1970 Chevrolet Camaro 5.0L V8 3MT RWD (130 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Chevrolet introduced the second generation of the Camaro in February 1970, and the new vehicle was a complete departure from its famous predecessor in terms of look and technology.

The first generation of the Camaro was produced between late 1966 and late 1969. Actually, the 1969 model year was kept on the assembly lines until November due to some difficulties the automaker encountered in retooling the production facilities for the 1970 model year, which was a completely new car from the ground up. The main difference was that the second generation of the Camaro featured an unibody construction instead of the body-on-frame one used by its predecessor. Unfortunately, the 1970 Chevrolet Camaro came a little too late for the Muscle Car era, which was about to end. The skyrocketing insurance prices, the first oil crisis, and the emission regulations adopted by California started the so-called Malaise Era. But despite all odds, the Camaro proved to be a sought-after car, and Chevrolet was right to do it.

With a low front end dominated by a V-shaped grille, the second generation of the Camaro looked more like a sports car than a pony car. Its round headlights integrated into squared-looking clusters were adorned by chromed rims. In addition, a set of round parking lights were added next to them, towards the car’s center, as an option. Underneath them, Chevrolet installed slim chromed bumpers that didn’t cover the main grille, which served as a bumper since it was reinforced from behind.

From its profile, the low-slung silhouette of the vehicle resembled a sports car. Its long hood and raked windshield were significant enhancements in terms of aerodynamics compared to the Camaro’s first generation. In addition, the car had long doors with frameless windows and no rear side windows behind them. The sloped-down roofline was continued with a broad rear window, followed by the trunk’s lid. All in all, the 1970 Chevrolet Camaro was longer than its predecessor. However, it still relied on 14-inch steel wheels covered with chromed caps. At the back, the 1970 Chevrolet Camaro was released with round taillights replaced with rectangular ones starting with the 1974 model year. Vehicles fitted with the RS package had specific badges on them and dual exhaust in the back, just like the mighty Super Sport version.

Inside, the bow-tie brand installed a modern-looking dashboard focused on the driver. Fronting them was an instrument panel with a speedometer and tachometer. Four additional gauges flanked them, completing the information about the vehicle’s status. They showed the coolant temperature, the ammeter, the fuel level, and the oil pressure. At the front, the automaker installed deep-sculptured bucket seats that promised to keep their occupants in place during high-speed cornering maneuvers. Furthermore, in the back, the automaker placed a bench seat profiled for two passengers, with side-bolstered areas. Customers could order the car with an extensive range of interior options, such as air conditioning, a center console, and an AM/FM Radio, to name just a few. There was also a choice of five colors for the vinyl-upholstered seats or four for those covered in fabric.

Under the hood, the 1970 Camaro started with a range of six engines that offered between 155 hp (157 PS) and 350 hp (355 PS). However, those were SAE gross power ratings. Later, the automaker switched to net power ratings, and customers saw a significant decrease in the output figures. Nevertheless, the Camaro sold well. A three-speed manual or a two-speed automatic was available for the lower-powered versions, while the extra-cost engines were married with either a four-speed automatic or a three-speed automatic gearbox.