Value estimate sought on a 1970 SS 396/375 Camaro

[mister_copo]

I've been looking for a real nice 2nd gen Camaro for a while now and may have found one today.

A friend of mine in a neighboring province owns a real nice original 396/375 HP car (documented GM car)and hinted to me today that he would sell it to me. The car is an original Hugger Orange Super Sport car which is now painted a non original color (one re-paint) and also has a NOM 396/375 installed.

Other than that, the car is all there and is in remarkable condition throughout. It has a date correct 1970 396 block in it now and it's dressed in all original wear.

What's it worth in this condition "without the original block", and whats it worth once painted in original style laquer. The guy who's painting the car is very talented, and has the correct laquer paint for the car.

I'd rate this a nice 8 of 10 car as it sits and would say it's in beautiful condition despite the block being from another 375 horse car. The car will be back to original color when it becomes available to me and I would be hard pressed to find another candidate in this nice of condition.

Any input would be very much appreciated as I do not want to let this one slip away now that I have an option to buy it. This is a 3 owner car that was never abused.

Tom

[CamarosRus]

I own one of the 600 1970 L-78 Camaros built. They are probably one of the most under rated, under valued Camaro musclecars. There are FEW restored cars to look to as examples. Most of the 70 L-78's seem to have missing or NOM engines. Many of the "restored" L-78's are painted incorretly, as well as incorrect Z-28 stripes and Z-28 wheels, etc etc.....
I'm trying to say are almost no survivors, and few accurately restored originals, and the turnover has been so minimal, that comparible market prices really dont exist.
I'm sure there will be many other knowledgeable responses, so I'll await those with anticipation........

[prototype]

If it's an 8 out of 10 why waste the funds painting it. Get frugal and buy it cheaper now.

I've always felt they are only orignal once and if the car is that nice why waste the extra it will take to have a 9 out of 10.

[70 copo]

$25-40K U.S. looking nice and really being nice are two seperate issues.

Wrong paint and wrong engine hurts - but the color it has now helps if you like orange.... Overall how original is it? Has it been restored with a mixture of generic 70 -73 parts?

Check the body with a spot Rot too.

Phil

[CamarosRus]

Mister COPO, Please Email me at [email protected]

[canadian_ssl78]

[ QUOTE ]
I own one of the 600 1970 L-78 Camaros built. They are probably one of the most under rated, under valued Camaro musclecars. There are FEW restored cars to look to as examples. Most of the 70 L-78's seem to have missing or NOM engines. Many of the "restored" L-78's are painted incorretly, as well as incorrect Z-28 stripes and Z-28 wheels, etc etc.....
I'm trying to say are almost no survivors, and few accurately restored originals, and the turnover has been so minimal, that comparible market prices really dont exist.
I'm sure there will be many other knowledgeable responses, so I'll await those with anticipation........

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm with you Chuck

[70-SS/RS-L78]

Post deleted by 70-SS/RS-L78

[Seattle Sam]

As already mentioned, only 600 L78s were installed in 1970 Camaros. The engine option was not included in the sales materials, so you had to know what you wanted to order it.

The first generation Camaro's were not designed with the big block in mind, and installing one makes for a very nose-heavy car (unless you have a ZL-1!) However, the big block was certainly planned for the second gen Camaro and it handles much better.

So what you have with the '70 L78 is a one-year phenomenon - a solid lifter, high compression big block installed in a car that was designed to handle it. And only 600 were built and sold.

Hard to evaluate your find without seeing it, there are some very hard to find parts such as the famous dual snorkel air cleaner, smog pieces, and the like, and one-year-only interior parts like the steering wheel.

I think most would agree that orange is a good color and would be a price plus in my opinion.

I don't know what you think makes an 8 out of 10, but if it's complete with the correct parts, it's straight and rust-free, and it has the Canadian docs to prove it's an L78 car, I would think it would be worth US$70-75K plus in the correct paint with the original motor; perhaps US$60K without.

JMHO,
-Sam

[70-SS/RS-L78]

[ QUOTE ]
I own one of the 600 1970 L-78 Camaros built. They are probably one of the most under rated, under valued Camaro musclecars. There are FEW restored cars to look to as examples. Most of the 70 L-78's seem to have missing or NOM engines. Many of the "restored" L-78's are painted incorretly, as well as incorrect Z-28 stripes and Z-28 wheels, etc etc.....
I'm trying to say are almost no survivors, and few accurately restored originals, and the turnover has been so minimal, that comparible market prices really dont exist.
I'm sure there will be many other knowledgeable responses, so I'll await those with anticipation........

[/ QUOTE ]

I also agree with Chuck, We have NO Idea what they are worth. What ever someone is willing to pay.
I have noticed that they are starting to come out of hiding lately, Probably due to the 70-73 Z/28’s
recent rise in value and demand. Also the 3:55 Positraction was the standard L78 rear with the 4:10
being optional. Does the car have a CKO block? Please post some pictures..
BTW, I would steer clear of that VOLO car and plenum air cleaner.

[mister_copo]

Thanks for the info guys. I will check it out further and may report back once I have something more conclusive. Sounds like a good car to have from whats been said above.

Thanks again.