While the 60s is considered the golden age for car enthusiasts and muscle car fans, the '70s was a strange time for them. The oil embargo in the 70s heavily impacted the automotive industry, forcing brands to downsize engines, reduce engine performance, and make them more fuel-efficient.However, some of the specialties of powerful muscle cars from the '60s, spilled over to the early '70s, leaving us some rare gems. But as demand for high-performance models declined, manufacturers built fewer and fewer of them. This makes them rare and thus highly collectible today. Some muscle cars used big block engines, while some were powered by small block V8s. This is the story of the rarest muscle car we could find with a small block engine in the '70s. While manufacturers have their own distinctions between small and big blocks. This Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Is The Rarest '70s Small-Block Muscle Car Chevrolet Camaro Z28 COPO 9796 Package Via: Mecum Auctions The 1970 Camaro Z28 came with the optional COPO 9796 Package. The COPO 9796 Package offered no performance or mechanical upgrades. This optional package included a pronounced D80 three-piece rear spoiler. The COPO 9796 package required specific dealer orders, making it an obscure option. Fewer than 500 units of the Camaro Z28 were equipped with the COPO 9796 package. In the early 70s, Chevrolet developed the Camaro Z28, which was a performance-focused model, primarily designed as a homologation special for SCCA Trans-Am racing. The standard 1970 Camaro Z28 models featured Chevrolet's small block LT-1 350ci V8 engine, paired with a 4-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic transmission. However, Chevrolet offered the Camaro Z28 with the COPO 9796 Package, under the Central Office Production Order program. The COPO 9796 Package added unique features and styling enhancements to the 1970 Camaro Z28 but did not offer any performance upgrades to the engine. Cosmetically, the changes included the D80 three-piece rear spoiler, also known as the “high spoiler.” The high-spoiler was taller and more dramatic compared to the standard one-piece spoiler while improving aerodynamics. The spoiler became a production option later in 1971. The combination of the high rear spoiler with the sleek second-generation Camaro body gave the car a more aggressive and racing-inspired look.Via: Mecum Auctions In 1970, Chevrolet manufactured a total of 8,733 units of the Camaro Z28 model. Among these, fewer than 500 models were equipped with the COPO 9796 package, which makes them extremely rare. This makes the 1970 Camaro Z28 COPO 9796 the rarest small block muscle car of the 70s.Chevrolet's small-blocks like the LT-1 offered impressive power, but many buyers gravitated toward big-block options such as the 396 or 454 engines. This is one of the reasons why demand for the Camaro Z28 was much lower. Additionally, the COPO 9796 package required specific dealer orders, making it an obscure and seldom-selected option.The 1970 Camaro Z28 COPO 9796 is a testament to Chevrolet’s desire to cater to enthusiasts seeking something unique. Its rarity, combined with the striking design of the high rear spoiler, makes it a standout in the muscle car world. While it shares the powerful performance attributes of the standard Z28, its exclusivity lies in its limited production and special features. COPO 9796 Package Used The Standard LT-1 350 V8 For The Z28 Chevrolet LT-1 350 Engine Specs Via: Mecum AuctionsChevrolet used the LT-1 350 cu-in V8 to power the 1970 Camaro Z28. The engine is tuned to produce 360 hp at 6,000 rpm and 380 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm, running a high 11.0:1 compression ratio. The engine features a solid-lifter camshaft and 4-bolt mains, and it can rev to an impressive 6,000 rpm. The lightweight aluminum intake manifold improved airflow and reduced weight, contributing to the engine’s high-revving nature, which made it popular among racing enthusiasts.The lightweight small-block design gave the car excellent handling and acceleration. Chevrolet used a Holley 780 CFM 4-barrel carburetor mounted on an aluminum intake manifold for the LT-1 V8 in the Camaro Z28. Additionally, the engine uses a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods ensure the engine can handle the stresses of high-performance driving. While the forged aluminum pistons reduced weight while maintaining strength under high-load applications, whether used for road racing, or on the racetrack.Via: Mecum Auctions Chevrolet employed the Muncie M21 and the extremely rare M22 Rock Crusher 4-speed manual transmission options for the Z28 model. While a 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 automatic was also an option. With the COPO 9796 Package, Chevrolet offered upgrades to specific components for road racing, such as a rear stabilizer bar and heavy-duty cooling system, designed for track-focused enthusiasts.The LT-1 engine was exclusive to Chevrolet’s high-performance models, which included the 1970 Camaro Z28 and the 1970 Corvette. While the Corvette’s version was rated at 370 hp due to fewer restrictions in the exhaust system, the Camaro Z28’s LT-1 was functionally identical but rated slightly lower at 360 hp to account for differences in exhaust tuning. 1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Is Extremely Rare, Thus Highly Collectible Via: Mecum Auctions 1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Current Values (Source: Hagerty)Only 8,733 units of the 1970 Camaro Z28 were built, and fewer than 500 were optioned with the COPO 9796 package. Due to its rarity, the 1970 Camaro Z28 with the COPO 9796 package is highly sought after by muscle car enthusiasts and collectors.When it comes to current prices, Hagerty values the 1970 Camaro Z28 in fair condition at $33,500, while on average they are worth $52,500 in good condition. Excellent examples of the Camaro Z28 are valued at $80,100 and well documented, with original build sheets with matching drivetrain component numbers can boost the value to $105,000 for a Concours-worthy Z28.Via: Mecum Auctions However, well-documented models with the COPO 9796 package demand even higher values, as some examples were auctioned at astronomical prices that range from $100,000 to $150,000 or more, depending on the condition and originality. The Z28 is one of the most collectible Camaro models from the early 70s, celebrated for its rarity and connection to Chevrolet’s innovative COPO program. Today, the Camaro Z28 is a prized piece of automotive history, cherished by enthusiasts and collectors alike.