VEHICLE OVERVIEW & IDENTIFICATION
This 1970 Chevrolet Camaro SS 396 L34 is an exceptionally early production example and one of just 1,864 L34 Super Sports produced for the model year. Built during the first week of January 1970 (01A), this car is sequence number 590 from the Norwood, Ohio assembly plant and may represent one of the earliest second-generation big-block Camaros produced. Constructed prior to the model's official February 1970 launch, the car displays several documented transitional features characteristic of the "pilot era" production period, including the presence of a 1969-style dome light and cigarette lighter, components believed to have been installed at the factory during this unique period.
Year / Model: 1970 Chevrolet Camaro Super Sport (SS)
Body Style: 2-Door Sport Coupe (Standard Front End / Non-Rally Sport)
VIN: 124870N500590
Production Sequence: 590th 1970 Camaro produced at the Norwood, Ohio assembly plant
Historical Significance: Ultra-early production example exhibiting factory transitional components associated with first-week January 1970 assembly
COWL/TRIM TAG DECODING
Style Code (ST 70 12487): 1970 Camaro V8 Sport Coupe
Assembly Plant (NOR193845 BDY): Norwood, Ohio; Body Sequence #193845
Interior Trim (TR 726): Saddle Standard Interior with matching cloth seat inserts and vinyl accents
Exterior Paint (67 67 PNT): Classic Copper Metallic
Build Date Code (01A): First Week of January 1970
Performance Option Stamp (L34): Factory SS 396/350 horsepower Big Block package
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
The car retains its numbers-matching drivetrain, with the VIN present on both the engine block and Muncie transmission case. In addition to the original engine and transmission, the car also retains its original starter, water pump, alternator, distributor, intake manifold, carburetor, and original 12-bolt rear axle.
The engine and transmission were professionally rebuilt by TLC Classics of Wisconsin and have accumulated approximately 2,000 miles since completion.
Engine Block Casting: 3969854
Engine Pad Stamp: T1010TX
Assembly Plant: Tonawanda, New York
Suffix Code: TX – 396ci/350hp manual-transmission application
Cylinder Heads: Freshly rebuilt; one head replaced with a correct period-cast unit dated within one week of the opposing original head to maintain casting-date continuity
Transmission: Rebuilt Muncie 4-speed manual restored to factory specifications
CHASSIS, STEERING & BRAKING
Power Steering
Power Brakes
Factory Front Disc Brakes
Heavy-Duty Rear Drum Brakes
Factory Blacked-Out Tail Panel, exclusive to big-block L34 and L78 cars
Standard Front End Configuration, retaining the full-width bumper and non-Rally Sport appearance with round parking lamps positioned inboard of the grille
Combining ultra-early production significance, highly desirable L34 big-block performance, a numbers-matching drivetrain, and an exceptional level of originality, this 1970 Camaro SS 396 represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the earliest and most historically intriguing second-generation Camaros known. With its unique pilot-era characteristics and extensive retention of original components, it stands apart from typical production examples and offers collectors a fascinating glimpse into the beginning of Chevrolet's iconic second-generation Camaro program
