Peruse the Internet and you’ll find references to “split-bumper” Camaros without knowing what that means. Thanks to the Hot Rod and Car Craft magazine crowds, there are even custom hybrid front ends that get lumped into the split-bumper Camaro clique. However, there is only one true split-bumper Camaro and — imagine that, Gen Z! — it actually can be referred to with a proper noun: Rally Sport. Our Pick of the Day is this 1970 Chevrolet Camaro RS listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Saugatuck, Michigan.
People can be funny sometimes. Take the movie “Star Wars” as an example. Popular culture likes to repeat the phrase, “Luke, I am your father” when what Mr. Vader actually said was, “No, I am your father.” “Casablanca” is among the most famous examples: “Play it again, Sam” was actually “Play it, Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By.’” (Apparently, this is called the Mandela Effect.)
The same thing can happen with cars. The oft-quoted example is that the Chevrolet Nova translates to “it doesn’t go” in Spanish. And, for some reason, the Camaro Rally Sport has been replaced by split-bumper nonsense. Why don’t these people call the earlier ones “hidden-headlight Camaros”?
Indeed, the original “Z22” Rally Sport was an ornamentation/appearance package for the 1967-69 Camaro. For 1967-68, it gave the Bow Tie a semi-custom look with a clean front end, different taillight lenses, and more subtle features like lower body side moldings, black body sills, special steering wheel, and elements of the “Z21” Style Trim Group, which included bright wheel opening moldings, bright drip rail moldings (coupe), fender pinstriping (1967) or bright belt moldings (1968). For 1969’s restyle, there was a host of other tweaks including rear fender louvers, headlight bezel accents, vertical taillight accents, and fender pinstriping. (If it sounds complicated, it is, but the Camaro Research Group has done the legwork for you!)
When the second-generation Camaro was introduced on February 26, 1970, the Z22 package was completely different. Yes, it changed the appearance of the Camaro, but the hidden headlights were no longer. Instead, an Endura grille extension surrounded a blacked-out grille with a resilient black vertical bar down the middle. Complementing the schnozz playing the role of quasi-bumper were bumperettes gracing both sides and wrapping clear around the front end, giving it a light, delicate look. Parking lights migrated from the front valence to beside the headlights, which now appeared more like driving lights influenced by some Euro jobs. The windshield wipers were hidden, tucked underneath the hood lip. And bright exterior trim accents included window moldings and taillights. As before, the Rally Sport could stand alone or be combined with the SS or Z28 performance packages (the latter now without the slash).
It’s not often you find a nicely preserved Camaro that’s not been hot-rodded or cloned, so this Shadow Gray 1970 Chevrolet Camaro RS is a standout. “Believed to have had just two owners since new, this RS retains an honest, lightly aged presentation consistent with its low mileage,” says the seller. ”With its factory-correct color combination, likely original 350 two-barrel V-8/TH350 drivetrain, and clean, solid structure, the car stands out as a straight, authentic driver that has clearly been well preserved throughout its life.” What appears to be original sheet metal was resprayed “some years back” too. “The vinyl top is a standout feature — tight, clean, and in excellent condition with no bubbling or separation.” Inside, you’ll find Sandalwood Custom vinyl upholstery that the seller claims to be “a key indicator supporting the car’s documented miles and long-term care.” Makes sense!
If you read the ad, the seller even adds the appositive “split bumper,” so perhaps this is not a generational thing? If you spend $26,600 to make it yours, please (PLEASE!) make sure people know what to call it, will ya?
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
