?

 

Autoform cars were done in the 80s before ASC started making the factory verts. Not sure what it cost.
Matt

 

I would be interested in knowing more about this conversion........Anyone???????????????

 

oh, hmm

interesting


hmmm...

 

check out this thread......
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/conv...ter-legit.html

 

From what I understand, like the ASC firebirds which were made from 87-90 they were still only offered to dealerships and the only way to get one made was to have one drop shipped from the factory to Autoform in Elkhart, IN. WHen ASC won the bid in 1987 to make the Camaro Convertibles, the aftermarket verts really went away, since you could buy a Camaro Convertible from Chevy why buy a conversion.

John

 

How much does he want? I would get it and run with it if it is priced reasonably. These cars are rare dealer options and, while I think they're relatively ugly, I think they will be worth a fortune one day. Just my opinion.

 

Yeah, these were factory authorized conversions (kinda like Choo Choo customs on vans and such these days), so they weren't hack jobs or backyard ******* convertibles.

I have a friend with a 84 Firebird convertible like that...14k miles on it! It's nice! I wish somebody still converted these. I'd be iterested in converting my 87 GTA or 89 GTA.

So yeah, properly restored/original, low mileage condition...I'd say got for it! How much he asking?

 

I have seen some of the Autoform Convertibles go for around $14,000. I was at a show and someone had an 83 Camaro with the Autoform conversion, the guy was convinced that it was a 1 of 3 and it was a GM test bed for the feasability of a 3rd generation Camaro. Since the company is out of business and no one seems to know anything about them its hard to actually get any hard information.

I think with the top down it looks pretty killer, but I don't like the snaps and the way the top looks while up...

John

 

Here's a good article for a little more info . . .
http://www.firebirdgallery.com/autoformlot1.htm