Camaro owner earned $36,000 by reselling ZL1
It turns out the smartest investment strategy for the Camaro was not tuning, restoring a barn find, or storing it in a garage for 37 years waiting for the price to rise. It was simply buying one of the last produced cars, driving it for a few months, and then reselling it for a huge profit.
Success story with the 2024 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
That’s exactly what seems to have happened with this 2024 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, purchased new in March of this year, more than two years after production ended. The exact amount paid by the seller is unknown — it may have exceeded the recommended retail price. However, from the window sticker, it is known that the car was ordered with the hardcore 1LE Extreme Track Performance package and a six-speed manual transmission. The MSRP with options was $86,775.
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In May, the car was listed on the virtual auction site Cars & Bids. It looked like new, with approximately 370 miles (595 km) on the odometer, according to the listing (in the auction photos, it showed 361 miles / 581 km).
Auction and post-auction deal
Bidding reached $118,000, but the reserve price stopped the process. However, the story didn’t end there. Shortly after the auction closed, the seller accepted a $122,500 offer from the highest bidder, who had previously written in the comments:
“I’m not going higher.”
So, if the seller actually paid the MSRP in March, he would have made approximately $35,700 profit before fees after a few hundred miles of use. That’s an impressive resale, enough money to buy a new EcoBoost Mustang, though with half the power (315 hp), the four-cylinder Ford is unlikely to deliver the same thrill.
650 horsepower and a manual
Under the hood of the ZL1 is a supercharged 6.2-liter GM V8 engine producing 650 hp (659 PS) and 650 lb-ft (881 Nm) of torque. Paired with a six-speed manual, DSSV dampers, sticky tires, and aggressive aerodynamic bodywork, the ZL1 1LE is a true track weapon.
Low mileage undoubtedly helped. The car reportedly didn’t even need its first service, and it came with the window sticker, a duffel bag, owner’s manual, and both keys. Essentially, it was a showroom car with slight tire wear. But perhaps the talk of a Camaro return is helping to revive interest in Chevy’s late pony car.
Rumors of a Camaro revival
According to reports, GM has greenlit a new Camaro for 2028, and it’s not the crossover many expected. Sources claim it will be based on an updated rear-wheel-drive Alpha platform, used by the Cadillac CT5 and the new Buick sedan, and may get four doors for the first time.
Photos by Cars & Bids, H/t to Auto Evolution
This story shows how the rarity and demand for the last models of iconic cars can create significant profit opportunities. In a context where Camaro production has officially ceased and rumors of its revival only stoke interest, examples like this ZL1 with a manual transmission become collectibles. Investors and enthusiasts are willing to pay a premium for the chance to own a piece of history, especially if the car is practically new. It also underscores that even in a modern world where electric vehicles are becoming the norm, classic gasoline-powered sports cars with manuals still hold immense value for a certain audience.