The 1970 Chevrolet Camaro RS Coupe is an iconic American muscle car, renowned as the first model year of the second generation, known for its distinctive split-bumper front design and strong performance.
Key Features and Design
The Rally Sport (RS) package for the 1970 Camaro was primarily an appearance upgrade, offering a sleek, European-inspired look that set it apart from the standard model.
- Exterior Styling: The hallmark of the RS was its unique front end, featuring a split-bumper design, a recessed black grille with a vertical center bar, and round parking lights. It also included hideaway windshield wipers, bright window and body sill moldings, and RS emblems.
- Interior: The cabin offered a sporty, driver-focused experience with deep-sculptured bucket seats, a center console, and a dashboard with full instrumentation. Optional features like air conditioning, power windows, and an AM/FM radio were available.
- Chassis and Handling: The 1970 model featured a unibody structure with a front subframe, A-arm front suspension, and rear leaf springs. This setup, combined with an upgraded suspension system, contributed to its reputation as one of the best-balanced muscle cars of its time in terms of handling.
Engine Options
The RS was available with a range of engines, from an inline-six to powerful V8 options.
- Base Engine: The standard engine was a 230 cubic-inch (3.8L) inline-six, later replaced by a 250 cubic-inch (4.1L) version producing 155 horsepower.
- V8 Options:
- 307 CID V8: Produced 200 horsepower.
- 350 CID V8: A popular choice that produced 255 horsepower in its base form, or up to 300 horsepower with the L48 option. The high-performance Z28 variant used a unique 360 horsepower 350 cubic-inch LT-1 V8.
- 396 CID V8 (402 CID): Available with the SS package, this big-block engine was rated at 350 horsepower or 375 horsepower depending on the configuration.
Collectibility and Market Value
The 1970 Chevrolet Camaro RS Coupe remains a highly sought-after classic among collectors. Its value can vary significantly based on the car’s condition, originality, mileage, and specific options (like engine and transmission). Hagerty Valuation Tools suggest an average value of around $55,711 for a 1970 Chevrolet Camaro in good condition, with well-maintained or rare examples fetching much higher prices at auction.
