My Favorite Ride: 1971 Camaro has great low-end torque and acceleration
The car: 1971 Camaro Z28
The owner: Jacob Partlow, Merced
What are the key features of your vehicle? Besides the shiny paint and loud exhaust? Well, it has a “built” 355-cubic-inch engine, coupled to a lightly modified Turbo 350 transmission for great low-end torque and acceleration.
What did you have to do to get it in its present state? A complete frame-off tear-down restoration that started in 2007 is still continuing to this day. Then again they are never finished!
What else do you want to do to it? I’m thinking about undertaking a conversion to a manual transmission.
How did you acquire your vehicle? I had the pleasure of growing up with this car; it was my mom’s Camaro before it became mine.
Why did you pick that particular vehicle and what do you find appealing about it? It’s been a lifelong love of mine. Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of one day owning this car. As for what I find appealing – the curves and those body lines; tie in the three-piece rear spoiler, and it just sets it all off.
What started your love affair with cars? Growing up around it, riding in it and driving it, listening to it lope (idle unsteadily). And, of course, busting my knuckles on it.
What advice would you give others about starting such a project? You better have a reliable low-maintenance daily driver, because driving your project won’t do. To do it right, take your time and start from the ground up. Don’t lose hope – it’ll all come together in time.
Do you have any other collector vehicles or project cars? Not currently, unless you count my parts car, a 1978 Camaro Z28. I know it’s a different style, but it’s still a second-generation Camaro and a lot of parts are interchangeable.
What’s your favorite memory about this ride? Only having my permit and driving my mom around town in it. Taking my driver’s license test in it – imagine the look on the DMV tester’s face when this pulled up! And, of course, taking my wife out for a cruise in it.
This story was originally published October 16, 2014 at 6:40 PM with the headline "My Favorite Ride: 1971 Camaro has great low-end torque and acceleration."