Some classics raise as many questions as they answer, which is the case with this 1970 Chevrolet Camaro. The seller states that it has all the hallmarks of a genuine SS or RS, but there is no documentation confirming whether that is the case. The fact that the SS is one of the most cloned classics means that someone may need to break out their Sherlock Holmes gear to discover the truth. If we ignore that question and simply focus on this Camaro for what we know, there’s a lot to like. It presents nicely, has no rust that would sour the ownership experience, and there is a healthy small-block hiding under the hood. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting the Camaro listed here on Craigslist in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. The seller set their price at $28,500 for this turnkey mystery machine.
Chevrolet’s Second Generation Camaro hit the market for the 1970 model year. The company started the development process with an almost blank sheet of paper, with only the key mechanical components carried over from its predecessor. The latest offering was larger in almost every dimension, but Chevrolet still managed to produce a car that looked lithe and elegant. The history of this first-year example is unknown, although the first thing that I noticed was the lack of penetrating rust in the underside shots. There are mild and dry isolated areas of surface corrosion that should probably be treated before they deteriorate, but this beauty appears to be as solid as the day it left the factory. The mirror shine that its Classic Copper Metallic paint holds points to a cosmetic refresh at some point, although this doesn’t rate a mention in the listing. There are no dings or dents, the trim is in good order, and the glass is clear. This Camaro wears a set of SS badges, which may be one reason why the seller believes it could potentially be the real deal.
Powering this Camaro is a 350ci V8, and while Chevrolet offered this small-block in the Sport Coupe, that motor didn’t produce as much power or torque as the one found under the hood of the SS. The seller states that this motor and the Eaton 12-bolt locker rear end aren’t original but that the four-speed manual transmission is. The 350 as found in the Sport Coupe delivered 250hp, but I suspect that this one might offer significantly more. It appears to sport an improved aluminum intake, ceramic-coated headers, and a dual exhaust. Improved breathing is an excellent way of unleashing additional ponies, and these upgrades might place at least 300hp at the driver’s disposal. Potential buyers will welcome the news that they could fly in, hand over the cash, and drive this baby home. It is in excellent mechanical health, with no issues or shortcomings.
The positive vibes conveyed by this Camaro continue when we examine its interior. There is only a single interior shot that makes a comprehensive assessment difficult, but things look promising. The Sandlewood vinyl trim offers a striking contrast to the exterior paint shade and is in remarkable condition when it is common to see this type of trim stained or marked. The lack of wear and other issues may point to a fairly recent retrim, although the seller plays their cards close to their chest on the subject. I think the factory radio may have made way for an aftermarket unit, but the dash appears to house a Rally gauge cluster and tachometer.
It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on this 1970 Camaro to see what percentage believes that it might be more than a well-executed clone. Its presentation is nice for a vehicle of this vintage, and it appears that the buyer won’t need to spend a dime once it is safely squirreled away in their garage. Clarification is key to determining whether the seller’s price is realistic, with the SS carrying a heavy premium over a Sport Coupe. Based on its condition, the seller’s price straddles the middle ground between the pair, and I think that it won’t take long to find a new home. Do you agree?
Good looking and 4sp 😎
I’d remove the front license plate, and rear spoiler 😌
Many States and Provinces require a front license plate. You aren’t given the option.
Keep the rear spoiler add the optional front and dump the plate bracket. Had a 73 just like it but it was a Z28
Front plate is required in NH. On my ’70 Corvette, I put a front plate dated 1970 on and never got pulled over for it.
If it’s a Norwood built Camaro the trim tag will verify it’s an SS by having Z27. As for the rest of the car, the heater isn’t hooked up suggesting corners have been cut and there may be other areas neglected, more importantly it’s missing the title. For $28,500 those need to be dealt with.
Back in the 80’s I bought several 1970 F-body 12 bolt rear ends, I put one in my 71 SS, they weren’t particularly hard to find if you looked and were always profitable. If one couldn’t be find one, the 68-72 A-body rear ends were the exact same width, cut off the ears for the upper control arms and weld in leaf spring perches and you were good to go.
Steve R
Your posts are some of the best and very informative . I wish I lived closer and knew you. You are a wealth of knowledge!
Thank you Dusty 😌 👍🤝
you seem knowledgeable on camaros. I have a 1972 camaro with Z27 & LS3
on my cowel tag. I do not have build sheet so how do I prove the rs package
Another way to tell if its a true SS is the rear end. If it’s a factory SS it will have a 12 bolt with a heavy duty sway bar and the end mounts for the bar will be welded to the rear frame rails. This is hard to fake.
It says the title is missing!
Vehicles 1999 and older are title exempt in New Hampshire. So there’s that.
GM sure knew how to use color in their cars. The black console ties into the lower dash perfectly. An SS 350 would be a great driving car with the 4-speed and without the added weight of the 396. Six slot rally wheels check all the right boxes.
Let’s assume it’s a clone for price negotiation purposes, at least.
Very nice, worth checking out for someone.
My guess would be that if the owner is questioning whether or not it is an original SS or RS, the chances are pretty good that it is neither. Steve R. is correct regarding a Norwood built car and if it isn’t, a bit of detective work is in order. Still, it is a pretty nice car that for the right price could make a nice weekend cruiser. It will be interesting to see where this one ends up.
The nose says r/s. No telling whether it’s a truee SS.
No telling if it’s a true RS. A lot of things can get changed on a vehicle in 55 years.
The RPO tells all
The other ss mags are better – nice car in any incarnation for a 70 Camaro
Beautiful car and a fair price.
This is another one that looks to be a blast to drive …