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While the 2012 model year marks the 45th anniversary of the Camaro, it was actually 45 years ago today that the ‘67 Camaro model was released for sale. To celebrate this day in history, we take a trip back to see just how the Chevy Camaro has grown over the years.
With big dreams of creating the best Ford Mustang competitor, Chevrolet created the Camaro in 1966 to be released as a 1967 model. Based on the to-be-debuted ‘68 Chevy Nova, the Camaro shared many design cues and components with the other Chevrolet model. The press first got a glimpse of the first Camaro on September 12th, 1966 in Detroit, Michigan and the model went on sale on September 29th, 1966 at dealerships. Offered in either a base model, RS or SS version, Camaro buyers had six engine options to choose from in addition to many transmission choices. In December of 1966, the Z/28 model was introduced. The first generation Camaro only lasted three years, being retired for a redesigned second generation for the 1970 model year.
The second generation Camaro hit the market late compared to traditional model year releases, going on sale in February of 1970. The new generation brought a Ferrari-inspired design and a vast array of engine and design/performance package choices. Larger than its predecessor, the second-gen Camaro maintained its unibody structure used in the first generation cars, as well as its front subframe and A-arm front suspension. In 1974, the Camaro saw cosmetic changes and 1975 marked a decrease to just three engine choices and the cancellation of the Z/28. In 1977, the Z/28 was reinstated as a new model that concentrated primarily was on handling. The Camaro saw another set of cosmetic changes in 1978 that ran until the second generation ended in 1981.
The third generation brought about many changes for the Camaro. Not only was there a significant redesign of the body including the new hatchback design, the Camaro also got modern fuel injection, 5-speed manual and 700R4 automatic transmission options, and most notably, a four-cylinder base engine. The third generation saw a large improvement in performance with the introduction of the ‘85 IROC-Z and the Tuned Port Injection engine available only with a four-speed automatic transmission for the IROC model.
The 1987 model was offered with a convertible top, the first Camaro convertible available since the first generation of the car. Created to help the Camaro win showroom stock road races, the 1LE, or the road racing package was offered on the IROC-Zs starting in 1988. Chevrolet killed the IROC-Z in 1990 and the third generation in 1992.
In true generation-change tradition, the fourth generation Camaro was completely redesigned with a new f-body platform. The model was offered with either a V6 or an LT1 V8 engine that had been debuted in the ‘92 Corvette. For the 1998 model year, the Camaro’s interior was revamped. The model also saw rounder body lines and flush-mount headlights, as well as the introduction of the LS1 engine standard in the Z28 and the SS. In 2002, Chevrolet decided to kill the Camaro model all together, to the demise of Camaro fans.
As we all know, however, that wasn’t the last we saw of the iconic Camaro. With the Ford Mustang once again making great gains in the automotive market, Chevrolet released the fifth-generation Camaro in 2009 as a 2010 model. When it debuted, the fifth-gen was offered in a base LT, as well as an LS and SS model. Taking design cues from the first generation Camaros, the fifth generation model is once again boxier with a true muscle car stance. With either a 3.4L V6 or a 6.2L V8, the fifth-generation Camaros are proving to be the most performance oriented cars of the bunch. Next year, the fated ZL-1 will be released as the most powerful factory Camaro to ever hit the market.
Back in April we reported on GM’s unveil of the 45th Anniversary Camaro. While we appreciate the tradition of special anniversary editions being kept up, we felt it was necessary to not only celebrate Camaro’s 45th anniversary, but also the models true sales release.
Happy Birthday Camaro! Our hats go off to an iconic muscle car that has been a staple in so many Chevy enthusiasts’ lives since it became available on September 29th, 1966.
