The Chevrolet Camaro: Origins, Demise and Rebirth - Part One

Is 1964, Chevrolet is at the top of its game, it has built the most technically advanced car in the US -the Corvette- the powerful and awesome Chevelle Malibu Super Sport, and the most daring compact design in the Corvair. But where are the young drivers of the time spending their money; at Ford delaerships trying to be the first ones to own the newly introduced Mustang.

This was a wake up call for GM, they need it to do something to rule the sport coupe market; this is how the seed for the Camaro was planted; by Ford introducing the Mustang with its long hood and short deck the term ponycars was created. Something that all of us Chevrolet fans will always avoid and try to ignore is that the Camaro exists because of the Mustang.

The Mustang was first, yes, but the Camaro has always been faster, better handling and performance and of course more stylish than Mustang... and so the ponycars wars begin.

The First Generation F-Body platform covers Camaros and Firebirds from 1967 through 1969. In response to the introduction of the Ford Mustang in 1964, General Motors started to work immeditaly in designing and creating what would be known as the F-car as name had not been decided yet, rumours were going around in the press that the name would be the Panther.

After 2 years of testing and redesigning the car was ready, but it still didn't have a name. GM in an earlier press conference had already cleared the misconception of the Panther name. Not until almost at the last minute it was to be known as Camaro, GM revealed that its name originated from the French for comrade or friend.

Finally in September 26, 1966 the 1967 Chevrolet Camaro is officially introduced for sale to the public. It was first available with an in line 6 cylinder engine for the base model and the newly introduced 350ci V8 for the SS, it was offered as a hardtop or convertible.

Without advertisment and quitely what would become the most known and covetted of all option codes makes its appearance in December 29, 1966; the Camaro Z28; only 609 cars were built. The public and most dealers and salesmen were not even aware of it's existance, it was not inlcuded in any of the literature of the time. The Z28 was created exclusively to allow Chevrolet to participate in the Club of America Trans Am racing series. Trans Am had a 305ci limit in all its entries.

Chevrolet used a 327 block with a 283 short stroke crank creating the 302ci engine, horsepower was listed at 290hp, which at the time of high torque and horsepower engines it was not impressive at all, that is until you hooked it up to the dyno and the truth was revealead, the 302ci was actually giving readings of 360hp - 400hp, now that is impressive especially for a smaller and lighter ponycar.

The 1968 model was basically left untouched visible changes were small like the sidemarkers added, rear suspension was modified to reduce wheel hop among other cosmetic options as chrome hood scoops, the console was also redesigned.

The 1969 Camaro received an overall facelift, deeper front grille and more portruduing brow and new skin made a more sporty and aggressive looking car. Engine choices were numerous as the 307ci at 200hp, 350ci at 300hp, the 396ci rated at 325/350/375 hp, the still underrated 302ci was available now known as DZ engine.

You wanted high performance, well the Camaro was also availabe with the Corvette's 427ci engine, as a dealer option. The most popular and now most famous dealer option was that of Don Yenko of Yenko Chevrolet. These Camaro Yenko were ordered with the L-72 427ci (7.0) with a 450hp rating, heavy duty 4-core aluminum radiator, 4.10 positraction rear end and the option of M-21 four speed or the Turbo Hydramatic 400 automatic transmission.

1967

• RS 64,842
• SS 34,411
• Z28 609

1968

• RS 40,977
• SS 27,884
• Z28 7,199

1969

• RS 37,773
• SS 33,980
• Z28 19,014

Ford was the first to introduce the pony car in the form of the Mustang, and yes that first Mustang was chosen to Pace the Indianapolis 500 in 1964, but is not until 1979 that the Ford Mustang will not step onto the asphalt at the Indianapolis International Speedway again.

The First Generation Camaro Paced the Indianapolois 500 races twice, in 1967 and in 1969.The 1967 Pace Car was White with blue stripes and blue upholstery and the 1969 Pace Car was white with orange stripping and upholstery.