"1st-gen 67, 68, 69 Chevrolet Camaros hits the ground running" by Paul Malessa aka Zorly
1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 pics - by Rich Niewiroski Jr.
The Camaro series continues with this article covering some of the details of the 1st generation model.
1968 Chevrolet Camaro Rally SS pictures
GM released the Camaro towards the end of 1966 as the 1967 model. Also, the Pontiac Firebird evolved along the side of this new Chevrolet, but we deal directly with the Camaro in this series.
1st gen Camaro powered by GM Performance Parts pictures
The original Camaro rolled through much of its prototype, testing and development stages being known as the XP-836. Later, the car was labeled as the Chaparral, and a few other names, as it neared the actual production phase. It is rumored that the car was finally named the Camaro because nobody knew what it meant.
The Camaro is reborn for 2010
2010 New Mustang Badge
The Ford Mustang is mostly responsible for the Camaro coming into existence with a vengeance.
Make no mistake about it. The Camaro was released to do battle with the awesome Ford Mustang which was dominating (and had actually started) this pony car class of automobiles. The General Motors Corvair didn't have what it would take to hold the front lines for Chevrolet in this war (plus the Corvair was getting some bad press). Also, there were already nearly 1 1/2 million Mustangs to contend with. These cars were considered the compacts for their day. The new Camaro would have no time to pussyfoot around.
67 Chevy Camaro picture - media.motortopia.com
The 67 Camaro was released on an all new GM F-body platform, and was available as a 2-door coupe or convertible. Within 90 days of introduction there was a broad choice of engines ranging between a 230 cu in 140 hp inline-6, and the V8 which went from the 302 cu in (4.9 L), 307 cu in (5.0 L), 327 cu in (5.4 L), 350 cu in (5.7 L), on up to the Turbo-Jet 396 cu in 375 hp (6.5 L) V8 powerplant. See the 1967 Motor-Trend road test on the SS 350. A 1967 Camaro RS/SS-396 convertible was selected to pace the Indianapolis 500 during this year. Also, a number of 67 Camaro's were converted to Yenko 427 power by the famous Yenko Chevrolet of Cannonsburg, PA.
Yenko Camaro 427 emblem image
Models available with the 1967 Camaro were the Base Coupe and convertible, the RS Rally Sport Coupe and convertible, the Z28 and Z28 RS Rally Sport Coupe, the Indy 500 Pace Car Replica, the SS Super Sport and convertible, and the SS RS Super Sport Rally Sport Coupe and convertible.
1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Spec Sheet image
The 1968 Camaro had mainly small cosmetic changes on the exterior, and the motors were about the same with the exception of L89 "rat" 396 big block which was essentially the "regular" L78 396 with expensive aluminum heads, and because of this expense only 272 "68" Camaro's were built with this option.
L78 396 in a 1970 Chevy Camaro pictures - bgautosales.com
69 Chevy Camaro pictures - aftermarketspecialists.com
The 1969 Camaro saw an overall restyling on the exterior which was meant to give the vehicle a more aggressive look. There was also the JL8 4-wheel power disk brake option of which only 206 were built because of the high cost.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1 spec sheets image
Cherry 69 Chevy Camaro Yenko 427 c.i. picture - camaro5.com
There were still the slew of motor options available, but this year saw two 427 engine packages added to the lineup. The first was the ZL1 (highly collectible) full race aluminum block, aluminum head V8, which again because of the high cost saw a total of only 69 produced. The other 427 was the L72 iron block 425 hp motor originally found in the 66 Corvette.
1969 Chevy Camaro Super Sport Coupe images
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Looking for a 1968 Camaro ?
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First generation (1st gen) Chevy Camaro Videos:
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First ever Chevy Camaro Commercial
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Following are a few YouTube videos from some hardcore Camaro enthusiasts:
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69 Chevrolet Camaro SS with the new kid on the block
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Multi-generation Chevrolet Camaros Video
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1969 Camaro Buildup - Ned Jackson
For more information on the 1st generation Camaro go to FIRSTGENCAMARO.COM. They are a masterpiece of information for this model.
Finally, there is some good information on decoding the First Generation Chevy Camaro VIN, and more, over at Chevy-Camaro.com.
Lastly, don’t forget the 2010 5th Gen Chevrolet Camaro is "ready 2 rock"
Visit the Camaro “American Metal Racing” modern muscle cars index for more information, images and videos.
[ref] wikipedia.org, hemmings.com, howstuffworks.com
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This series is dedicated to the Chevrolet Camaro 5th Generation Camaro enthusiast. We include details and news on the GM base LS, the LLT, the RS package, and new SS Muscle Car model. We cover the LLT 3.6L V6, LS3 and L99 6.2L V8, any racing engine, crate motor, or hot rod tuning subject, as all are game for discussion. Factory stock General Motors Camaros, the engines and options, performance and horsepower specialty tuners, and aftermarket parts to make a modified Camaro the fastest or quickest are what we are all about. The main years of interest are 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and beyond for the future.
Read through the American Metal site archives for more high tech info on the exotic 5th gen super Camaro. The sites index also display archive info on the new coupe and convertible Camaro sports car. The cars design, concept, and high performance aspects are all explored. See the site wallpaper galleries for both the Camaro and Corvette via this free wallpapers link.
Use any information with caution and common sense. The articles contain information from many sources, and it is impossible to verify the accuracy on each of these sources, so please do your own research before reacting to anything, and consult your local professional for guaranteed information.
Visit the Zorly Camaro American Metal Home Page, or view the entire index. Also see the Corvette American Metal site. Thanks for the interest!
Camaro "American Metal Racing" by Zorly aka Paul Malessa
Also visit the Modeling in Motion websites
Tampa Bay and Orlando areas, FL USA
 Six Speed.jpg "SS model TR6060 (MH3) Camaro Six Speed manual transmission picture - Opens in this window - Camaro American Metal muscle cars by Zorly")
