Every now and then, you run across a car at a car show that has an amazing story. While attending the Dragons Car Show in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – which is the biggest car show of the year in the Province, a golden Camaro that goes by the nickname “Snooze” stood out from the rest. As a tribute to his dad Lindon Zentner, the owner of this car, Herman Zentner, won First Place in the Factory Production Stock 1970 through 1972 Class. Not only is the car a show winner, but the back story that goes with the car is incredible. This 1972 RS Z28 was purchased brand new in Regina, Saskatchewan, by a family friend of Herman’s father, who goes by the name of Tom.

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One thing that you might not realize, is that production during 1972 was a low, due to the 1971 GM strike. Only 2,575 Z28’s were produced in total, and of all the V8 Camaros built, there were only 2,110 that were imported to Canada. Of those exports, only 372 had a Rally Sport package, 172 had a Z28 package, and only 54 had the Muncie M22 four speed. Snooze is a 1972 RS Z28 with the LT1  engine and M22 four speed, making it 1 of 54.

While Tom owned the car, he only drove it occasionally, but he did race it until he sold it in 1977. From the factory the Z28 was well equipped for racing, including a Positraction rearend, and the 350 cubic-inch, 255 horsepower engine. But stock horsepower was not enough for Tom. Although the actual specs are long forgotten, he upgraded the engine by adding a few go-fast parts like an aftermarket camshaft, higher-compression pistons, and a set headers. With Tom behind the wheel, 1/4-mile times were in the mid-12 second range. All good things come to an end, and when Tom sold Snooze to the second owner (Richard) in 1977, the car went to Yorkton, Saskatchewan. After just one year of ownership, Richard decided to put Snooze up for sale, and that’s where Herman’s dad (Lindon) comes into the story.

While Herman was growing up, the Camaro spent most of its time in the garage. In fact, it didn’t actually see the light of day for 30 years. After a rough battle with cancer, Herman’s dad passed away in 2006, and in 2010, Herman took possession of the car, got it running, and drove it when the weather would permit. Unfortunately, the car was in need of some work, as the engine was burning oil. So Herman removed the drivetrain, planning to rebuild it, but the Camaro was once again parked. This time, for the next 5 years.

In 2015 Herman decided that it was time to give the car a proper restoration, so he sent it to MGD Customs Inc in Saskatchewan, for a proper restoration. The car was in such good shape, that it still retains the original vinyl roof, glass, and all of the original sheetmetal. The car was never subjected to the harsh wintry conditions, and therefore, it was learned that the body was void of rust after it was sanded down to bare metal. 

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The subframe, and miscellaneous parts were all powdercoated black, the undercarriage was refinished, and the brakes, suspension, and rearend were overhauled. While sanding the rear spoiler, “SnooZe ULoZe” was found under a layer of paint. The 350 cubic-inch engine and four-speed gearbox that was removed earlier, was rebuilt to factory specs, and then installed back into the car. Snooze was alive again!

At present, there are approximately 31,000 miles on the car. Herman’s dad, was a true fan of Camaro’s. Throughout his life, he owned three that Herman is aware of: a 1970 RS/Z28, 1971 RS/Z28, and this 1972 RS/Z28. He was involved in drag racing in the early ’70s, but in the late ’70s and early ’80s, he spent most of his time involved in car shows, and he was a lifetime member of the International Show Car Association. This restoration is a tribute to his dad. Congratulations to Herman and his special car, with a much deserved win.