After its launch in 1967, the Chevrolet Camaro quickly became the second-best-selling “pony car” (behind the Ford Mustang). After three model years, the car was redesigned and debuted in February 1970 with an all-new look. The Rally Sport continued as an option, but instead of hideaway headlights, a split front bumper was used instead. This edition is fairly original, including its 350 cubic inch V8 engine. From Dallas, Texas, this bold Camaro is available here on eBay for $18,995.
Sales of the 1970 Camaro dropped to 125,000 units in 1970, but that was due in part to a five-month delay in getting to market. Production problems (and labor, too, I think) were behind the late arrival, so the 1969 Camaro enjoyed a much longer production run than in prior years. More than 27,000 units came with RPO Z22, the code for the Rally Sport option. And nearly 35,000 copies of the Camaro had the L65 350 V8, a 250 hp version with a 2-barrel carburetor. How many of the cars had both options is unknown.
With 60,000 claimed miles, a lot about this Camaro is original. We’re told a flurry of paperwork has survived to document its heritage, including the numbers-matching Turbo-Fire. We’re told the car runs and drives and does just fine at 70 mph. No lingering mechanical issues are noted, and the factory air conditioning is said to blow cold (though I thought the belt was off the compressor).
This Camaro looks a bit like a Z28 with the Forest Green Poly paint job (which needs redoing). And due to the Z28 wheels that do not come with the sale (steel wheels with newer tires and hub caps will be put on the ride). Though surface rust is present on the undercarriage, the only reported rust is in the trunk, where a trunk mat got wet and held the moisture. Of all the Camaros, the 1970 edition is one of my favorites!
Just freaking shoot me. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for, right down to the color and the money. Six months ago, or six months from now would be fine, but right now it’s just not happening.
It’s been for sale in my area for awhile so pretty sure it aint going nowhere….this isn’t the one Dennis Coffee Walk drug in…..
Encouraging words. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
The only thing worse than the color and the interior is that ridiculous column shifter.
The seller will claim that the column shifter is so rare, that it is worth more money.
Agree as far as the column shifter…Maybe that’s why they were rare?
Column shifters saved on your insurance premium back then.
I never heard that before…
I read that these were often on cars “special ordered” by customers and not for dealer stock. The article said that retail customers weren’t familiar with how the order book went and often assume a floor shifter and console were standard equipment, considering how rare they are that theory has a ring of truth.
Steve R
Under the hood a few things stand out. One is the missing AC compressor belt. Another is the red battery cable running to ground. The spark plug wires look new and the metal fuel filter is new. Other than getting the engine to run, it’s been a while since any maintenance has happened under the hood.
The seller’s asking price is overly optimistic considering everything the car needs. The positives are sheet metal appears to be in good condition and the car has the RS, larger V8, and AC options. The negatives are many and will not be inexpensive in both time and money to correct. It will be quite a project.
The biggest negative is the seller’s description. Driving this 56 year old car at 70 mph without inspecting brakes, suspension etc. is foolish to me. If such a safety inspection was done such details should be mentioned in the description. Cold AC without a belt to drive the compressor is a puzzler.
Hagerty values this car in fair condition at ~$17k and in good condition at ~$22k. With steel wheels and ‘nearly new tires’ under $8k would be my ballpark price for this car.
That is a good find about the AC being cold with out an AC belt.
I’m pretty sure they need that to work.
Would you trust any of the other claims ?
Not a one!
The rare, worthy of submission “find”. Good eye.
A bit nicer than the “other” Camaro we have seen on here…
Like it!!
I like the color and the body style. Could be a decent driver quality car with some fresh paint. And yes the A/C blows cold when its 35 degrees out. Even with no compressor belt! I never liked these issue Z28 wheels anyway, so the seller can keep them.
If this car is original whoever ordered it needed some help. Column shifter, no rear spoiler and single exhaust on an RS Camaro. Only reason it doesn’t have a bench seat is because one wasn’t available. Terrible build on a Camaro. It deserved better.
John
Bucket seats were the only offered seating in the 1970 Camaro. A column-mounted shifter was standard as well. If the optional console was ordered a floor mounted shifter was used. Dual exhaust and a spoiler were also options.
Yeh I knew they were options but if you are buying an RS Camaro you would have thought they would have dressed it up a bit. Even with an automatic and console you at least got a nice horseshoe shifter. I had a new 1973 z28 RS Camaro with a 4 speed so I know how nice these cars could be.
John
So you’re dissing someone from 1970 for not ordering the floor shifter? Sheesh! They are likely dead and buried. Maybe go dig them up and give the whatfor if it makes you feel better.
Personally, I like it…. especially the color. Don’t often see a column shifter and it makes it unique. I’m sure where the shifter is located isn’t going to impact how well it runs.
I have to admit that I check out these listings for the entertainment value of the seller pricing.
Ah, the ubiquitous GM column mounted transmission selector. The bane of all F-bodies and intermediate muscle cars. Having driven so many vehicles with a center console that cuts into my leg or rests against my arthritic knee, I welcome an open floor. But that’s me. The rest of you, carry on.
Needs a 3sp
In the very early ‘80’s I bought a black on black ‘71 Camaro Rally Sport (‘71 had the high back buckets) and no vinyl roof. It was a 307 2 bbl. automatic with a console and that “staple” shifter. No A/C, but it did have power steering and brakes. The best part? I only paid $100 because the 307’s timing chain had suffered a catastrophic failure at highway speeds and ruined the motor. Other than that timing chain/blown motor issue, it was a pretty nice car. I bought a 50K mi. ‘74 Camaro that was wrapped around a pole for only $25 at a police impound lot. Took the 350 2 bbl. with its matching Turbo 350 and dropped it in the ‘71 with headers, dual exhaust and the ‘71’s carb, intake & lack of emissions equipment. It ran pretty good with that low mileage 350. Later on, I installed a B&M shift kit and it would bark the tires going into 2nd…. Those were the days when you could put together a nice car for a few hundred dollars.
I like this car! I agree it’s a bit high on the ask, if you want it very driveable it’s gonna cost you. Love the split bumper in front, who doesn’t! And this engine in decent condition was a strong runner even with a 2b. Headers, high rise and Holley really woke them up! with an automatic I’d just as soon have it on the column with no console…obviously 4 speed would be preferable, but it’d be fun to have. clean up, and drive as is too. I know the price seems high but try to find one this year even in this condition for less! Good luck. Doug, great story of your black 71 RS. Those were the days!
I like this car! I agree it’s a bit high on the ask, if you want it very driveable it’s gonna cost you. Love the split bumper in front, who doesn’t! And this engine in decent condition was a strong runner even with a 2b. Headers, high rise and Holley really woke them up! with an automatic I’d just as soon have it on the column with no console…obviously 4 speed would be preferable, but it’d be fun to have. clean up, and drive as is too. I know the price seems high but try to find one this year even in this condition for less! Good luck. Doug, great story about your black 71 RS. Those were the days!
I had a ’70 RS in Mist Green w/Green interior. It had this 250 HP engine. The bare block is sitting in my garage. Should’ve kept the whole damn’ car.
If ya don’t get the wheels that the car is pictured with, why picture the car with the wheels ya don’t get ? Falst advertising ! Just like all the sub sammages advertised on TV. Stacked high with meat ya don’t get when served.
PREACH IT, Paul!
It’s 5k too high on the ask. Maybe even 7k.
It needs 20k of work to make it a real head turner cruising vehicle.