The "Robert Clemens" 1970 Camaro Trans Am Race Car is well known in the SVRA. If you've been wanting to get into Vintage Racing but can't find a car that meets the qualifications, look no further. This "Clemens Camaro" raced in the original Trans Am Series which was in existence from 1966 thru 1972. Some of the greatest racers in history were a part of the Trans Am series, such as Parnelli Jones, Dan Gurney, Mark Donahue and Sam Posey. As we all know, the fuel crisis in the 1970's ended this series, as well as many of the high performance muscle car/pony car productions. The intent of the Historic Trans Am Series that this car races in now, is to re-create the original series as it appeared in 1966-1972. Only cars that actually raced in the original series are allowed to race in this group. And being that this "Clemons Camaro" raced in it's first SCCA event at Watkins Glen, New York in 1972 and again in the Road America race in July of 1972, this car qualifies for the SVRA Historic Trans Am Series and has been competing in that series for many years.
The Camaro is powered by a fully built 302 V8 pushing approximately 450 horsepower, backed by a Borg Warner T-10 trans with an L88 clutch and flywheel and a 4:33 Posi rear end. The car comes with a fully built and race ready, second engine as well. Custom headers, a Tarantula manifold, 850 cfm Holly Double Pump carb, Hurst competition shifter and linkage, special prop shaft with large yokes, special rear axle housing and axle shaft and Corvette front and rear brakes. The interior consists of a full roll cage and Competition Plus seat with Leslie interior. The car has just been serviced and is completely ready for it's next race.
This car is fully documented, with log books, names and some info of all the previous owners and original photos of the car as it raced in 1972. Gene Rutherford, who owned the car from 1974-2006 gave most of the information concerning the history of the car and signed a sworn affidavit in 2006 attesting to the car's authenticity. The wife of the original owner, builder and racer is still alive and has attended race events involving this car. As is the original Crew Chief that handled Robert Clemens' Camaro.