Matt Kirkleys 19701/2 Camaro is by no means his first American car, but second time around he reckons its a keeper!
Production of the second generation Camaro had been underway for just a few short months when Don Bock – Phillips walked into Vernon Motor Products in Vernon, British Columbia to order himself a brand – new Camaro.
Just a few months later, on July 18, 1970, he drove out of the dealership, behind the wheel of one of the 27,1 36 RS Camaros produced that year – however little did he know what the future had in store for his new purchase. During his ownership, Don ensured that all service deadlines were met and that all work carried out on the car was done to the highest standard. He kept all the receipts, the dealer invoice, build sheets and that now ultra – rare Protect – o – Plate.
The Воск – Phillips family kept the Camaro for 28 years before deciding to sell. The second owner drove it from Vernon to New York, a distance of just under 3000 miles on which the RS averaged 19mpg. From New York it was bound for Europe, but not the UK; Portugal was the original destination where it resided for just under two years.
Its not known how the Camaro found its way to the UK, only that the third owner brought it over and lived somewhere in Gloucestershire. The car next came to rest at a classic car dealership in Mildenhall, Suffolk. Enter owner number four, Matt Kirkley. Matt, a long – time fan of American iron had recently sold a 1975 straight six Camaro and was looking for another Camaro, but this time with a V8. Hed seen an ad in Classic Car Mart, but on phoning he was disappointed to be told that the car had already been sold. The dealer took his number just in case something else came in. Imagine his delight when a couple of weeks later he received a call to say that the previous deal had fallen through and asked if he was still interested.
An inspection trip was organised to check over the Camaro; what they found was a totally stock example surrounded by Aston Martins and Jaguars. The Chevy was resplendent in white with a black vinyl roof and wore its original steel wheels with hubcaps. The only negative was a rather suspect – looking set of Seventies furry seat covers. After a suitable bit of haggling, a deal was done and a hassle – free journey back to Kent commenced.
First to go were those seat covers and within two weeks the wheels and tyres were replaced for a bit more confidence on the road. Next, a pair of air shocks were added as a temporary fix for the sagging leaf springs. The Rochester carburettor, which wasnt keen on cold starts, was replaced by a Holley 600 unit with an Edlebrock Performer inlet manifold, which resulted in an increase in fuel economy, as well as performance.
For the next couple of years Matt just drove the car and apart from a Pipecraft exhaust and routine servicing did nothing but enjoy it until April 2004 when a move to rural Devon prompted a sale. Doug Forrest of Kent Car Craft, and fellow member of The Autoholics, became the fifth owner and had plans to make more of a street and strip racer out of it.
Doug performed a total make – over on the car, not only changing the colour, but totally reworking the specification of the whole vehicle. The bottom end of the engine remained stock, but the top had Edelbrock aluminium heads added and a cam and manifold from the same manufacturer. The ignition system was changed to incorporate an MSD Pro Billet distributor, coil and rev limiter. The Holley 600 made way for a 750 double pumper, while the exhaust was uprated to a 2 1/2 inch system with Flowmaster mufflers. The standard manual gearbox was replaced with a Borg Warner T10 four – speed unit with a Hurst Shifter and a McLeod clutch. The original 12 bolt rear – end remained, the only year Chevy included this, but the ratio changed to 3.55:1.
On the suspension side, Doug added chassis subframe connectors, Global West tubular A – arms, changed the coil and leaf springs, added gas shockers and poly bushes. The car was lowered by two inches all round to give a better profile and the wheels are now Torq Thrust Ds and are shod with BF Goodrich rubber.
That paint is a Chrysler colour and is called satin glow, it looks great with the black Z28 stripes and the corresponding badges. The bodywork carried out at kent Car Craft is excellent and is a testament to Doug and his team. They even put the Chevy on their dyno and found that the 350 motor is now putting out 422bhp – Not bad for a 41 – year – old car!
The Camaro came back into Matts life quite unexpectedly while at the Damn Yankees Mayday Nationals. Having returned from Devon and still hankering after another Camaro, he found himself standing in front of this one. It took a minute to realise that it was his old car and a few more to find that Doug still owned it. In conversation Doug mentioned that he might be interested in selling. Instantly a deal was done and then all Matt had to do was sell his 1995 Trans Am. This didnt take long and once more the Camaro returned into Matts care. He says it was like seeing an old friend again, but this time hes staying.
The Воск – Phillips were delighted to see what had happened to their car when Matts other half, Poppy, contacted their daughter via Facebook. They found it amazing that the car had left Canada, let alone ended up half way around the world and in still such great shape.