It was 48 years ago when Ronald Reagan was sworn in as the Governor of California and the self-titled Doors album was released. In 1967, when it came to the Chevrolet cars we could buy, the SS 396 Chevelle took a hit in the performance area. The L78 was not available, and the L34 dropped 10 horsepower. This was a result of a new GM rule governing the horsepower allowances for all cars other than the Corvette.

With a few small-scale changes, the Impala was back with a new, flowing roofline for the Sports Coupes and SS models. Other than this roofline, Super Sport models were probably the most changed. They were distinguished by black grille, body-side, and rear fender accents. This year, the Caprice became a standalone model after being introduced as an option package in 1966. Finally, the L36 427ci big block was rated at 385 horsepower, and the L72 427 that was available in 1966 Impala was not offered in the 1967 Impala.

This was the first year of Camaro production, it was available in a hardtop or convertible, with three different option packages, nearly 80 different factory options. It was first marketed as a “road machine” and promised buyers “wide stance stability, and big car power.” The RS package included numerous cosmetic changes including a blacked-out grill with hidden headlights, revised parking and taillights, upgraded interior trim, and RS badging.

If you ordered your Camaro with the SS package, under the hood was either a 350ci V8, or later in the year, an available 396ci engine that produced 325 horsepower. Eventually, a 375 horsepower version would be available. Although not initially available, the late-year introduced Z28 included front disc brakes and a Muncie four-speed transmission. The all-new 302ci V8 was rated at 290 horsepower, but was rumored to actually have much more.

The Nova continued to provide dependable and economical transportation by offering consumers five engine and three transmission options. These included the 194ci six-cylinder engine with 120 horsepower, the 283ci V8 with 195 horsepower, the 327ci V8 with 275 horsepower, and another 327ci V8 with 325 horsepower.

Although it was 48 years ago, do you remember what you were driving–if you could drive?