1970 Camaro

Released in February, the 1970 Camaro was the first of the Second Generation. Though the First Generation Camaro was perceived as a compromise in reaction to the Ford Mustang, the 1970 model was something completely unique. Some people mistakenly call it a 1970 ½ because of the late release date, officially, the model year is 1970. The Second Generation would continue for 12 years.

The 1970 Camaro maintained a 108 inch wheelbase, but was 2 inches longer, 1.1 inches lower, and .4 inches wider. With a track that was wider by 1.7 inches in the front and .5 inches in the back, the 1970 Camaro also featured doors that were eight inches longer as well. Moving the roof back gave it a sleeker hood. The shorter rear deck was typical of a pony car.

It was no longer available with a convertible body. The radio antenna was hidden in the swept back windshield which also increased visibility by 10 percent. Now the rear view mirror no longer hung form the roof trim, instead, it was bonded to the windshield. To improve to car's structural integrity, the front subrame was redesigned. In hopes of reducing road noise, strategic places in the car were insulated. Noticeably, the 1970 Camaro's interior was 100 percent redesigned.

The 1970 Camaro was available with three additional packages.

The Rally Sport (or RPO Z22) option focused on appearance. It included hidden wipers, trim, rounded parking lights, and a characteristic treatment of the nose and bumber. It was available for every model of Camaro and could be combined with the Z28 option or the SS option.

Also available was the Super Sport (or RPO Z27). The only way to the Chevy 396 Big Block Engine, this was a performance upgrade with syle.

Undoubtably, the top option for the 1970 Camaro was the Z28 Special Performance Package (RPO Z28). Primarily designed for racing, a rules change permitted a 350 engine. This made an automatic transmission possible for the first time, though air conditioning was not available.