1970 Camaro #1

[sYc]

Just had a nice visit with David Tom, who owns the 1st '70 Camaro built, #12387N500001. Car is presently under going a ground up restoration, then will put up for sale. Very interesting history. Car went directly from Norwood, to the GM provng grounds for testing, and then to Smokey Yunick. It has always been in street trim, but was used for the testing for several special pieces for the 2nd gen cars (race and production cars), including the tall deck spoiler. With the new body style sporting the new and improved front spoiler, racers, including Jim Hall, were having trouble getting the rearend to stick. While testing, the Chevy guys noticed a Firebird with the large, 3 piece rear spoiler. The Chevy guys inquired about it, but were told the side pieces would not work. Thus, Chevy had different side pieces made, and before the second race of the season, in Texas, the Chevy crew went to a local dealer and installed several of these on new Camaros, to show the race officials that they were available on production cars. The piece was approved and the Chevys were allowed to run them. Hopefully in the near future David will join us here and explain more about this special car, and who knows, it may even turn up at a SCR. For anyone who is into T/A racing history, you need to visit with David.

[Charley Lillard]

I remember talking with him awhile back and he was convinced it was a 454 car. He thought the orig engine would be in a room at Smokeys shop full of engines but he could not get in there to check. Have they ever turned up any paperwork to document anything on the car ?

[sYc]

Charley, good question. Not for sure. David mentioned that he would pay us a visit here, so hopefully he will, as I am sure there are a lot of questions concerning the car and its history that folks here would like to ask him.

[Mr70]

Very interesting.Would it be correct in assuming this is the Template Car for Phil B.'s Camaro,meaning the Rear Spoiler?

[RichSchmidt]

I inquired here about that car,and I also heard that it was rumored to be the only 2nd gen to ever leave GM with a 454 under the hood.I read it in a mag somewhere.I guess it is still not confirmed.

[resto4u]

Is this car still in phoenix? Many parts on the car where handmaid, prototype parts. Roger

[70 copo]

I met David in 1997. Really nice guy. That car was a test bed for LOTS of stuff... Car Belongs in a museum

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Tom, is this the guy who advertises in Hemmings?

[LVCamaro]

Yep...I'm sure it is, Marlin.

SS

[Mr70]

What is David Tom advertising in Hemmings,this Camaro for sale?