Is the Fourth-Gen "Aero Camaro" the Ultimate Collector Car Deal?

The 1993 Chevrolet Camaro entered the decade with a bold presence, prepared for competition. Upon its release, the sharp front end, sleeker design, and arrow-shaped silhouette immediately made the earlier model seem outdated... which meant displacing the legendary IROC-Z from its position of dominance. The Z28 featured a powerful 275-hp small-block LT-1 V8, eager to deliver performance. Ford’s Mustang gone without even a second thought, with the inside custom-designed for the driver. Still, the T-tops were frequently chosen and operating the F-body every day remains (and has always been) entirely practical.

General Motors terminated the Camaro in 2002. They made the same decision for 2025. Throughout its history at GM, the car has frequently faced cancellation threats, almost disappearing entirely in 1972 and nearly transforming into a front-wheel drive sports coupé during the late 1980s. It's unusual considering how many people have personal connections to this model—whether they drove one themselves, knew someone who did, or simply appreciated seeing them on the road. The Camaro stands as a true American symbol, a dream machine designed to thrill drivers with each journey.

For an individual deeply into Mopar vehicles, the Chevrolet Camaro Has had a significant impact on both my professional journey and personal interests as well as my way of living. The 1977 Type LT was the vehicle that set everything into motion. My very first car was a 1976 basic model Camaro. However, it was a green 1993 Z28, which was clearly at the end of its lifespan, that truly sparked my appreciation for the fourth-generation Camaro when I received one for free during the winter of 2017. Yes, I did say "for free." Don't be concerned; I'll clarify everything later, though I feel compelled to let our more cautious readers know that this tale includes uncontrolled acts of mechanical damage and chaos. You've been advised.

The Tale of the Free Z28

The entities responsible for managing NCM Motorsports Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky devised an innovative method to generate revenue from participants at minimal cost throughout the winter season. They named it "King of the Heap," and the concept was straightforward: acquire a used car worth around $1,000, gather four friends to share the expenses including entrance fees, gas, zip ties, and anything else required, along with a pair of Uniroyal Tiger Paw tires compatible with your vehicle's original wheels (which met NCM's agreement with Michelin, who owns Uniroyal). As long as the car you chose didn't have fluid leaks, could halt effectively, and all drivers were equipped with helmets, racing was allowed. There would be four races held each on a single Saturday from December through March: an 1/8-mile... ^th -a mile long drag strip, three laps around NCM’s East Course (the part featuring the "Sinkhole" turn, which is NCM's version of Laguna Seca's well-known Corkscrew), an asphalt-based autocross event, and a rallycross layout situated on a grassy area at the opposite side of the track's grounds.

For several months, I was attempting to form a team without success. Many of my friends who were interested in this had already grouped together and bought vehicles. Eventually, I managed to secure a position driving for a team that had acquired an older car. Ford Crown Victoria When Track Operations Manager Matt Busby recognized he couldn't perform his duties and be behind the wheel simultaneously, just moments before the drivers' meeting—literally seconds later—the Thompsons, a pair of acquaintances I'd met during coverage of the Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge, came up with an offer. They had brought two vehicles but needed to use only one. They were prepared to hand over the Camaro to me, provided they would get their wheels and tires returned after the event. I didn't hesitate to accept.

Toby Thompson told me that the Grim Reaper was almost reaching the back spoiler of the Camaro. Honestly, I didn't understand what the problem was. The 1993 Z28 had seen better days, but a stripped-out interior, common scratches and dents, and an off-color rear bumper cover were the only signs of the damage occurring. As soon as I turned the key, the Camaro roared to life and settled into a smooth idling state. What was the issue? The Z28 performed well on the 1/8 mile. ^th Mile Drag Pass with dignity, overlooking a brief initial delay.

During the road course session, I wanted to find out exactly what I was dealing with and let the car go, which it definitely did. By the time I reached a quarter into the first lap, I was hitting triple-digit speeds on the straightaways. thanks to the sponsorship from Thompson’s Optima and PowerStop Brakes, braking felt safe and secure, allowing me to drift the vehicle confidently through the Sinkhole. However, things took a turn for the worse after completing the third lap; that's when reality struck with a crash—the LT-1 engine barely had 15 pounds of oil pressure following the ordeal, and there was an intense metallic knocking noise coming from under the open hood. The Camaro was still operational, but it had been severely damaged.

After letting the Camaro sit for a bit (and hopefully giving the engine oil in the crankcase time to become thicker, almost like gear lubricant rather than regular motor oil), I needed to tackle the autocross. I had hoped to get through one lap just long enough to allow the car to cool down before heading into the rallycross portion, but the Camaro seemed to sense that it was headed for some off-road action. not I decided to go for it, waiting until I was as far away from the pit area as possible before a two-cylinder section opened up on the right side of the structure, releasing broken metal, heated liquids, and all hope of continuing as a car onto the pavement. Another racer gave me $100 for whatever remained, and I smartly accepted the cash. I wasn’t ready to tell my wife why a ruined Chevrolet came home with me on a tow truck.

What might the perfect fourth-generation Camaro look like?

Alright, the 1993 model didn't last long and wasn't here for too long. The experience—especially those laps at NCM—showed me that driving one is a lot of fun, and I definitely wouldn't pass up another chance. But what would my ideal fourth-generation car look like? Although many people go for the LS-engine version of the fourth-gen F-body—and there’s solid reasoning behind that—I personally favor the more classic front and rear designs found on the LT-1 models. Choosing between the Camaro and its... Pontiac Firebird A twin is similar to picking a coin that has heads on both sides to toss. I'd go with the Pontiac as a Formula V8 (I favor the more straightforward, single-snout front end over the Trans Am with its fog lights). However, since this article focuses on the Camaro, my perfect vehicle would probably resemble this 1996 Camaro Z28 that is currently available on Black offers an appealing, ominous appearance, and the Corvette ZR1-inspired five-spoke wheels make an excellent option for factory-produced rims.

The powertrain offers everything needed for almost everyone except those who crave extreme performance. While the LT-1's 285 horsepower may seem modest compared to modern vehicles, the 320 lb-ft of torque provides ample excitement. If you're seeking speeds beyond roughly 160 mph, this might not be your ideal choice. Alternatively, follow the example of countless F-body enthusiasts and modify the engine yourself. Even if you manage to extract an additional 200–250 horsepower from the small block (a realistic expectation), the six-speed gearbox and aerodynamic design should still deliver acceptable gas efficiency. Personally, I'd recommend switching the rear tail lights to the "export" version, which includes an amber turn signal lens.

From my perspective, a Camaro qualifies more as a "personal coupe" compared to a Monte Carlo or Thunderbird. It offers ample space for the driver and everyday items such as groceries, backpacks, and similar belongings. There is enough seating for one passenger, and potentially a young child—like a kindergartener or even younger—if needed. The engine won't face much strain during regular use, the suspension prioritizes handling, and the four-wheel disc braking system performs effectively. Plus, if you're in the mood for some fun, remove the T-top panels and take in the sunshine. This covers many important aspects for a vehicle, especially when considering an accessible modern muscle car.