Gen 2 1970-1981 Camaro History

Gen 2 Camaro History

The years 1970 through 1981 marked the second generation of Chevrolet's pony car. Of the six Camaro generations and the many styles of Camaros through the years, this generation holds a special place in the hearts and minds of many Camaro fans.

For the entire second generation, the Camaro was only available as a coupe. By this time the convertible had faded into retirement. Production on the new 1970 body style did not start until late 1969, way behind the normal production start date in August. The new Camaro production and design were almost exclusively driven by the design department, which resulted in a wider body with more flowing lines and subtle design items like the windshield antenna. The second generation can be divided into three distinct periods: "Chrome Bumper," "Aluminum Bumper" and "Rubber Bumper."

Named for the front and rear bumpers made of chrome-plated steel, the chrome bumper period ran from 1970 to 1973. The 1970 Camaro was about as far from the 1969 Camaro as you could get. It was longer, lower and wider. The Camaro looked more like a pony car now. The roof was moved back, giving it a longer hood and a shorter trunk lid. No expense was spared to make the Camaro a direct threat to the Mustang. Performance packages were still available, with big-block and small-block options. Comfort and convenience options were offered to bring some refinement to the beast.

The aluminum bumper period ran from 1974 to 1977. Due to federal regulations calling for minimum body damage during a 2.5 MPH crash, the bumpers were made of aluminum, with leaf spring brackets attaching them to the front and rear of the Camaro. Also due to federal regulations, the big-block engines were discontinued in the F-body, and small blocks were severely de-tuned to meet fuel economy standards. By 1975, the iconic Z/28 was gone, but it returned in 1977 as a suspension and decal package.

The rear window was also changed in 1975 to a wrap-around style to help combat a problem with blind spots. This period of the second generation marked a major milestone for the Camaro. It was the first time it outsold the Mustang. According to Car and Driver, 218,853 Camaros were sold in 1977, compared to 153,173 Mustangs

The rubber bumper era started in 1978 and ended with the close of the second generation run in 1981. The aluminum bumpers were replaced with a urethane nose and rear bumper backed by impact crash bars. A new design gave the Camaro a sleek look with T-tops, low front spoilers, high rear spoiler and fender vents. The Camaro continued to outsell the Mustang in 1978, this time by a huge margin of more than 60,000 units, according to Car and Driver, though Mustang regained its sales lead the next year.

From 1970 to 1981, GM produced 1,936,869 Camaros with numerous options, interior colors and trim levels. The second generation Camaro is at least as popular today as it was back in the day. In fact, it is one of the most highly sought-after collectible cars. The average sales price for these classic rides is $32,488, according to Classic.com. The highest sale price commanded $385,000.

It's wise as a matter of pride and from an investment standpoint to keep your second generation Camaro looking good and running its best. Here at Rick's Camaro, we can help. We stock a full lineup of quality gen two Camaro parts and accessories. Even if you're not a numbers-matching collector, Rick's has everything you need for your daily driver or pro-touring Camaro as well.

1970 Camaro Specifications

Total Production 124,901 (12,578 6-cyl, 112,323 V8, 124,901)

OPTIONS

* Option prices are retail for base model. Prices could be reduced or option could be had at no charge if it was included as standard equipment on the Z28, Rally Sport or Super Sport or as part of an option package.

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN

ENGINE SUFFIX CODES

EXTERIOR COLORS

Paint type: "Magic-Mirror" Acrylic Lacquer. Two-tone combinations not offered. vinyl Top offered at additional cost.

1970 Vinyl Top Code - Upper Body Color Code
A = White, B = Black, C = Dark Blue, G = Dark Green, H = Dark Gold

INTERIOR COLOR CODES

Abbreviations: B = Blue, Bk = Black, Bkb = Black with blue accents, Bkg = Black with green accents, Bkw = Black with white accents, cc = Custom cloth, cv = Custom vinyl, Dg = Dark green, S = Saddle, Sw = Sandlewood, std = standard, W = White.