Significant mechanical improvements arrived with the 1983 Chevrolet Camaro, an indication that manufacturers, including GM, were easing back to performance. Three models were offered: The Camaro Sport Coupe attracted 63,806 buyers, with prices starting at $8,036; the Berlinetta drew 27,925 orders from $9,881 and the Z28 found 62,650 enthusiasts at prices from $10,336.

A 5-speed manual transmission became available and was standard on the Berlinetta and Z28 but optional on the Sport Coupe, which kept the 4-speed as standard equipment. A 4-speed automatic transmission was introduced, and referred to as an overdrive unit. It was optional on all models but the only automatic for the Z28. The 4-speed automatic attracted 68,844 buyers at $525 extra, while 49,536 buyers chose the 3-speed automatic for an additional $425.

Sales slipped to 154,381, with 9,926 four-cylinder models, 54,332 V-6 units and 90,123 V-8s. The base four-cylinder engine displaced 151 cid and developed 92hp. The 173 cid V-6 was good for 107hp and the base 305 cid V-8 was good for 150hp. A total of 54,332 buyers chose the V-6 for an extra $150, though it was standard on the Camaro Berlinetta.

Meanwhile, 67,053 buyers paid $350 extra for the 150hp 305 V-8, which was standard on the Z28. Z28 buyers had two extra choices. First was the 175hp V-8 with cross-fire fuel injection, and 19,847 buyers shelled out $450 for that. Mid-year, the 190hp HO engine was introduced with more power and a simpler four-barrel carburetor. The HO engine also had a more radical cam, cold air intakes behind the headlights and a cast alloy manifold. It was only available with a 5-speed gearbox and 3,223 buyers paid $450 for that combination.

Luxury and convenience items dominated the options list, as had been the case for years. A total of 144,375 cars had tinted glass, 128,798 had air conditioning, 69,085 had power windows, 52,858 had power door locks, 51,471 had glass T-tops, 72,616 head cruise control, 97,570 had a rear window defogger, 30,238 had a rear cover for the trunk, 10,900 had a rear wiper/washer for the hatch, and 78,239 featured a power hatch release. Black roof moldings attracted 88,371 buyers, side moldings went to 65,527 buyers, door edge moldings to 46,505 buyers, and 39,118 ordered a rear spoiler (standard on the Z28). The 8-track stereo was no longer available.

Among performance options, 18,710 had the Positraction axle, 7,207 had the sport suspension, 9,550 had four-wheel disc brakes, 32,162 had the 5-speed manual gearbox, 9,949 had the special instrument package, 57,203 had the Rally wheels, and 18,052 had the heavy duty radiator.

Only 10 colors were offered on the ’83 Chevy Camaro. Black led with 25,044 buyers, while 23,787 went for White. Close behind were Red (23,419), Charcoal (19,485), Dark Blue (15,871), Silver (12,837), Light Brown (9,886) Dark Brown (9,557), Light Blue (9,757) and Beige (4338).