Styling is always subjective. I remember when the second-gen Chevrolet Camaro (’70-’81) was introduced in February of ’70, and I was, at first, very on the fence with the design. I came to like the first four years, tolerated the ’74-’77, and the final edition (’78-’81)? Well, let’s just move on to today’s find, a 1972 Camaro sports coupe with the Rally-Sport (RS) appearance package. Mitchell G. discovered the listing for this Celeste, Texas F-body, and it’s available here on eBay for a current bid of $19,100 with the reserve not yet met.
The big RS feature on the first-gen Camaro was the hide-away headlight arrangement – there were other features, but that’s the one that stood out. With the ’70 redo, the central feature became a mostly unprotected grille, surrounded by a color-keyed Endura frame that was supposed to ward off bumps and bruises – it gives the car a sorta wide-mouth Bass look. On either side of the egg-crate opening are small, horizontally positioned bumperettes, more like Nerf bars that, I suppose, added a modicum protection from one of those I-didn’t-see-the-brake-lights-in-time situations. And then, placed above the nerfs, were attractive, dual-function, circular parking lights/turn signals. Throw in some badging and a bit of stainless trim, and the RS package was complete. Additionally, this option was also available on Super Sport (SS) and Z28 editions. Popular? 11,600 acquirers liked it.
Today’s Orange Flame finished Camaro has managed to keep that distinctive RS face away from mayhem but not so much either side’s quarter panels – this thing’s lookin’ a bit like a bumper car. Other notables are belt-line bump strips that are gravity-bound and/or partially missing, four missing rally wheel center caps, and one trim ring. I will say that the tan vinyl roof covering on this 108K mile Camaro still presents well, though I’m not sure how things are under it (it’s lumpy in places), and it could use a deep cleaning. If you’re interested in a closer look, here’s a video for your viewing enjoyment.
Power is provided by a 165 net HP, 350 CI V8 engine, which operates through a Turbo-Hydramatic, three-speed automatic transmission. The seller suggests, “Runs and drives well as is, like a car that’s never been modified or taken apart.”
The surprise of surprises for me is inside, where a column shift manages the transmission engagement – I don’t think I’ve encountered a second-gen Camaro so equipped. It makes sense, of course, as the center console was an option, so if it were not selected, the shift lever had to go somewhere. As for the upholstery, it still looks OK, with no sign of rips or obvious wear. The same goes for the headliner, door panels (they’re a bit grimy), and dash pad – some appearance aging, but that’s it. The only real concern are the rear sail panels; they show signs of water intrusion, and that’s concerning (recall my comment about the vinyl top). This is an A/C equipped car, but the belt is missing from the compressor and that’s usually indicative of a non-functioning system.
The seller suggests, “Great ratty driver/fix it as you go car or a great restored candidate.” OK, that seems reasonable enough, but the price? At a current bid of $19,100 and the reserve still not met, I’m not feelin’ it; how about you?
Nope.
Us big guys don’t like center consoles. Makes it tight for our big hips. I find nothing wrong here at all. All of the bucket seat cars I have had were sans consoles. A nice stick there is fine, though.
In 1977 I ordered what would be my mother’s last car, a black, 77 Camaro. 350, automatic. No radio. Optioned as follows; Spoiler package, Sport suspension. Nothing more. It came with dog dish hub caps and a column shifter. she drove it a few times. That was it. Next came the Crager SS, the Radia TA’s, and a very loud in dash cassette system. Thanks Mom.
I remember it well.
Yup. You were there, my friend.
Without the damage to the R-rear quarter, taillight panel and deck lid, it would absolutely be worth the asking price of $22,500 on the website. With that damage, not so much.
This might be turned into a high end restomod. It’s rust free and complete, that saves a lot of time and money during a build, paying more upfront saves you more on the backend.
Steve R
that’s what she said 🤣
Too many whiskey dents, rusty roof, I’m thinking 5 grand, tops. And that’s only because it’s a real split bumper.
This one is interesting. As per column shift Bud Lindemann test drove one and it had column shift in 71. Has a/c but no power brakes. Drums on all four ? Even has the same single exhaust as Bud’s unit. The interior is nice and a good clean of the engine bay would make it stand out but 19 1 is no way considering the body work needed, rebuild of the a/c and other tidbits. For a lower price it will find a nice home
Front disc brakes were standard on all 1970 and newer F-bodies. This definitely had an odd combination of options, the column is even a tilt.
Steve R
Column shift was standard
The answer: 12
The question: How many microseconds would it take for me to decide to cut a hole in the floor for a stick shift?
The only thing worse than a bench seat and auto on the column, is bucket seats with auto on the column.
Unless u went to drive-in theaters a lot with your gf.
Someone is willing to pay to much and the reserve still hasn’t been met.
Seller is dreaming. I’m surprised the bidding went over $10K.
Not for that price. Even for a real split bumper. It’s at least $12K high. GLWTS, though. Maybe you’ll find a patsy…
The sellers comment about “drives like its never been modified or taken apart” reads more like “Never been fixed” either.
Way too many Whiskey Dents for the cash.
Not a chance. But stupid still exists.
On CHEVY v8s, a/c made it hard to change some spark plugs on BOTH sides of the motor.
A lot more surprising & rare to see auto column shift on a z28 or t/a.
How many pre-cat 2nd gens with v8 still have single exhaust?!
Might have to bang those dents out yourself – many body shops today dont want to work on very old cars.
How could the front seat vinyl not be split & headliner still be up there! My ’74 bird’s seats were split in ’78 & the headliner started to fall down a couple years after that & it was always garaged.
I believe 1974 was the first year for the one-piece headliners, a hard cardboard with a foam backed fabric covering glued to it. Pretty much every car with that style headliner has the same issue, the foam deteriorates and falls from the backing. This car has the old style vinyl headliner supported by metal bows that can last seemingly forever in some cars. The positive side to the fabric/foam is that it is relatively easy to replace or re-cover.
I would think the change would have been made in 1975 when the F-bodies started using the larger rear window.
Steve R
Had a good friend in high school in 71 bought a 70 RS Z28 with bucket seats,had a column shift. It was the only one I’ve ever saw that way. It also had the tall 3 piece rear spoiler. Still one of my favorite Camaros.
Must of been a red car brand new and faded to orange after all those years.
Was disappointed to find column shift meant auto, was thinking 3 on the tree. Yeehaw.
Me to!
Funny money is about all I have to say. Dreamers will be dreamers.
Good news…split front bumper The bad news…everything else.
wait till you see a 70 TA with column shift