The word “legend” is one of the more overused in the classic world, with some people willing to attach the tag to almost any vehicle. However, few would argue that the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 deserves such recognition. Initially, a well-kept secret, the Z28 derivative came to dominate overall Camaro sales during the 1970s. This 1970 Camaro gets a double dose of desirability with the first owner ordering it as a Z28 with the RS option. It has a genuine 25,000 miles on the clock and is an unmolested survivor. The seller has listed the Camaro here on eBay in Saint James, New York. Intense action has pushed the bidding to $45,000, which is below the reserve.
Chevrolet’s Second Generation pony car emerged in 1970 with dramatically different styling from its predecessor. It proved a model of longevity, with the final cars rolling off the line in 1981. The original owner ordered this first-year Z28 in imaginatively named Camaro Gold with traditional blackouts on the hood and trunk. They also ticked the box on the Order Form for the RS option, adding the distinctive nose treatment and split front bumper. The seller emphasizes the originality of this classic, with no indication of previous repairs or restoration. Some metallic paints don’t age well, but the healthy shine and lack of visible deterioration suggest that this Camaro has been protected from the worst that Mother Nature could throw at it. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and it appears that the Z28 has avoided the rust problems that can sour the ownership experience. The trim and glass are in good condition, and the wheels are free from stains and physical damage.
White vinyl interior trim is always a brave choice due to its susceptibility to stains and deterioration. This Camaro has avoided those pitfalls, and while it would be unfair to describe the inside of this car as factory-fresh, its condition is admirable for a car with fifty-five years under its belt. There are no significant shortcomings, and no evidence of abuse. The faux woodgrain hasn’t lifted or deteriorated, while the dash, pad, and console are all excellent. I can’t spot any aftermarket additions, which can be a minor victory when so many of these cars feature modern stereos and additional gauges.
A numbers-matching status is a key consideration when assessing the relative worth of any classic, and this Camaro ticks that box. The Z28 brought the LT-1 version of Chevrolet’s 350ci V8 to the table, with this car featuring a four-speed manual transmission, a 12-bolt 4.10 Posi rear end, and power-assisted front disc brakes. The LT-1 develops 360hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque, bringing us to a point to ponder. Chevrolet offered Camaro buyers a big-block option in 1970, with a 396ci brute developing 350hp and a whopping 415 ft/lbs. This was a popular choice for those who didn’t order a Z28, because the engine’s flexibility provided relatively effortless acceleration. However, there was a trade-off that made the Z28 extremely tempting. The big-block added over 200 lbs to the car’s curb weight, with most of the extra mass hanging over the front wheels. The result was a car that wasn’t as nimble or precise on twisting roads as a Z28, which was an important consideration for those seeking a more “complete” driving experience. The seller states that this Camaro has a genuine 25,000 miles showing on its odometer without mentioning verifying evidence. This is a genuine concern because a lack of documentation will impact this car’s potential value. They state that the only non-original parts are the tires and exhaust, with the rest of the Z28 as it left the factory. It appears that all the winning bidder will need to do is hand over their cash, slip behind the wheel, and drive this turnkey Z28 into the sunset.
It has taken thirty-seven bids to push this Camaro to its current figure, and with View History and Watch List tallies of over 300 and 46, it is a sure bet that the price will climb in the coming days. How high will it go? That will depend on whether the seller holds evidence confirming the odometer reading beyond doubt. If that proves the case, I believe that, based on recent sales results, $80,000 could be within this classic’s reach. That means that it falls well outside the affordable range for mere mortals, but would make it a viable alternative for those seeking an investment-grade vehicle. Do you agree?
Wow. Nothing more to say.
Wow is right. Small block is A Okay choice here. Especially w the, 4sp, steep gears and stout rear end. Wind it up and drop the clutch 🔥 💨
Nice car. The only visible modification is the removal of the smog pump.
Last time the seller listed this car on eBay the high bid was $82,600, which did not meet reserve.
Steve R
Auction ended on 4/23/2025 with a high bid of $85,600, did not meet reserve.
Steve R
Steve R: While I absolutely adore this car, there’s no way that it is worth over $85,000. Now that you always say that it’s worth what someone is willing to pay for it but I disagree. Just because one person on the face of the world is willing, for whatever reason, to pay an out the world price doesn’t make that price reasonable. Just my humble opinion.
Absolutely love the car, hate the color. A ’70 Z-28 is one of my favorite cars, but because of the originality changing the color would be akin to blasphemy and I dislike the color so much that I wouldn’t bid on it.
3 days to go and bid to over $68,000, so you won’t have to worry about the color.
Well my friend, you apparently didn’t read, or didn’t understand my post. Here’s what I said, I absolutely adore the car, I just happen to dislike the color. I most certainly wasn’t “worrying” about the color. Sorry if that offended you.
Wow is right … I have admired for years this setup.
Lucky to have a copy of June1970 Sports Car Graphic magazine reviewing/comparing Camaro Z28 vs Vette, both with the new 350 LT1, solid cam, 4 spd and 4.10 rear (Vette 10 hp more @ 370) -as here in this nice Z28. It was difficult to find handling differences because of the Z28 stiff suspension and 1/4 mile runs almost same at 14.5 sec Vette/14.6 for slightlyAcceleration.
Braking identical.
Interestingly both hit .7 G in acceleration.
Wow – quite a winner this Z28 is.
Is it me, or is the RS emblem on the steering upside down?
I think the steering wheel is upside down, Alan H.
No Bub, the steering wheel is right side up, but the car is upside down.
I agree with you, Bub. The flat should be on the bottom. The RS would then be upside down, just my perspective. My ’72 Malibu had a similar steering wheel, so it looks upside down to me. Minor detail on an otherwise beautiful machine!
These wheels are the most beautiful that were offered.
Perfect car.
That’s my number.
This is one those cars that just bring the wow wow factor. Gold or not if you have ever driven one like I have you know they are hell on wheels And street racing as we did back in the late 60’s and 70’s they were hard to beat by any means. We put hooker headers and an 850 Holley on one and it was extremely fast. I’m a .mopar guy and these were one of the few Chevy’s that made us nervous .
Thanks for the good write-up, Adam. What a great car. Great combo. Mighty mouse with the stick and a 410 posi. As for verifying the mileage, at this point who gives a hoot. If it presents this good in person then what is the difference? A knowledgeable buyer will see immediately if there are 100,000 miles somehow unaccounted for.
I always go to engine compartment and interior pictures first when sellers claim low mileage. Not sure I buy the no repaint story. Kinda strange that the passenger side hood hinge appears to be blue, like a salvage yard replacement? IMO that engine compartment needs some tidying up for 50 large. Why would it look so poor compared to the exterior? Not sure I believe the story here.
I’ve seen this car in person. There are no nits to pick.
When I was in college, I ordered a new 1973 Z28. When the car came in, I was at school and my dad called me. He said I have good news and bad news. The good news is that your car came in. The bad news is that it’s the wrong color. The dealer said he would re-order it, but my dad suggested I go to the local Chevy dealer and look at both colors. I had ordered green color, don’t recall the name, but it came in the same color as this 70 Z28. I liked it much better than the green and loved that car for many years. I wish I still had it.
Feb 1970 I bought a new 1970 Z28 in Citrus Green (?) with 4spd, 3:73 posi rear. The engine was rated at 360hp only because the same engine in the vette was 370hp. I loved that car.
Unlike the T/A, i guess power steering was optional on these.
Can i also assume a front spoiler was optional on these?
Yes, and a tall rear spoiler.
Does that repro small pipe diameter stock exhaust system with restrictive sideways muffler & ribbed pipe bends increase the value of the car?
Surprised the 2nd gen did not get cold air induction until, oddly, the late ’70s.