 The 1970 Chevrolet Camaro, sporting a new design, is a classic car of the 1970s.
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The 1970 Chevrolet Camaro represented the start of the second generation. Because the new models introduction failed to occur until late February of 1970, leftover '69s were sold for a while as early 1970 models.
Then came the totally redesigned, semi-fastback coupe -- no convertible this time -- that would linger for the next 11 seasons.
Styling, not performance, made the next generation a virtual "classic" in its own time. Redesigned from the ground up, the 1970 Camaro shared no exterior body panels with the previous model.
Pontiac, of course, issued a closely related Firebird, also developed strictly as a coupe.
Boasting a trendy long-hood/short-deck profile, the Camaro had a protruding front end with a recessed eggcrate grille. Between the headlights and grille, RS models carried smaller round parking lights. Doors were unusually long, and, despite the lack of quarter windows, overall glass area grew by 10 percent.
A smooth, low tail held a Kamm-style flat rear panel. Dimensions were little changed -- just two inches longer, a tad wider, an inch lower, on the same 108-inch wheelbase as before.
As for engineering, the '70s generation followed the original concept: unit body/chassis with a front subframe, a similar lineup of engines, and standard front
disc brakes. Four-wheel disc brakes were out, along with such blatant "performance" add-ons as a front air dam or "bubble hood." All told, Camaros were softer, quieter, and more refined. Prices began at $2,749, but as before, a lengthy options list let buyers tailor their Camaros to suit personal tastes.
The base six-cylinder engine was now a 250-cubic-inch unit, but the standard 200-horsepower 307 V-8 remained. A special 360-horsepower 350 V-8 went only into the Z28.
No 327s or 427s reappeared, but the options list included 250- and 300-horsepower 350-cubic-inch V-8s, and a pair of "396" V-8s (which actually measured 402 cubic inches as the result of a bore increase). Six-cylinder sales dipped sharply, to 12,566 cars, but 112,323 V-8s were built (including 8,733 Z28s).
 The Hugger Orange/Black Z28 model runs with a 350-horsepower V-8.
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1970 Chevrolet Camaro FactsModel | Weight range (lbs.) | Price range (new)
| Number built |
Camaro | 3,076-3,190 | $2,749-$2,839 | 124,889 |
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