The Starship Camaro - Driving the Bizarre and Forgotten 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Berlinetta Coupe

SOLD This is a car that most people have forgotten, if they ever knew about it at all. The 3rd Generation F-Body Camaro in Berlinetta trim, complete with the "starship" dashboard and radio.
GM flirted briefly with marketing the Camaro toward an upscale clientele, particularly the female variety. They recycled the Berlinetta name from the 2nd Gen Camaro, loaded up a coupe with special interior trim, power equipment, a digital wonderland for the dashboard, and an audiophile stereo. Outside they gave it special graphics, bumper treatments, and alloy wheels. Underneath it got softer springs and lighter steering.
Pricewise, it was positioned between the base sport coupe and the Z28, but a loaded Berlinetta was a lot closer to the latter than the former. They ran ads showing professional women enjoying their freedom in a Camaro, and waited for sales to roll in - which they didn't, really. 1984 was a marginally succesful year for the car, though it still sold in far fewer numbers than the base model or Z28. By 1986, sales had dwindled to niche car levels, and the model was scrapped.
Low numbers make this a pretty interesting collectible from the 1980s, particularly the 3 years the car was offered with the "starship" dashboard. I'd say it's a great trip down memory lane, but it's hard to remember a car most people never knew about in the first place.
Review and test drive by Bill.

[@slimwilly573]

He said "back when I had dreams, before the women and alcohol destroyed them all" lol

[@Nitroxdude]

Slim Willy this dude is funny as hell 😂

[@TheGodofstone1]

Hahahaha Fact....needs to be a quote.

[@funguy4utube]

His favorite comedian must be W.C. Fields ....... my fave ...... part of why I love these vids so much

[@benedictdonald4338]

Bill’s more honest than most. Heck, he’s the most honest person in the world.

[@slimwilly573]

@Tick Tock or I used to have dreams till my wife took them from my soul females... all the stuff we deal with just for 1 thing... a headache

[@FireTriode]

19:25 -Van Halen, "Panama," released in 1984, from the album entitled "1984" in your mint 1984 Camaro. The stars have aligned.

[@michealcorleone665]

when the radio came on accidentally, it reminded me of the movie christine😂😂😂 especially how the classic camaro is playing songs from its era

[@punkindonutguy]

I was thinking the exact same thing. Camaro from 1984 and Van Halen's album 1984. I was thinking at the beginning that Panama would be the perfect song for this video and a little while later it came on the radio. Also the year I was born.

[@tmseh]

Crank it uuuuuuuuuuuuuuup!!!!!

[@Zlackevitch]

Well, yes. This is the perfect Camaro !

[@jonathanpasch6604]

'1984' was released in 1983.

[@CrowdControl123]

“Back when I still cared about things”... “before the women and alcohol crushed it all”.... ROFLMAO! Holy shit that’s hilariously honest! How is it possible that I’ve never seen this guy’s videos before??? Subscribed!

[@PenttiHuttunenGlobetrotter]

my words exactly

[@liberatovillavicencio7159]

Exactly

[@oswb8225]

Best part of the video and so true.

[@mentok3027]

Hit way too close to home! I had the exact feeling this afternoon pulling my 83 mercury capri rs out of winter storage while drinking a cape cod, and arguing with my ex on the phone..........while the replacements were playing out of the cd player

[@CrucialSpeaks]

WHAT AN "EXACT" REALISATION. MEE TOO! LOL

[@BaltimoreAndOhioRR]

I had a relative with one back in the 80's. I rode in it a few times. All I remember was the swivel radio. I was just a teenager, I wish I had been more aware that I should take note of more things and savor the time because things would be so much different in 30 years. I guess that's a problem with all teens, even now.

[@edwardschmitt5710]

LOL...no...there is stuff now you are not appreciating-it's the human way.

[@mvd4436]

I thought i knew this cars fairly well. Never heard of the swivel radio. Amazing stuff. Probably wasn't available in Canada

[@texasaggieproud]

"Because I just frankly hate everything..." Ha! Best line ever.

[@jonathanmanzano8661]

5664

[@AMGEVAN]

Bill is giving us great content in a shit time in this country. What a breath of fresh air!!!

[@wileecoyote5749]

Relax

[@Muttleytech]

You mean for cars. Got better when the tuned port came out.

[@stevenvarga4157]

Yes Tuned Port , Rozman worked at a Goodyear store . lady brings in a Berlinatta not running good, Roz cleaned tuned port and injectors and we went for ride unbelievable

[@johnmichaelkarma]

with all due respect to Bill ,I'd rather have shit content in a quality time

[@knutkatastrophe2722]

Yeah

[@Incomudro1963]

I'm 56, so I was in my late teens to early 20's when this body style debuted. My wife had an RS version of this generation when I met her. When I see one today, I'm amazed at how LOW the body lines were. Today's crash protection standards have raised the beltlines so high.

[@michaelwisenburg6173]

This guy cracks me up. “ you could fit a couple of Canadians back there” ....”when I had dreams.....” 😂😂😂😂

[@Koexistence13]

Chipper Canadians that is.....

[@shizuokaBLUES]

As a Canadian I still don’t get it. Then again I’m a Canadian trapped in Japan. So…maybe I need to ask my Canadian relatives and friends in the old country.

[@robertl.3074]

If I had a sales team I would want someone like you on that team. So keep making videos, keep showing us cool cars.

[@jacobfleming565]

Cute dog

[@swaggernaut]

This is the most underrated KZbin-channel I’ve ever seen! Bill deserves more follower and fans because of his authentic style, huge knowledge and last but not least his political NONcorrectness. Way to go Bill! Greetings from Hungary :)

[@bellalegosi7850]

Thanks for the laughs bill. I enjoy watching your videos especially during these difficult days. Greetings from Chicago

[@philforcedotcom]

Talpra Magyar! Maradj eros es Isten veled Magyarország.

[@bigbean78]

🤣 I cracked up when he turned on the radio and Panama was playing! The 80’s were great.

[@UndisputedMRecabo]

What were the chances tho lol

[@erikturner8687]

Those berlinettas were a sharp looking car. This one is extremely clean and sharp!

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Weirdo unreliable impractical dash crap was a drawback...

[@BuzzLOLOL]

@FiatDuster - '84 was before fuel injected V8s so totally reliable...

[@MrCarGuy]

Sure is funny seeing how your videos ended up with more reach than most dealers would dream of. It's because you're a good comedian. I certainly think you're the best automotive reviewer on KZbin.

[@E39ENTHUSIAST90]

Bill, be sure that your videos are therapeutic for a many of us, too! Thanks for making them!

[@achmeez]

"It's not a French Word...thank goodness, because that would upset a lot of people in Tennessee." LOL!!

[@troyvan6952]

Bill, you're reviews are pure joy. I'm getting a great deal of entertainment ( and knowledge) watching all of them. As a Canadian, love the fact you pay attention to the back seats! Please don't stop.

[@MrLogansimmons]

I think of you as the Julia Child of car reviewers. You say what's on your mind and don't cut anything. Refreshing really.

[@warpartyattheoutpost4987]

Right on! And quite a compliment considering Child's service.

[@donovanlong611]

Being a teenager in the eighties I remember these cars, with everything going on in the world right now, this video was a great dose of great medicine, keep up the great videos 👍

[@ragimundvonwallat8961]

dont worry, its just the fall of the american empire, after a few years of total violence and 100 millions of deaths , all should be well again. hope it helped =)

[@jonathanmitchell5412]

I blessed the day when my dad went audi shopping and came back with this berlinetta! Same year just a darker colour. Thanks for the review. Brings back some great teenage memories 😊

[@marblox9300]

IMO - this generation is the best looking Camaro Body Style of them all. Better than the 70s and better than the 90s and up.

[@carscloseup]

I love your videos, your humor is fantastic, your knowledge about cars is epic...Forget those who can’t se through your art, keep up the good work!

[@seahawker7796]

This was always my favorite Camaro, I loved that stand alone cassette deck

[@quad5186]

Paul Edmonds I drove one for years, the (cassette player)belt drive broke after 6 . Cost about $120.00 to replace IIRC . Not IROC 😅

[@yamahaxs6501]

it was amazing, wasn't it?

[@ericeaton371]

used to own one of these... bought it solely because of the pedastal radio

[@db4695]

Eric Eaton I can respect that haha

[@robertwalsh5744]

I drove an '84 exactly like this in high school exept mine had t-tops. I can still remember it sitting on the dealership showroom. Your video brought back some great memories! You were lucky to find one in that condition.

[@moonbeamskies3346]

Great car to have in high school. Rear wheel drive.

[@tonzetonze6044]

Love your reviews bro...your humor, verbiage, spontaneity, pop culture references, you crack me up every single time and put a huge GRIN on my face....i look for your reviews all the time....screw the haters...keep em coming...you clearly have a huge life experience that you share with us all....All the BEST!!!!!! keep em coming!

[@yamahaxs6501]

little known fact, this was the most expensive model in the line-up when optioned out. Yep, it cost more than the Z28.

[@chickenmuffin]

Even with the v6? Weird.

[@Xantylon74]

Really?

[@yamahaxs6501]

@@Xantylon74 yes, when fully optioned with a V8, it was the most expensive Camaro. This was before the IROC-Z was in the lineup.

[@nasimwehbe8410]

I remember my brother bought one of these used in 1994. I took to my girls house to show it to her and caught her cheating lol. I will never forget that car. His was brown with gold trim.

[@CaptHollister]

Brown with gold trim. You're talking about the car or the guy with whom you caught your girlfriend ?

[@nasimwehbe8410]

@@CaptHollister haha good one. It was the car man, the car lol.

[@robk9685]

Interesting because what this Berlinetta reminds me of is a white one a female boss had. I believe her LONG term live in boyfriend got it for her with his GM employee discount. She pulled up to work one day and that thing had a baseball bat taken to it. Dents everywhere, glass, lights broken. She was cheating ....again.

[@Koexistence13]

@@robk9685 women cheating? Noooooooo

[@inthrutheoutdoor3464]

I had a brown one with gold rims in 95 that was the best combo of all for the camero. Wish still had it.

[@comeflywithme893]

I stumbled across this page a few weeks ago. Quickly it has become my favorite. Simply because of the uncensored, unbiased reviews of some pretty awesome automobiles. Keep it up, don't change a thing!!!

[@EM.1.]

Bill, you're doing a great job, perhaps one of the few reviewers out there that knows his stuff inside and out.

[@MikeBMW]

Bill, you know, I really love your personal therapy sessions you got there. Keep up the, well, anyway, great reviews because, otherwise, those birds are gonna have a field day on you. Thanks for the real, honest reviews and all the background information and chatter you provide alongside. :)

[@gg5115]

He's not wrong. They would eat him if they could.

[@brianiswrong]

Damn that things got more ground clearance than a hummer.

[@williamdixon8961]

Mud clearance.

[@RobHealy1]

This is pristine. Every one of these and T/A Firebirds I was in of this vintage always had water in them

[@vincentcardenas776]

I absolutely just love a video about old cars from my childhood, told by someone who truly appreciates them for what they were and can deliver a narrative that drips with so much wit and sarcasm you can smell it and taste it! Superb Bill!!

[@Sanpedranoazul]

Mint condition! Hard to find one of these in this condition, good job!!!

[@mra1948]

Bill, your reviews are informative and like watching a standup routine. Keep up the great work!

[@TofersCarTales]

Your reviews are truly epic. Please continue covering these amazing cars of the 70's and 80's. Hopefully I can work some of your style and humor into my work.

[@billbitter1477]

They are called VFD instruments. (Vacuum Fluorescent Display) I love how every storage space has an appropriate-sized handgun.

[@sachemrock]

Bill, I love your commentary on the birds...😆

[@leighloper9940]

There will always be haters. I really enjoy your videos. You have your own laid back style, but also they are very informative.

[@BlendedFamilyMan]

We couldn't ask for a better demo of the radio. That was poetry!

[@diver362]

Found my new favourite channel during the Quarantine of 2020. Awesome content, thank you!

[@stefanmayr9379]

I also want more of your therapeutic videos!!! .... I'm addicted to more.... LOL. 👍😉🤔 Great impressions as usual. Thanks for showing and Greetings from Austria 🔝🇦🇹🙄🤣😂 Take care.

[@paulparoma]

Amazingly enough, GM designers had some imagination back then, at least for this model. It seems the control pods had been inspired by, if not almost entirely lifted from, the Citroen CX. I don't think any other car on the market had anything similar. I remember when these were new in 1984. Every young person wanted one. Today, this car is far more impressive than at the time.

[@stefanmathys3272]

Hi Bill, just wanted to let you know that you also have subscribers over in Europe like me (Zurich/Switzerland) who love your car reviews and your foul moods likewise. They make my rainy Corona weekends go by much faster. So, keep going and don't stop being grumpy or hate everything! (There is nothing more disturbing than people who say they love everything).

[@Birzer54]

I would love to have one of these again.

[@manofthehour6856]

Another fantastic presentation, Bill! We're about the same age, so I understand the nostalgia for these cars (Berlinetta; Allante). I agree these cars take one back to days when we had dreams. I couldn't care less if the video was or wasn't a sales pitch. It's just entertaining and informative, and what we need in this day and age.

[@centaurus5676]

Bill you are the best vehicle reviewer on You Tube and I just love listening to the banter and your knowledge is delicious.

[@paulm2861]

This is one of the most entertaining channels on KZbin! Love it!

[@johnhall8364]

So neat to see a non-z28 camaro from that area. Especially in this condition. I haven’t seen a basic camaro from the 80’s in decades.

[@dmehaney]

I love your vehicle reviews Bill you crack me up with your comments about hiding weapons in every storage area of the car lol - Hi from New Zealand hope you are well!

[@irocitZ]

Nice looking Camaro, third gens IMO are some of the best looking cars bang for the buck. I have a pretty clean 84 Z28 L69 with T-tops that I've had since 2013, it's been a pleasure owning it. When these cars first came out performance was without a doubt on an upswing. I remember reading articles in car magazines, the writers finally had something exciting to talk about performance wise. Since then it's been getting better & better.

[@michaelchavis9205]

You almost had me on the floor I was laughing so hard. What a sense of humor you have. You tell it like it is. People can like it or they can move on to another channel or video. I love it. Thumb up...

[@SlappyD]

Bill is the best!! Excellent review. Loved the commentary. Spoken like a true Gen Xer! Growing up in the 80’s was a magical time especially when you stand it next to the “weird, horrible, freakish times” we live in today. “Hopefully not too badly exploited by terrible people” spoken like a true Gen Xer! Keep em coming Bill!

[@souissi1]

Bill Thanks for your videos , most of us learn a lot from you 🤞🤞

[@SIGINT007]

17:16 Vacuum Florescent (VF) is what you were looking for. I had an '85 Z28 and have a soft spot for this gen F body...but this video has me rolling around on the floor...pure gold. Can I bring my ‘85 C4 by for a photoshoot and coke smuggler storage contest?

[@clemsonbloke]

Well the full name was Vacuum Flourescent Display or VFD.

[@jeffleonard3479]

I graduated in 83' and copped a job at the local Chevrolet Dealership as New car make ready. I've driven all those brand new Camaro's back in the day.

[@kevinc4632]

Do not stop!!! Please!!! Great humor which right now , we all need and great review THANK YOU

[@TILTHENEXTTIME]

Just tell my family I loved 'em....well that isn't true..anyway...! Classic Bill line.

[@jamisonbernhardt3310]

i liked that

[@itsconnorjon]

on a serious note, those controls are so cool. I've never seen anything like that.

[@CaptHollister]

Unique for an American car, but quite common in French cars of the period, which might upset people in Tennessee

[@LynxStarAuto]

@@CaptHollister hahahaha

[@premium8005]

My dad bought me a new 1984 Camaro when I was in high school. I loved that car more than anything. Thanks fore the review!

[@justinvanderschaaff5545]

Unbelievable video! I am now 44, had this exact model and color combo berlinetta as my first car in 1994. Mine had a 10 disc changer in the trunk “hole”, an alarm and the typical 1980’s crappy paint which peeled and lost all clear coat. Seeing you drive this and all the intricacies of the controls and the date and number rolls in the overhead console just rushes memories back. Thank you so much for sharing this video

[@verdict1163]

I like to watch videos like this to make me appreciate Japanese and German interior ergonomics from the same era.

[@twenty4dupont]

My dad owned a body shop most my life and I remember when this car showed up in the parking lot. It was the exact same color and model. I was 12 and can remember looking at that thing like it was from another world. Funny thing is that guy who just bought it was round and wearing the obligatory gold chains, pinky rings and his wife was 6 foot 2 and blonde. Consummation in the back seat would have been an impossibly for those two. Great video btw. 👍

[@james5274]

"I just frankly hate everything". So relatable buddy.

[@phillanassa759]

Berlinetta Starship Time Machine! What a neat car, I am your age, and remember loving this car as much as the Z-28 at the time, when I didn't know the difference at that age..165 HP, 700R4 with a decent low 1st gear and axle ratio, decent top end, mileage, handing, comfort.. and unique. Thanks for sharing it, you really pick some totally awesome cars in phenomenal shape. I look forward to these videos, and watch them whenever they are up. Right now, I'm binge-watching them, which is why I'm commenting on a video that's 11 months old today!

[@jpp9846]

"you could fit a couple Canadians back there" 🥺 😆😂🤣😭

[@dr.lyleevans6915]

Some people use it as slang for colored folks

[@Koexistence13]

@@centaurus5676 ya all Canadians are small

[@averywilson8362]

Keep doing your thing Bill don't worry about the haters you're the Man 👍

[@DanCohoon]

can someone please do a super cut of him yelling at animals. These are so great

[@jeffsfleet]

This is the first video of yours I've seen and I really enjoyed it! Thanks for the laughs! Beautiful Camaro as well!

[@billbrock85]

BRAVO! These vids are always a real blast! Keep up the good work! Your line about dreams being crushed by women and alcohol had me rolling!!! Funny stuff, man!! : )

[@stangmann1521]

I had a white 1984 Z-28 5.0-H.O W/ T-tops & loved that car.....!! So did the girls too !

[@vassa1972]

Hi I'm Peter from up in the great white north lol I'm Canadian so I can say that, I'm from Hamilton Ontario Canada and unfortunately a stroke and cardiac arrest survivor at almost 48 years old and only watched the first 3 and half minutes of your video and I think that its great that you're blowing off steam and have a love for your cars, especially this one. Unfortunately I can't drive anymore myself but I always loved cars as a kid growing up and going to the car shows and seeing and trying to get in every new car that was coming out. LoL take care and thank you for your video

[@gkniffen]

The best salesman can give a killer presentation without the prospect feeling like he's being sold to... Bill nails it. I was ready to drive this baby off the lot 😆👍

[@BrakRulesAll]

"Leather-wrapped steering wheel". If that thing is leather-wrapped, I'll eat my airedale. Still, cool time capsule.

[@ssmith4013]

They re-cycled that steering wheel for all the 1990 Chevy Trucks. NO, his is not leather-wrapped.

[@MrCarguy2]

24:30 Holy cow Bill 😂 We love you man

[@jessegarner5887]

Real talk, I've been watching your videos for a while when I found your car channel, cool Personality. Stay safe Bill. 💯

[@funguy4utube]

It is therapeutic for us too ... please do not change in any way. Your vids are unique and priceless ! PLUS ... we do like your insights .... and knowledge of cars .... THAT is s bonus to the therapeutic chats as we listen to your reviews.

[@joeyv2008]

Bill your awesome !! Love watching and listening to your videos , your funny and smart and very entertaining, who cares about the haters keep it real,and your right honest man 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@patrickdichiro3654]

"Before the women and the alcohol crushed them all." Who doesn't love Bill?! In the car world, he is the crusty, cantankerous and eminently entertaining truth-teller that we all need. Love him!

[@braddietzmusic2429]

Those Berlinetta wheels are beautiful, and it’s a beautiful car. I always wish those had more powerful engines. But that’s an aftermarket for that now. I like that this one had the rear trunk lid spoiler, which looks much better than Camaros without them.

[@skipcollinge9599]

Bill ! Look forward to each one of your videos, and I really love the history you have behind the cars. And I’ve probably owned many of them too! Like this, we had a white ‘82 Berlineetta and by 1982 standards, it was pretty great!

[@raycroal]

this car has so many little things that i thought were late 80's japanese details but gm car has them first, i was impressed with the interior much better car than i would have thought at first

[@spazzman90]

Back you could count on the US makers to invent and release the technology, and the Japanese would make it reliable, usually in short order.

[@jeeper5264]

I watch ALL your reviews because they are informative...keep em coming...I do miss the roosters though lol

[@giftdcam8472]

Absolutely love his honesty.. watched this due to me rebuilding an 82 Berlinetta Camaro.. mine came with all the options.. carb v8 gold trim.. got it as gift from my boss for Christmas last year.. but the guys hilarious too.. great video very informative

[@yamahaxs6501]

I had one! what an amazing vehicle that was so far ahead of its time. I remember the delayed shut off interior light...now all cars do it. btw- your vids are great!

[@mrl2l]

Dude I enjoy your videos

[@SanJuanCreole]

With all this CoVid19 stuff going on, watching your videos has a cool calming effect lmaooooo 👍👍👍

[@placeballsonchin]

This dudes commentary MADE MY DAY! What a great vid!

[@eaunan]

That's a beautiful car! I've never been too much into Camaro's since 1970, but this one is really cool!! Thanks for posting.

[@matthewtully1745]

Before your hopes and dreams were crushed by women and alcohol 😂😂😂

[@superx9619]

I bet Molly played a role too but couldn't say that on KZbin 😂🤣

[@lorendechaine5087]

Just keep doing what you do!

[@capn.c5321]

I love this channel! Never stop, please.

[@paulhoskins7852]

The wheels, color, and stance really make this thing stand out. Very nice.

[@drewbenefield2001]

I love your reviews!!

[@joethetrucker6834]

I believe the base Camaro had the 3 slots as a “grill” as well.

[@jaimegirl59]

Had a 82 base Camaro 2.8 and it had the 3 slots grill ,only the z28 were different

[@luketeamshitbox4919]

Sports coupe have them

[@delw1138]

Very true, bought a new 84 base Camaro back then and it had the three slots. I put some blue lights behind two of them and my wife got a ticket for the them!

[@drasdwayne]

Wow. Thanks for posting this Bill.

[@simplyrobert]

I am hooked on your reviews, the entertainment factor is off the charts!

[@BEGGARWOOD1]

Bill in a mad world. Thank you for cheering me up. I love your videos and if I ever get to Naples I am coming to see you for a selfie . I will bring a rooster in a cage and arrive in a low flying helicopter. I love you and your rants about kids . Never change you are awesome

[@treborrobinson8665]

Bill you are to funny with the bird's and all. Your video's are great & I love the content of it all! The Camaro is very nice!

[@mikkey1877]

I had a red one in 1985 and boy how I miss it! Awesome car for the time! Interior was very unique in these cars. Wish I still had it.

[@scottdoran3112]

Nothing better than nostalgia, my friend had one, thanks for sharing!