Classic American Cars: The Chevrolet Camaro

Chevy Camaro

The Camaro was manufactured from 1966 (for 1967 model year) to 2002. It was originally released in 1967 by GM’s Chevrolet division to compete with the Ford Mustang. It was classified as a pony car, like the Mustang, because of its relatively smaller size. Compared to other cars produced in the same year, the Camaro was technically a compact. It was also classified as a sports or muscle car. The Camaro was never considered the flagship for Chevrolet, but has always been one of their most popular models.

General Motors marketing people evidently thought up the name, without any apparent meaning attached to it, because it doesn’t translate to anything else. But there are a few stories attributing meanings, such as it translating to “friend” or “companion” from the French. When automotive journalists asked the Chevrolet people what a “Camaro” is, they were told, “A small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs”.

There were four generations of the Chevrolet Camaro produced. The first generation began with the 1967 model released on September 29, 1966. It had the same platform and major components as the Pontiac Firebird, also introduced in ‘67. The car was made available as a 2-door, 4-seat sport coupe or convertible. The sport coupe was available in 3 models: base, the Super Sport (SS) and the Z28. The convertible was available in both the base trim and SS models. The engine was a 3-speed V-8, available in 4.9, 5.0, 5.4, 5.7 or 6.5-liter sizes. It was a rear-drive vehicle with a front-end engine, unlike the controversial Chevrolet Corvair, also in the Chevy line-up at the time. There were nearly 80 factory and 40 dealer options available, allowing the buyer to customize their car to their particular taste and price range. The first generation model was manufactured through the end of 1969.

Beginning in 1970, the second-generation Camaro was manufactured for 11 years. Its styling included a heavier, larger and wider size and a modified body design. It had a sleeker look than the previous generation and an improved suspension. After the 1970 ½ model, convertibles were not offered again until the third generation was well under way. In addition to the base model, there was Rally Sport option that had a unique front-end bumper and the Z28 Special Performance package equipped with a 360hp V-8 engine. The SS was discontinued after the 1972 model.

Chevrolet introduced the third generation of Camaro in the 1982 Z-28 model. The third generation continued for ten years, through 1992. These hot rods had fuel injection, and either a four-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. It featured updated styling with a hatchback. The IROC-Z was introduced in 1985 (named after the International Race of Champions). There were two commemorative models released: the 20th Anniversary Commemorative Edition in 1987 and the 25th Anniversary Heritage Edition in 1992.

The fourth generation of the Camaro was introduced with the 1993 model. It had many of the same characteristics as the 1967-year model: 2-door, 4-seat coupe or convertible (available on the ’94 model). In addition to the ‘67 options there was a new optional T-top roof. The rear-wheel drive transmissions were available with either a 6- or 8-cylinder engine. Design changes for the ’97 included a restyled interior that was modified again for the ’98. The engine was replaced with the same all-aluminum LS1 that was in the Corvette C5. From 1999 to 2002 there were very few changes to the Camaro. The fourth generation model was manufactured through the 2002 model, making for 35 years of continuous production of the Camaro. There was a 35th Anniversary Edition offered on all three models (base, Z28 and SS), available only as a convertible or T-top. Sales of the Camaro had dwindled, while the demand was increasing for 4- and 6-cylinder cars. Production of the Camaro ended after the 2002 model.

But, for anyone who hasn’t yet heard, there is a hot new fifth-generation Camaro being released this spring. The design inspiration for the 2010 Camaro is based on the original, first-generation Camaro. It will be offered as a sport coupe in three trim levels: LS, LT and SS. The LS and LT models will be powered by a 300hp V-6 engine, and the SS by a 422hp V-8 engine. In addition, Bluetooth wireless technology and USB connectivity will be available on some models. Quite marked a development since the release of the 1967 Camaro! Once again, the Chevy Camaro will be competing with the Mustang. Ford introduced the fifth-generation Mustang in 2005, taking the famous pony car back to its roots as well. It should be quite a showdown as these two muscle cars compete once again.