Second Generation Chevy Camaro: 1970 - 1981
The 1970 model year saw a complete redesign of the successful Chevy Camaro first introduced in 1967. The second generation Chevy Camaro showed design influences from Ferrari, Jaguar and Aston Martin sports cars. The redesign presented a Camaro that was lower, wider and longer than the previous incarnation. The convertible option was also discontinued in the second generation.
The exterior of the Camaro got a major make over, but the mechanical structure of the car was similar to the first generation of Camaros. The car featured a unibody frame, coil spring front suspension, an A arm and rear leaf springs.
The second generation benefited from an increased design budget. Much of that money was spent on refining the suspension and chassis,making for a more comfortable ride and improved performance. Road holding, ride isolation and sound proofing was improved even in the lower priced case models. The second generation was dubbed more of a “driver's car” than the first generation.
The 1970 Chevy Camaro saw an increase in the size of the base engine,from 230 cid to 250 cid. The top motor in the line was the L-78 V8 that boasted 375 hp. In some production material, Chevy promised 454 engines in some trim levels, but the 454 engine was never produced. The 1970 model year saw the introduction of the Rally Sport, the Super Sport and the Z-28 Package that featured a high performance V8.
In addition to the new mechanical options, cosmetic design also got an overhaul. Doors were widened to make it easier to access the back seat and new pull up door handles were introduced. There was also a new instrument panel which featured more curved lines. Vinyl upholstery was standard on all base models. The 1970 model was the most high performance of all second generation Camaros.
Beginning in 1971, the Chevy Camaro saw a reduction in its high performance engines. The Z28 engine dropped to 330 hp from 360hp. The changes were instituted after a GM mandate that all cars run on lower octane unleaded or low lead gasoline. Insurance rates continued to skyrocket for high performance muscle cars, so there was a dramatic drop in sales of the Camaro that was exacerbated by a 67 day strike at GM.
The 1973 model year saw the new impact absorbing bumpers that were required by federal law grace the Camaro. The Camaro was quieter and the Super Sport trim package was discontinued. In 1974, the Camaro added seven inches in length due to aluminum bumpers that were added to meet increased federal standards. The first wraparound taillights were also introduced in 1974.
The 1975 model year was the temporary end of the popular Z28 trim package. Tightening federal emissions standards made it difficult for Chevy to continue to offer the higher output engines that has made the Camaro popular. The catalytic converter was also introduced in 1975 as a way to meet emissions standards.
Chevy re-introduced the Z28 to instant acclaim in 1977. Most Z28s were sold with automatic transmissions and air conditioning, but manual transmissions were available for people interested in true performance. The 1981 model year marked the end of the second generation Chevy Camaro. Sales were poor as people waited for the third generation to be released in 1982.
