Chevrolet Camaro Z28
The second-generation Camaro is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful American cars ever designed. Its flowing lines, fastback profile, and European-inspired proportions made it look fast standing still. The new body was longer, lower, and wider than the first-gen, with a sophistication that elevated the Camaro from pony car to genuine grand touring machine.
The Z28 version for 1970-71 was the ultimate expression of this generation's early promise. Powered by the LT-1 350 — the same solid-lifter small-block used in the Corvette — the Z28 produced 360 horsepower in a car that weighed just 3,350 pounds. The combination was electrifying: the LT-1 revved freely to 6,500 RPM with a hard-edged exhaust note, the Muncie M22 'Rock Crusher' four-speed slotted home with satisfying precision, and the chassis delivered handling that was among the best of any American car.
The LT-1 engine was a masterpiece of the small-block builder's art. Its solid-lifter camshaft, 11.0:1 compression ratio, forged crank, and large Holley four-barrel made it feel more like a race engine than a production unit. It required premium fuel, periodic valve adjustment, and a sympathetic right foot — qualities that made it special.
Sadly, the LT-1's glory was short-lived. The 1972 Z28 received a hydraulic-lifter version of the 350 with just 255 hp (SAE net), and power continued to decline through the decade as emissions regulations tightened. By the late 1970s, the Z28's 350 made just 170-185 hp — a shadow of its former self.
Despite the power decline, the second-gen Camaro continued to sell well on the strength of its styling. The 1978 Z28 received a striking new aero nose treatment and bold graphics that made it the most visually aggressive Camaro since 1969. Over 54,000 Z28s were sold in 1979 alone.
The 1970-73 LT-1 Z28s are the blue-chip collectors' cars of this generation. Their combination of stunning styling, genuine high-performance capability, and limited production makes them the most desirable second-gen Camaros by a wide margin.
The LT-1-powered 1970-71 cars are the most valuable and most counterfeited. Verify the engine code (LT-1 should be CTL, CJB, etc.) and cowl tag carefully. Subframe and unibody rust is the primary structural concern — the second-gen Camaro rusts aggressively. Check the area around the rear window (a notorious leak/rust area), door bottoms, rocker panels, and rear quarter panels. The 1978-81 models are affordable and stylish but less collectible. Convertibles were NOT factory-produced for the second gen — any convertible is an aftermarket conversion.
Z28 production was suspended after 1974 and resumed in 1977 with reduced performance. The LT-1 engine was only available in the Z28 for 1970-71. Production: 8,733 (1970), 4,862 (1971), 2,575 (1972), 11,574 (1973). The 1970½ model (released late February 1970) commands the highest premiums. Total second-gen production exceeded 1.8 million units across all variants.