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Erin and her 1983 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

Erin and her 1983 Chevrolet Camaro Z28. Photo by Guy Frederick.

Wheel Love: Erin and her Camaro

The 1983 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 was a match meant to be for Dunedin-based Erin. 

When Erin spotted the 1983 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 in the Dunedin classifieds, she knew it was hers. For starters she was born in the same year, but the clincher was that its American ‘muscle’ would suit her obsession with big sound. There was only one barrier: Erin was still on her learner’s licence.

Six weeks later with her restricted licence in hand, Erin went straight to collect the Camaro. Sliding into the left seat to drive her home, Erin recalls thinking “there should be laws against this”. 

Erin and her Z28 in Dunedin.
Erin and her Z28 in Dunedin. Photo by Guy Frederick.

“I had gone from driving a small, quiet car to this big left-hand drive, ridiculously noisy V8 American muscle machine.”  

With a background in fine art and textiles, and research interests in heavy metal music iconography, for Erin it’s all about the sounds and aesthetics. The Chevrolet was a perfect match for her favourite playlist that features power ballads of the eighties from the likes of Van Halen, Motley Crue and Scorpions. 

Erin's Camaro was 'born' the same year she was.
Erin's Camaro was 'born' the same year she was. Photo by Guy Frederick.
The 1983 Chevrolet Camaro.
The muscular lines of the 1983 Chevrolet Camaro Z28.
Erin has fitted out her classic Camaro with Axminster carpet.
Erin has fitted out her classic Camaro with Axminster carpet.

“The 80s were all about noise and showiness, and as the Camaro is born of that era, the speakers are unreal,” Erin says. And the sound quality gets even better as the volume is cranked up. “You can hear the music clearly over the rumble of the engine and the twin exhausts with that old V8 sound.”

Erin has added her own Kiwi twist using pre-loved Axminster carpet to line the floor and boot. Sourced from an old pub in Central Otago, she says the provenance suits the Camaro. “I love the brown velvet seats with the cigarette burns, which tell a similar story to the pub the carpet came from.”

The interior of the Camaro fits with Erin's love of the 80s.
The interior of the Camaro fits with Erin's love of the 80s. Photo by Guy Frederick.

A creative collaboration with close friend and machinist Haley Videler seeded a new venture: the duo custom make upholstery using uniquely colourful, patterned carpets. Erin revels in matching cars with carpets, and the Camaro’s spacious boot is used as a salesroom at car shows and swap meets.

Central Otago provides the space to complete the picture of Erin and her Camaro – a car made for big places and big roads. “It’s the dream car for the job. And true to the eighties, my hair just gets bigger when the windows are down and the music is blaring. It all feels so right.”

Story by Guy Frederick for the Autumn 2025 issue of AA Directions Magazine. Guy Frederick is a Dunedin-based freelance writer and photographer who regularly contributes to AA Directions Magazine.

Do you have a vehicle that could be a contender for Wheel Love?

From vintage rides to unique motorbikes, EVs and dream cars, send us an email with your Wheel Love car story and you might be featured in a future issue of AA Directions magazine! 

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