Every gearhead has had the overwhelming desire to find an old muscle car and restore it to its original beauty. Seeing a rusted classic car rotting away just awakens something deep on the inside. There is something satisfying about the whole process and seeing what could be junk turn into treasure.
The possibilities and options for restomodding a vehicle are endless. The definition for "restomod" is the combination of restoring and modifying a classic ride into some image of its former glory. These cars can stay similar to the original design or completely transform with new technology and performance upgrades. The 1970 Chevrolet Camaro is the perfect model to start with.
1970 marks the beginning of the second generation for the Camaro. The lifespan of the generation extended from 1970 to 1981. Chevrolet incorporated several improvements into the new models and worked through some flaws that plagued the original. The automaker designed it to be more user-friendly than its predecessor, and it is a fundamental chapter of the Camaro nameplate that is still in production decades later.
The Chevrolet Camaro Already Stands Out
The Chevrolet Camaro is an infamous muscle car in the automotive world. The company classified the 1970 models as a pony car for being affordable yet sporty coupes. It shares some similarities with the first generation. These include utilizing the unibody design based on the same F-body frame and the basic layout over the mechanical design.
Several trim options and special editions came out for the second generation. Base models still featured 3.6-liter V6 and inline-six engines, with a plethora of larger, more powerful engines available for the performance models. These bigger engines included a 5.0-liter V8, a 5.7-liter V8, a 6.5-liter V8, and a massive 6.6-liter V8 that's only found in certain rare models. There are plenty of options to accommodate any budget or skill level.
The base models are still noteworthy cars. They may not have as much power at 155 hp, but they played their part in Chevrolet's history. However, gearheads on the hunt for something fierce will be more interested in the Z28 and the elite SS models. The Z28 received the honor of sharing the same engine as the prestigious Corvette.
1970 Camaro Parts Are Easy To Find
The '70s Camaros aren't hard to find. Chevrolet produced 124,901 models for the 1970-year alone and didn't slow down as the years progressed. It may be a little tricky to find that exact year model, as many of the first units sold and marketed as "1970" models were actually surplus 1969 models in disguise. The company experienced some technical difficulties with the introduction of the 1970 model and had to prolong production of the previous model, causing them to overlap when Chevrolet ran production for both models simultaneously. This is why some cars feature the 1970 1/2 badge on them.
A large portion of the parts are interchangeable for most of the generation. Even if you have some trouble locating an exact 1970 model with the part you need, you may be able to find one that fits on another year model. This greatly depends on what part and what trim level it is. Finding a model to start with is easy enough, as the Camaro is never more than an online marketplace listing away.
Owners post countless ads for these cars on a regular basis. They are often project cars that owners don't have time for and decide to sell. Some are rare barn finds that need a good home. There is an unlimited number of ways to find the right car for you to get started with.
The Value Of The Chevrolet Camaro Is On The Rise
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The value and the demand for these cars is only rising over time. Restoring a classic Camaro has great potential to be a rewarding investment. The asking price varies for each model in different conditions. Normally, you can find one for just a few thousand dollars that requires a good amount of TLC. Finding a "roller," a car with no engine or transmission, is also a viable option for getting your hands on one for less money.
The resale value of a restored second generation Camaro depends on two major factors: condition and trim level. A base model 1970 Camaro in good condition has an average value of $18,200. The SS model for the same year spikes to the value of $33,200 in the same condition. Another popular model, the Z28, goes for even higher at $54,800.
Classic Camaro cars are highly desired on the collector's market. These totals only reflect good condition vehicles. A Z28 in pristine condition can increase to $80,700. The Camaro is a piece of Americana that draws people in with its nostalgia and retains its value. It stands out as one of the greatest muscle cars of all time and makes the perfect foundation for a restomod.