While Jim D.’s ‘70 Camaro RS has decent performance, he often feels people expect a high-revving LT-1 small block or fire-breathing 396 CID big block when they see it, especially because of the Rally Sport, or RS, designation. But his has a 250 HP, 350 CID engine, which was the lowest horsepower for that engine size in 1970, mated to a Turbo 350 auto trans. But laying rubber across the intersection is not why Jim bought it. He was a big fan of ‘56 Chevies, owning a Nomad and a four-door sedan which he used as daily drivers from 1982 until 1987. Although he felt a little unfaithful to his favored ‘56's, he decided he wanted something more comfortable, with better handling and braking. He considered the first-generation Camaros (1967-1969), but found that they either cost a fortune or had been used and abused. So he decided on a second generation (1970-1981) one. Again he found the earlier models were either costly or beat to death. Then he lucked upon an ad for one locally in 2007. The original owner had owned it until 2005 and sold it to a fellow who planned on souping it up. Fortunately, he had not had the time and money to do so, had garaged it and finally decided to sell it. Jim likes his cars to be as completely stock as possible and this Camaro filled the bill. It had only 115,000 mile on it and had received TLC for the entire time. Everything was original, including interior, running gear and even the Sunflower Yellow paint. Unfortunately, there were a lot of parking-lot door dings, so Jim had to have the exterior painted, but the door jams and under the hood were in such great shape that they did not need touching up. For comfort, he did add Vintage Air and for sounds he added an AM/FM/CD. He was able to keep the original AM radio by putting the new unit in a vacant slot intended for an 8-track player (Anyone remember those?). Upholstery and carpets are still the originals and look great. Since purchasing it, he has connected with the original owner, a retired schoolteacher living in Lake Wildwood. He even has a copy of an article from The Union, written about her and her Camaro in 2003. Now he enjoys cruising around town in his Camaro RS, and so does wife Elaine. She says it makes her “feel very young.” But if you pull up next to Jim, don’t expect him to race you to the next stop light. It’s not that kind of Camaro.

For 1970, the RS package included color-keyed door handles, a longer nose with a split front bumper, round parking lights inboard of the headlights, rally mirrors and anti-sway bars. Except for the anti-sway bars, all of the package was cosmetic.

This immaculate 350 was a mid-range engine, with an 250 CID 155 HP inline-six at the bottom and going up as high as a 396 CID 375 HP at the top of the range.

Jim keeps the seats covered, but the upholstery is still perfect. The Vintage Air unit looks almost stock.

Ron Cherry ©2010