INTRODUCTION: Here's a true holy grail among second-generation
Camaros. Only 600 L78 Camaros were produced in 1970, making them
one of the rarest and most desirable high performance Camaros ever
built. How many survived? And how many were ordered with the highly
sought after Rally Sport package? Very few.
This example has had a body off been restored to factory
specifications with the body removed from the subframe during the
restoration process. Every L78 came equipped with a 4-speed
transmission, and this one also features the desirable Rally Sport
package. The L78 designation is verified right on the trim tag
which certainly appears to be original. The engine appears to be
original to the car, while the transmission and rear end are
correctly dated and coded.
What does L78 mean? It was Chevrolet's most potent version of the
396, conservatively rated at 375 horsepower but commonly dyno
tested at well over 400 horsepower. It featured higher compression,
larger valves, square-port heads, a solid-lifter camshaft, aluminum
intake manifold, and a large Holley carburetor. These cars were
absolute performers. Today, they are among the most collectible and
investment-worthy Camaros in the hobby. Adding to the appeal, the
1970 Camaro was the lowest-production L78 Camaro ever built, and
Chevrolet barely marketed them at all.
EXTERIOR: The body is exceptionally clean and straight with no rust
or damage. It's laser straight from the rockers to the roof with
smooth, crisp body lines throughout. Refinished in its original
Camaro Gold, the metallic paint lays evenly and the clear coat has
been polished to a deep, glossy finish. The blacked-out SS tail
panel provides a perfect contrast. The Rally Sport package adds the
extended front nose, split front bumpers, and relocated turn
signals, making it one of the most desirable Camaro options
available. Additional features include front and rear spoilers,
sport mirrors, and deluxe trim around the hood and rain gutters.
The chrome and trim appear new throughout. The headlight bezels,
lenses, grille, emblems, door handles, and upper door trim have all
been restored or replaced. The glass has been replaced throughout.
Door jambs are painted beautifully, and all weatherstrips and
window seals are new. The restored SS wheels are wrapped in BF
Goodrich tires.
INTERIOR: It has been restored to like new condition. The carpet
has been replaced and a Hurst shifter rises from the floor. The
seat cushions and upholstery have been replaced front and rear. The
dash pad and instrument bezel are new, while the gauges have been
restored, including a rebuilt clock. It also has an extremely rare
correct tachometer unique to a 1970 Camaro L78, it has a 6,500
redline and stops at 7,000 RPM. The glovebox liner is new and
includes the owner's manual. The vents, knobs, and heater control
assembly have been replaced. The door panels are in excellent
condition. The headliner was replaced and does have some minor
wrinkles. A retro stereo has been installed in the factory
location, and upgraded rear speakers are hidden behind factory
speaker grilles.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: The engine compartment has been completely
restored and detailed. After extensive inspection and research, I
am confident this is the correct 1970 L78 396/375 horsepower, #s
matching engine. The casting numbers and date codes are correct.
The engine stamp appears original and still shows factory broach
marks. The suffix code is CKO with an assembly date of August 7.
Because of production delays and labor strikes, 1970 Camaro
production did not begin until mid-February. Engines were built and
stockpiled months in advance, making the date spread completely
normal. The partial VIN is stamped near the oil filter. The engine
retains its correct square-port heads and factory aluminum intake
manifold. It also features correct chrome valve covers with
spot-weld dimples, deep-groove pulleys, dated spark plug wires, and
numerous factory-correct details. Upgrades include headers, an
aluminum radiator, and a new Holley carburetor. The restored, #s
matching Holley 780 carburetor is included, (worth $2,000+) as is
the correct water pump. Additional features include power steering
and a restored power brake system with a cadmium plated booster.
The metal surfaces are smooth and neatly finished, the underside of
the hood is painted gloss black and fitted with new insulation, and
a new wiring harness has been installed.
TRUNK COMPARTMENT: It contains clean, dry metal finished with
neatly applied spatter paint. It features a reproduction rubber
mat, restored jack assembly, new wiring harness, and new
weatherstrip. Under the trunk lid and throughout the jamb area, the
paint is smooth and glossy.
UNDERSIDE: The body was removed from the subframe and chassis
components during a comprehensive restoration. The floor pan was
replaced with clean, rust-free metal and refinished in red oxide
primer just as it would have appeared from the factory. The front
suspension and steering systems have been completely rebuilt and
detailed. Ball joints, bushings, and steering components were
replaced, and upgraded shocks were installed. The subframe and
control arms are finished in smooth satin black, and new body
bushings have been installed throughout. In back, it features new
springs, bushings, Koni gas shocks, and the correct rear sway bar
for an SS model. My research indicates that SS 396 cars received
factory welded sway bar brackets, and this car has them. The fuel
system has been completely renewed, including the tank, straps,
sending unit, and fuel lines. The brake system has also been
restored with new lines, hoses, and e-brake assembly, along with
front disc brakes. A custom dual exhaust system with an X-pipe
provides an aggressive sound and improved performance. Looking up
at the engine, everything is exceptionally clean and detailed. The
starter and fuel pump appear fresh. The car has a correct M21
Muncie 4-speed transmission. The bellhousing, shifter linkage, and
transmission mounts all appear freshly restored. Out back is a
correct, optional 12-bolt rear end with 4.10 gears, coded COO and
dated March 25.
CONCLUSION: Opportunities to purchase a genuine 1970 L78 Camaro are
few and far between. Finding one that is also a Rally Sport and
restored to this level is even rarer. Don't hesitate- this is the
type of car that may not present itself again.
Vehicles are displayed in a museum setting. Admission applies
without an appointment and is refunded with purchase, including a
one-year museum membership.
815-385-3644 (9-5 Central)
[email protected] - Prompt responses
L-78 375 hp
Power steering
Power disc brakes
4.10 posi rear
F41 Suspension
Factory gauges
6,500 redline tachometer
Clock
Retro stereo
Rally Sport
Sport mirrors
Spoilers
