.avif)
6 Minutes
Junkyard Discovery: A 1970 Camaro Z/28 RS Resurfaces
A Michigan junkyard yielded another surprising find: a 1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 with the optional Rally Sport (RS) package. The car, located by enthusiast Ryan Brutt, shows decades of weather exposure but remains largely intact. While the front clip still displays the factory blue metallic paint, extensive surface rust covers the roof, doors, and rear quarters. The rear sits low to the ground and the lower shell displays significant rot; rear wheels and possibly the axle are missing. Despite this, the split front bumper, RS styling cues, and a complete interior survive — and a camera inspection under the hood revealed an engine that may be the original LT-1.
Why the Z/28 Matters: Racing Roots and Engine History
The Z/28 started life as a homologation special for the SCCA Trans-Am series. Early Z/28s used a 302-cubic-inch (4.9 L) small-block V8 through 1969. For 1970 Chevrolet introduced a larger 350-cubic-inch (5.7 L) LT-1 V8 — a Corvette-derived mill — rated at about 360 hp. That represented a meaningful jump over the earlier 290-hp unit, and torque climbed from roughly 290 lb-ft to 380 lb-ft (393 to 520 Nm). The LT-1 also expanded drivetrain choices, allowing buyers to pair the Z/28 with either the traditional four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic. In this particular junkyard example the transmission remains unknown.
Vehicle Specifications (1970 Z/28 LT-1 – typical)
- Engine: 350 cu in (5.7 L) LT-1 V8
- Power: ~360 hp (factory rating)
- Torque: ~380 lb-ft (≈520 Nm)
- Transmission: 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic (optional)
- Production (Z/28, 1970): 8,733 units
- Optional RS (Rally Sport): RPO Z22 — included hidden wipers, black grille, split bumper, bright moldings, body-colored door-handle inserts
Design and the RS Package: What Makes This One Scarce?
The Rally Sport (RS) option turned a standard Camaro into a more distinctive, show-ready machine. RPO Z22 added the split front bumper and a black grille treatment, hidden wipers, and other trim details that aren’t common on Z/28 models since RS emblems were typically omitted on SS and Z/28 builds. Experts estimate roughly one in five Z/28s received RS equipment in 1970, which would place RS-equipped examples under 1,800 units — and specific option combinations could drop actual surviving counts into three-digit territory. That rarity is a big reason collectors prize Z/28 RS cars.
.avif)
Condition Assessment: How Bad Is the Junkyard Find?
Cosmetically, this Camaro has significant surface corrosion but still retains many desirable items: the split bumper, interior trim, and what appears to be the original engine. Structurally, the lower shell and rear subframe area are compromised from prolonged ground contact and moisture. The rusty hood hinges prevented a full mechanical inspection, but the visible engine details hint at an LT-1 block. Missing rear axle components complicate a straightforward evaluation.
Performance and Driving Character
When restored, a 1970 LT-1 Z/28 delivers classic muscle-car performance: strong, mid-band torque, 360-hp-era horsepower, and the visceral sound and responsiveness enthusiasts expect. Paired with a four-speed manual it’s a driver-focused machine; the three-speed automatic option offers a softer, more relaxed experience but reduces the pure engagement many collectors seek.
Market Positioning and Value
Market data show 1970 Z/28s in top condition average around $58,500 at public auction (classic.com), with only a few examples surpassing $100,000 — the record being about $176,000. An RS-equipped Z/28 can command a premium because of its relative rarity, but the math of a full nut-and-bolt restoration is harsh. Unless the car will fetch well north of six figures post-restoration, the project is unlikely to be profitable purely as an investment.
.avif)
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- 1967–1969 Z/28s: Earlier 1967 models are very scarce (602 units), 1968 saw 7,199, and 1969 rose dramatically to over 20,000 — making 1969 Z/28s more common than 1970s.
- RS vs. non-RS: RS-equipped Z/28s are rarer and more desirable for collectors seeking authentic period aesthetics and higher valuation potential.
Should You Save This Junkyard Z/28 RS?
The answer depends on intent. If you’re a collector chasing a high-return restoration, the rot and missing suspension components make this car a risky financial bet. If you’re an enthusiast seeking a lifetime project and the emotional reward of restoring an LT-1 Z/28 RS, it could be a perfect labor-of-love. Either way, the car deserves careful assessment: verify VIN and trim tags, confirm whether the engine is original, and estimate rust repair costs before pulling the trigger.
Final Thoughts
This 1970 Camaro Z/28 RS is a compelling junkyard find — rare enough to interest collectors, yet well-worn enough to require major restoration. For buyers motivated by passion rather than profit, it offers an authentic slice of muscle-car history. For investors, the numbers suggest caution unless you’re prepared to shoulder a costly rebuild in hopes of achieving a high-end sale price.
Note: All original images and their placements from the source article have been preserved as published.
Comments