1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 5.7L V8 4MT RWD (245 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Chevrolet introduced a heavily upgraded version of the Camaro’s second generation for the 1974 model year, mandated primarily by new safety rules, and it also marked the last year of the production for the Z28 version until 1977.

When NHTSA started its campaign for safer roads, one of its demands was the 5 mph (8 kph) bumper rule. That mandated that vehicles’ bumpers should withstand a crash of up to that speed without damaging the rest of the car. The second generation of the Camaro didn’t even have a bumper in front of the radiator grille, so the automaker had to come up with a solution. After that was found, Chevrolet adopted it and implemented it across the range, including on the Camaro lineup. That sports coupe vehicle was selling in high numbers, and the most potent of them all was the Z28 one. However, the bow-tie brand decided to pull the plug on this version after 1974 and revived it only in 1977.

At the front, the 1974 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 featured a new nose with a tilted-rearward grille that sported a black mesh with a rectangular pattern. Chevy’s design team flanked it with parking lights that doubled as turn signal lamps in deep scoops followed by the headlights. A chromed bumper adorned by a rubber stripe protected the car’s front side and followed the same pinned-out shape of the vehicle’s nose. Underneath it, the automaker put a discrete spoiler.

From its profile, there were no significant changes to the untrained eye. However, the 1974 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 was equipped with 15 x 7 Rally wheels wrapped in F60-15 belted white lettered tires that were unique for this version. A pair of turn signals were on the front fenders and aerodynamic door mirrors. Furthermore, the Z28 badges on the vehicle were emphasized by the red and oversized Z letter compared to the number. As an option, customers could enhance the look of the vehicle with unique stripes and a spoiler on the back. There, like the rest of the 1974 Chevrolet Camaro range, the Z28 featured rectangular taillights with corner-mounted turn signal lamps.

Inside, the full-foam Strato bucket seats, with their tall seatbacks and integrated headrests, provided much-needed side support during high-speed cornering. They were available with a choice of vinyl, fabric, or a combination of both upholstery. The 1974 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 was designed and engineered to handle better on a winding road, so its occupants should stay in place during those maneuvers. Fronting the driver was a four-spoke steering wheel and the instrument panel. There were no significant differences compared to the rest of the range. A center console with a floor-mounted shifter was standard for the Z28. In the back, the automaker kept the same layout as the previous model-year version, with a bench seat profiled for two passengers.

However, customers who bought the Z28 did so not for its appearance or badges but for its underpinnings. Under the hood was the famous 350 V8 engine fed via a four-barrel carburetor. It developed an SAE net power of 245 hp (248 PS) that it sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox and a Positronic (limited-slip) differential. As an option, customers could get the car with a close-ratio four-speed manual for improved acceleration times or with a Turbo Hydramatic (automatic) transmission. For improved handling, the car had power brakes with discs at the front and drums in the rear, as well as special sports suspension components.