February 26, 1970, marked the introduction of the second-generation Chevrolet Camaro. While an enormous departure in appearance, the under-pinings lacked a significant departure from its first-generation predecessor. There were similarities in the mechanical department too, but differences occurred as well, with the Z28 receiving the most notable change. That being the case, let’s take a look back and review this 1970 Camaro RS/Z28. It is located in Imperial, Pennsylvania, and available here on eBay for a current bid of $9,100, reserve not yet met.
There were quite a few other updates that affected both the Camaro and its Z28 performance version with the jump to the second generation. The convertible was gone, leaving the Camaro with just a single coupe body-style (Ford still maintained three for its Mustang), the Trans-Am racing series, homologated 302 CI engine was gone from the Z28 and replaced by a larger 350 CI motor, the Z28 also saw an optional automatic transmission for the first time in its existence, and Chevrolet’s famed twelve-bolt differential was in its final year of usage under the F-body. Of note is the abbreviated ’70 model year (January to July); in spite of the brevity, Chevrolet still produced 124K copies of the Camaro, a number not surpassed until the 151K count of ’74.
One of the first things observed with this Z28 is that it also possesses the Rally-Sport (RS) appearance package making it an RS/Z28. Included with the RS option was a split front bumper, round, prominently displayed parking lights, and an Endura style soft frame around the grille which serves as a make-shift bumper. Except that it really doesn’t, one klunk too many and there goes the grille, and more. Gone from the RS line-up of the previous generation Camaro were the hide-away headlights. This Camaro’s body looks pretty straight and it is still wearing its code 10 Classic White finish though its code 19 black stripes are missing. That would lead one to believe that this finish is a repaint, not that it much matters as it has some existing challenges. There is rust present in the lower fenders, quarters, and floors (driver’s footwell) and rear-seat footwells. The rear spoiler is incorrect but the seller states that he has the proper, low-rise version that would have been original to this car. The seller adds, “It will need sheet metal work typical to a car of this age.” That seems about right for a half-century-old vehicle that is in need of restoration. Good to see are the original 15″x7″ steel Z28 rims – these frequently go missing and while they are still available, they’re expensive.
The interior looks about as one would expect, it’s dirty and worn with missing carpet but everything else that one would expect to encounter is present. A few observations, the steering wheel is marked with an “RS” emblem at its center, that’s correct as a result of the RS appearance package included with this Z. The proper 6,500 RPM red-line tachometer is in place – another matter of authentication, and seemingly out of place, is the inverted horseshoe gear selector for the automatic transmission. As mentioned earlier, the automatic was first offered in a Z28 in ’70 so it checks out, it’s just unusual to see at first glance. Finally, note the small, adjustable headrests, ’70 was the only year they appeared in a Camaro as the ’71 model employed high-back bucket seats.
What makes the Z28 a Z28 is its high revving 350 CI, 360 gross HP, LT-1 V8 engine. This motor was in its first year of deployment in ’70 but this Camaro is minus its original block. It has a comparative substitute that does employ the original cylinder heads and Winters Foundry intake manifold, however. This is an unfortunate circumstance but not that unusual. These motors were warranted for five years or 50,000 miles of use and I can remember an event in August of ’74 while working for a Chevy dealership that bears this out. The mechanic who worked in the stall next to me, Davey, was the heavy engine repair person. A customer had their pristine 1970 yellow Z28 towed into the shop because of a major engine problem. Upon a complete dismantle, it was discovered that the LT-1 had dropped a valve and it ended up inverted in the crown of a piston. At 46K miles and six months to go on the powertrain warranty, the owner received a new short-block that Davey would unite with the heads, intake manifold, and other engine componentry. The head with the missing valve was in surprisingly, non damaged shape though it needed an obvious valve replacement. Did this Z28’s LT-1 suffer the same fate? Perhaps. The seller states that this Camaro, starts, runs, and drives but he’s retaining the existing carburetor and will throw in the original, non-functioning component – it has a broken base-plate.
I have had the experience of driving both first and second-generation Z28s. The first gen’s 302 engine is a bit hairy on the street, it’s a high-strung, visceral experience. The LT-1 is, in my estimation, more appropriate for everyday usage as it is a bit more refined with its altered powerband. Both, however, are an absolute blast to drive in the way that only a solid lifter, high compression, V8 engine can be experienced. Behind the LT-1 is a Turbo-Hydramatic 400, three-speed, automatic transmission with a twelve-bolt differential, bearing a 4.10:1 ratio, bringing up the rear.
Yes, this example definitely needs some work and having the original block would be an added bonus. Nevertheless, this is about as original and unmolested a ’70 Z28 as I have encountered. From an originality perspective, the ’70 seems to be the most desirable of the second-gen Z28s because of its prodigious, born-with power output. This Camaro has all of the fundamental building blocks in place for a good start as a restoration project, don’t you think?
So the seller is going to make the car a non-runner by taking the carb off the engine? Oh, it’s ok because he is including the original carb with the broken base plate. Seriously? What happened to the original low rear spoiler?
Questioning the spoiler too. At least it has the correct seats.
It’s not a big deal, this is a 50 year old car, things happen. They can be purchased for $139 with free shipping.
Steve R
yeah, but you have a bunch of holes to weld up and bodywork. I know many liked the 3 piece spoiler, I happen to like the low-key lip type factory spoiler.
NastyZ says the 3 piece spoiler was available in 1970, but rarely ordered, about 500 came so equipped. The 1 piece was the standard rear spoiler for a short period of time at the beginning of the 1971 production run.
Steve R
So, I love this car, even though it looks like it just got hauled out of a hole in “The Valley of Kings.” I graduated HS in 1975. I said to my GF just now, it looks like King Tut’s car. Then I remembered it is FIFTY years old – my God. When I graduated HS, a 50 year old car was a Model T. I feel a good cry coming on.
A lot of trauma and tomfoolery can happen in 50 years. It is amazing that it is a design that is almost timeless. It still considered contemporary. In early 1970 We just landed on the moon. Land of the Giants was the most expensive show on TV. Bonanza was in its prime, so was Mayberry R. F. D. These cars were sweet and nimble. They were just a car, like the Mustang, Cougar, Firebird, Cuda, Challenger and God help us the Javelin. This car was top of it’s model and a target for thieves, car or engine. The base model was for English majors, teachers and librarians. Got be hip man. The LT-1 was in the 1969 Camaro. My friend had a small block Z-11 Indy Pace car. So it was new to the Z/28 not new to Camaro. So what about the carb being off. It is 50 years old. This one be a great investment. The Apollo astronauts drove Corvettes and this would be a car they would buy for there son.
Agree with 19sixty5, the seller is an clown. How much can the working carb be worth? If he really wants to sell, I would think he’d rather have a car prospective buyers could test drive.
This guy is not a clown!!! Did he break the base plate? A replacement base plate is not a problem. I do agree that he should not have shown the carb that makes it run. But I understand his thinking. It might belong to another classic car. Holleys wear out I have worn out two 750 Holleys on my Pontiac, not at the same time. They get internal vacuum leaks that can’t be repaired. He appears to be very knowledgeable about the car. The 12 bolt is a hens tooth and the 400 is a GM engineering mistake. A 400 behind a small block Chevy is not a good match. To much transmission for it to be turning. A lot of parasitic drag. It dogs the engine down a bit. I don’t get the hostility towards him. Is it jealousy?
The seller is an asshat as he is going to sell an apparently running driving car that likely will be sold out of the area, meaning if you were to purchase it and have it shipped, a running driving car costs less to ship than a non-running car. It looks like a decently equipped shop, why cant he just find another carb to stick on it? It just seems odd to me. I mean thanks for including the original barb for future repair, but removing one just makes zero sense to me. Other than the carb issue, I like it. Glad I’m just a little too far away!
I agree on the carb kept from sale is crazy.
I guess were calling the NOM a replacement block. Well technically any non original engine replaced within a car is a “replacement block”.
Nice new exhaust but those holes-in the floor and rear frame seem a lil scary. I suggest extensions on the tail pipe to not gas yourself..oh wait a broken carb will keep one safe.
I like this model and a z28 is great but NOM chews the value to any other camaro pricing with the exception of performance Rearend .
I wish one Good luck on sale..
Do you know what the definition of a Corvette motor is? It is a 350 that is for sale. At least this guy is telling the truth about the car. Do you want him to do an aerosol overhaul? Do you want him to blow up your leg by telling you all butterflies and the big Rock Candy Mountain? The car is 50 years old, 95% all there and it runs!! It is rare real spilt bumper and it needs a full restoration. I hate to tell you guys that it is only worth what somebody is willing to pay for it and the prices are sky high.
This car will be a high cost to make right..
Lots of rust, AMD will hopefully carry the pieces for this one.
It seems more often than not that people on this site are selling non running cars!! We all know that running and driving is more desirable than a car that doesn’t!! I would think this should reflect the price but it rarely does!!
$12,500 current bid. Some people sure are in a hurry to get rid of the money or it might be burning their pockets. I know where their is 2 or 3 like this. In better shape. I could probably get for that price. This car needs work.A good bit of it and money. The seller has too many unanswered questions. That needs told up front. Good luck whoever buys it. I,d pass.
Odd the z28(& an RS especially) would not have sport mirrors as std equipment. & would use the steering wheel from grandma’s nova.
Was there an optional steering wheel for ’70-81 x28s?
I’m guessing chevy used the floor hinged accel pedal becuase it had a lot of left over stock of those.
The mirrors, steering wheel and floor shifter are correct for a 1970 model. There was a six month delay in getting the car to market. It was a year later when Chevrolet got the go ahead to steal the mirrors and the console and shifter from the Pontiac Firebird. It caused a big flap in GM.
These were great cars and are fairly rare in good condition. This car needs basically everything for not cheap initial entry fee.
Better to find one in good orig. condition.
If you look at the front clip ,it looks like the whole front end is bent up as if the car was airborn and landed nose first .
Stay the f away !!!
The front clip to me anyway, still appears to have pretty decent gaps at the door. But these cars have a subframe as well as core support bushings, and being a 50 year old car, they are quite likely toast. And yeah, I have bottomed out more than one car years ago. Who knows what these have gone through in their lives!
No that is an illusion from the camera. It looks straight.
The interior looks very good. Fortunately, the carpet is removed so buyer is aware of what is in need of repair. The engine, no comment. The car is very rare and will probably get the current $9,122 bid or higher.
Do you guys know how hard it is to sell a car? This car is 50 years old. Have you been following the price of 2nd gen Camaros? Even the 1980 models are sky high. Firebirds are the same except for the goofy smogged out Bandit Trans Am. The prices for those are nuts all because of a movie. Its the same thing with the 1967-68 Fastback Mustang. Two movie’s have driven their prices into the bozone layer. The price to play is high fella’s. Don’t sit around and grouse about it. Figure out how to buy you one for your self. Hell get a shell from a junkyard and start building. It’s called Hot Rodding and you can build and flip cars until you get what you want. You guys on this site are not stupid. You can do this. Autotrader has auction listings for some rare stuff from time to time. They wind up in the auction site for a number of reasons. Some guys are arrested and have to do time and lose the car. This is just one example. Does anyone remember the burned out Superbird with air grabber hood that was on this site a year ago. I bet some crazy guy bought it and now is rebuilding it. I hope this guy with this Camaro takes somebody’s head off for this car because it supply and demand and it helps everyone that owns one.