by Camaro was discontinued in December 2023 due to unexpectedly low sales as Chevrolet focused on SUVs.
Recently, a 2023 ZL1 1LE model was sold at an online auction for $88,500, thereby enriching the original owner by $11,000.
However, with 650 hp, many improvements compared to the standard ZL1 LE model, and only 30 miles, it was a fair price.
There is something about the death of a great sports car that awakens nostalgia in people—and makes them willing to pay a certain premium. The first generation was introduced in September 1966, and General Motors’ intention was quite obvious from the very beginning. During the press presentation, when asked “what is a Camaro?” the company representatives replied: “it’s a small, fierce animal that eats Mustangs.”
It competed against rivals for six generations, but its end came in December 2023 due to poor sales and the fact that the sports car segment had significantly shrunk as buyers rushed to SUVs and crossovers. Nevertheless, many miss the Chevrolet sports car, as seen in the recent example that was sold at an online auction for a huge sum.
The car in question is a white 2023 Camaro ZL1 1LE with only 30 miles on it, making it practically brand new, despite being manufactured two years ago and discontinued. At the close of the Bring a Trailer auction on April 18, the winning bid was $88,500, which is $11,000 more than the car cost its first owner, who made a profit in a short period.
BaT Photos
If this amount seems too high to you, it’s worth considering that the Camaro ZL1 1LE is a true monster. While the other three modifications available were equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 hp, a 3.6-liter V6 with 335 hp, or a 6.2-liter V8 with 455 hp, the ZL1 used a supercharged 650-hp V8 based on the engine.
In addition, the variant, which was introduced for the 2018 model year, received improved aerodynamics, a new adjustable suspension, and lightweight forged aluminum wheels shod with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tires specifically designed for it. The 1LE package also reduced the total weight by 60 pounds (27 kg) compared to the standard model.
Although the LT4 V8 1LE did not receive any modifications, it was exclusively paired with a six-speed manual transmission with active rev matching—the ten-speed automatic transmission available for the regular version wasn’t even considered. If there were doubts about its qualifications, the 2018 ZL1 1LE car completed the lap in just 7:16.04, or 13.56 seconds faster than the 2017 model-year car with an automatic transmission.
After the auction closed, someone expressed surprise at the price, as they expected the car could be sold for at least $100,000. All things considered, we believe that whoever bought this brand-new Camaro ZL1 1LE got a real bargain.
