(By Tom Lohnes) – I usually write about new cars coming out and them being groundbreaking in performance and technology. This one however, is not new or groundbreaking in any way at all. Earlier today I was scrolling through craigslist and I saw this weird looking thing called the Contempo Cantara. It looked like an F-body, 3rd gen Camaro and in fact it was. Then I read the description and things got crazy from there. They produced 50 Cantaras worldwide, and only about 10 are still around today. This particular example, with the optional 305-cubic inch V8 and 5-speed manual, is probably a one of one remaining. Oh, the things you can find on Craigslist.
So where did this thing even come from? Well in 1986, Chevy for some reason decided it would be a good idea to hire Contempo (Or perhaps Contempo took this all on themselves), a company famous for converting old Chevy Vans to campers and other things to make a body kit for their Camaro Sport Coupe. What they came up with looks, well, ghastly. Its flying buttresses make it appear mid-engined and it has a revised front end making it look like an upsized Monza. Or some sort of weirdly proportioned DeLorean or something. Performance wise it is identical to the standard V8 Camaro at the time with it’s gutless 305 V8 packing an entire 170 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft of torque. This either goes through two choices of automatic transmissions or two choices of manual. This one has the 5-speed manual, making even more of a desirable car.
So, how much does this one of ten, oddball Camaro cost? A grand total of $3995. Yes, this completely odd car is that affordable. So, if you want to confuse your friends the Contempo Cantara is for you and you better act quick before this car appears on some popular car show and prices rise
Not sure what you mean about the modified front end looking like a modified Monza (other than the fender flares). That bumper cover is the stock Berlinetta version.
That’s an interesting camaro. I kinda like it. especially from the angle of the pink one.
All that it’s missing is a luggage rack.