Finding a Camaro for Sale – Know Your Camaro History

History of the Camaro, and Finding Camaros For Sale

1966 Camaro

On September 26 , 1966, a legend was born; this is the year the Chevy Camaro was introduced. Today this is still an automobile loved by thousands and envied by even more. Camaro enthusiasts come in every shape, size, and gender and age range. Yes guys even the girls love the classics. The Camaro production run began as a '67 model and ran until 2002 with four distinct generations, and a fifth soon to come. Here we will look at what made this car great starting with the first generation in Camaro history.

1st Generation Camaro

The first Camaro was released in late 1966 with a 1967 production date. This means that the car was actually made in 1966 but the title will reflect 1967 as the year of the vehicle. This first generation would last until 1969.

In 1966, the executives of Chevrolet knew they had to come up with an answer to Fords Mustang. This fast little car was out doing the Corvair in sales and showed no signs of letting up especially after some bad press from Ralph Nader. To compete with Ford the Camaro was conceived.

The Camaro was built on GM's F-body style with rear wheel drive and would come out in several engines sizes between 1967 and 1969. Camaro specs include these engine sizes:

o             3.8 L (230)

o             4.1 L (250)

o             4.9 L (302)

o             5.4 L V-8 (327)

o             5.7 L V-8 (350)

o             6.5 L V-8 (396)

o             7.0 L V-8 (427) - 1969 only

1967

The 1967 Camaro shared many mechanical features with the 1968 Chevy II Nova three main packages were available.

The RS package was an appearance package that came with hidden headlights, revamped taillights and RS emblems; this package was available on all models.

Super sport or SS as it is known to car junkies was also made available for the Camaro. The SS was available in two engine sizes the 350 V-8 and the 396 big block V-8. With large V-8 engines and a subcompact design, these cars were built for speed. You will find the SS emblems on the grille, front fenders, gas cap and horn. It was also possible to order it with both the SS and RS package giving you a Camaro RS/SS.

The Z28 option was also released in 1967 but it was not advertised so buyers were unaware of it initially. The Z28 option code featured power disc brakes on the front and a Muncie 4-speed manual transmission. This year had a 302 small block V-8 and was built to compete in the Trans Am series, which required an engine size of less than 305 cubic inch. Only 602 Z28's were sold in 1967 so if you find a '67 Z28 for sale today you might want to give it a second look.

2nd Generation

The second generation of Camaro history would see some marked body changes. While still built on the uni-body frame the 1970 Camaro specs included a wider body that was significantly longer than previous years. The new body style was inspired at least in part by the Aston Martin and Ferrari. This new body would also include fast back design and wider doors to allow easier access to the back seat.

1970-1981

Like its predecessors, the 1970 Camaro would include all three-performance packages. The car would release with the option of two base engines, the six cylinder 250 cid and the eight cylinder 396 cid. By all accounts, the preferred package on this year model was the sporty Z28. In this year, the Z28 350 cid engine was built special and included premium parts and components. The less radical cam in this model allowed for a 400 turbo automatic transmission for the very first time. The 1970 Camaro was not released until February of '70 and led many to incorrectly call it 1970 ½. Later models were less desirable due to stricter emission laws that the addition of the heavy bumpers because of a federal mandate. For twelve years there were few changes to the Camaro, below we will highlight each year's changes:

o           1971- Relatively minor appearance changes including the addition of the high back bucket seats with adjustable headrests.

o            1972- A strike at UAW plant in Ohio led to the scrapping of over 1100 unfinished Camaros'. This was the last year for the SS option and nearly the last year in Camaro history. Strict emission controls and need for fuel economy were crippling the high performance reputation of sports cars.

o            1973- The 396 cid could no longer be ordered and the horsepower was reduced due to the addition of emission controls. A switch from solid lifter to hydraulic allowed for air conditioning on the Z28 models. For the first time the Z28 would come without the striping and emblems. More changes included the console mounted automatic shifter and a return to the popular power windows not seen since 1969.

o             1974- The Camaro grew another seven inches in length, went from round to rectangular tail lights and was the last year of the flat back glass.

o             1975- This year was the end of the Z28; higher emission standards have continually eaten away at performance and spelled the end of extreme horsepower. This was the first year for the new catalytic converters, which also ended the true dual exhaust systems. Some additions this year were the new wrap around back glass, air conditioning on 6 cylinders and power door locks.

o             1976- This year seen little change but added power brakes as standard equipment on V-8 models. A yellow 1976 Camaro with black racing stripes was featured in the hit movie transformers.

o             1977- The Z28 returns as a 1977 ½ much to the excitement of Camaro lovers. Increases in technology have the '77 Z28 turning in times on the track comparable to the ‘60's models.

o             1978- New bumpers, body kits and T-tops have this year rating the most one-year sales since 1969.

o             1979- Redesigned flatter instrument panel and the addition of front spoiler and fender flares for the Z28 have left this the highest one-year sales to date in Camaro history.

o             1980- Say good-bye to the inline 4.1 liter 6 cylinder and hello to the 229 V-6. This year had no V-8 option for any model except the Z28.

o            1981- Last year of the second generation saw dismal sales as customers awaited the release of the third generation Camaro. Little was changed from 1980 except for the tranny options on the Z28 with the 350-cid engine. The only transmission you could get was an automatic; the four-speed lover had to go to the smaller 305.

Camaro history has seen ups and downs through the years with three more generations to come. Generations 3 and 4 would see major changed in materials and technology. The third generation would sport options like third brake lights, 15 or 16-inch wheels and was the first generation to sport throttle body fuel injection. It was also the generation that would first release the IROC, international race of champions, Camaro for sale. The fourth generation saw ever-increasing demands for fuel economy and speed and led to more extensive uses of plastic over steel that is common today. This generation ran from 1993 until 2002 when the Camaro sales numbers fell to a level that did not warrant redesign. The generation was ended with the production of 3000 35th anniversary editions only available in convertible or T-top design. The final fourth generation Camaro rolled off the assembly line on August 27th 2002.

Camaro lovers are waiting with baited breathe for the fifth generation that will go on sale in February of '09. Camaro history will begin a new and you will once again see the Camaro for sale at your local dealer. Be sure to check out the large selection of Old Cars For Sale while you are here.

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