For those who prefer second-generation Camaros in their original, unmodified form, a 441-cubic-inch V8 build from D&Z Customs likely won’t be of much interest. This 1973 Chevy Camaro RS, however, is the exact opposite of stock. It was created for the SEMA Show in 2013, competing in the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational before going on to appear in LS Power magazine. The car is currently headed to auction through Mecum next month.
Under the hood sits a massive 441-cubic-inch engine built by Wegner Automotive. The V8 produces 680 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque. A Tremec T-56 manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels via a twin-disc clutch and a 3.5-inch steel driveshaft.
While the focus is clearly on straight-line speed, the suspension has been upgraded to handle the power. The build includes Heidt cantilever front suspension components, Ridetech triple-adjustable coilovers at all four corners, and tubular lower A-arms. Heidt Pro-G two-inch drop spindles help the car handle turns, and a massive braking system with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers from Wilwood ensures it can stop.
Stopping power is delivered through a set of Forgeline DE3C wheels. The car sits on these custom forged units, and the suspension geometry has been reworked to handle the added weight and power of the V8.
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Exterior and Interior
The exterior features a custom body kit that includes a wide front splitter, blacked-out grilles, and a tall rear lip spoiler. The paint is PPG Citrus Green metallic. This aesthetic fits the car’s aggressive nature, giving it a NASCAR-inspired silhouette despite being a 1973 model.
Inside the cabin, the build continues with a focus on safety and performance. Sparco Evo II seats and a suede steering wheel offer a racing-focused environment. Ridetech harnesses and a roll cage complete the interior, providing a secure place for the driver.
It is not uncommon for cars built for trade shows to be dismantled or stored away after the event. This particular Camaro, however, has survived the years and is now available to a new owner.
This kind of build represents the absolute limit of what a classic American muscle car can become. By pushing the engine displacement to 441 cubic inches and pairing it with a fully caged, race-ready chassis, the car abandons the “originality” factor entirely. The result is a machine designed purely to dominate on the strip while still looking like it belongs on the street.