1970 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS L-78

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 bell