05-14-03:Well its been a while since I have even updated this site, and its just been a busy year. Im graduating high school, working on my third gen Camaro, just havent had any computer time. But Im back and the site is back in business. Hope to get some more info up soon, trying to do some pace car info, and adding other models. Thanx.
I would like to give credit to the people at the First Generation Camaro website for the pictures of the cars with the FGC label on them.
The first Camaro model was the 1967, introduced on September 26, 1966. At the time of introduction, several important options were not available. These included the RPO-Z28 Special Performance Package, and the 396-cid displacement engine for Camaro SS models
This is a 1969 SS Tuxeudo Black Camaro with white Z28 racing stripes.
The 1967 model was the only first generation Camaro to have both rear shocks mounted forward of the rear axle. Later years changed to a staggered arrangement to counter wheel hop. The 1967 was the only Camaro to feature a right-side traction bar, also to counter wheel hop. The traction bar was standard equipment for all Z28 models, and was installed on other high performance models. The 1967 Camaros did not have side marker lights.
A 1969 RS/SS Camaro Convertible. Tuxeudo Black with white SS stripes.
The 1967 Camaro was the only Camaro model to have its VIN tag mounted to the door hinge pillar. The VIN tags of later models moved to positions visible through the windshield. The bumblebee nose stripe was part of the SS package at the start of 1967 production, but became a separate option (RPO-D91) in March 1968.
A blue 1969 SS Camaro.
Chevrolet built three special Camaro pace cars for the 1967 Indianapolis 500 auto race. It also built 78 lookalikes for complimentary use by race officials and dignitaries during the month preceding the race. After the race, these lookalikes were sold to the public as used cars. All were white SS/RS convertibles with Bright Blue custom interiors. Other options varied. All had "Chevrolet Camaro Official Pace Car 51st Annual Indianapolis 500 Mile Race - May 30, 1967" decals on their doors.
Chevrolet also built anywhere from 100-560 Pace Car Replicas for a special "Pacesetter" campaign which ran through June, plus 21 cars exported to Canada. The actual number of these cars is unknown, this number is my guess
A 1969 Tuxeudo Black RS Camaro.
When first introduced in September 1966, the 1967 Camaro SS came only with a 350-cid engine, an engine displacement exclusive to the Camaro within the Chevrolet line that year. In November 1966, the 396-cid engine was added to the SS option list.
Though similar to 1968, the 1967 instrument panel was unique to the year. Its padding did not fold over the corners as did the following year. And, with the exception of air conditioned models, the 1967 instrument panel did not have the side air (Astro Ventilation) vents.
A 1969 Hugger Orange RS Camaro Convertible.
The ignition for the 1967 model (and 1968) was located on the dash.
The first Z28 models were built starting on December 29, 1966, and low volume delivery began in January 1967. The Z28 was initially developed as a contender for the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) Trans Am sedan racing series. The series had a displacement limit of 305 cubic inches which the Z28 met by combining a 327-cid Chevrolet block with a 283-cid Chevrolet crankshaft for a 4" x 3" stroke that yielded 302.3 cubic inches.
The "Z" in Z28 was at first nothing more than another option code, along with others like Z23 for the Special Interior Group, or Z87 for the Custom Interior. But the Z28 had a special ring to it and became the model's official name. However, the Z28's built in 1967 carried no external identification other than wide racing stripes. Convertibles could not be ordered with the ZZ8 option.
Chevrolet listed curb weights for the 1967 Camaro as 2,910 pounds for the 6-cylinder coupe, 3,070 pounds for the 8-cylinder coupe, 3,165 pounds for the 6-cylinder convertible, and 3,325 for the 8-cylinder convertible. Add 21 pounds for power windows, 20 pounds for the folding rear seat, 86 pounds for air conditioning, 9 pounds for power brakes, 23 pounds for front disc brakes, 10 pounds for the 250-cid 6-cylinder engine, 39 pounds for the 327-cid V-8 engine, 72 pounds for the 350-cid V-8 engine, 258 pounds for the 396-cid V-8 engine, 7 pounds for the four speed manual transmission, 14 pounds for the Powerglide, 56 pounds for the Turbo Hydra-Matic, 38 pounds for dual exhaust, 29 pounds for power steering, 15 pounds for heavy duty battery, 8 pounds for an AM radio, 9 pounds for an AM-FM radio, and 17 pounds for the Rally Sport.
The 1967 was the only Camaro model to feature side vent windows.
The headlight door covers of the 1967 Camaro were electrically operated. Later model years were vacuum operated.
All 1967 Camaros had single leaf rear springs.
The center console design used in 1967 was unique to the year. Additionally, the design of the optional instrument grouping which mounted to the console was unique to 1967. The secondary instrument cluster consisted of fuel gauge, temperature gauge, oil gauge, ammeter, and clock.
The first 1967 Camaro built at the Norwood, Ohio, plant had a VIN ending in N100001; the first built at the Van Nuys, California, plant had a VIN ending in L100001.
When Chevrolet decided to add a Super Sport option to the Camaro line, they made sure that it would continue the tradition of high performance. Curiously, Chevy never called it a Super Sport, referring to the option only as "SS."
The first engine offered in the Camaro SS was the 295 horsepower 350 cubic inch engine. This was the only Camaro offered with the new 350. In November of 1966 Chevrolet introduced the 396 Mk IV big block, producing 325 horsepower, to the SS lineup.
When the Camaro was chosen to pace the Indy 500 in 1967, Chevrolet chose their top performer, the 396 Camaro SS. All the Pace Car replicas were SS/RS convertibles.
The engine RPO identified the car as an SS. In 1967 the Trim Tag included info about options such as the SS in Group 4. An SS350 was a "P", a 396/325 was an "N", and a 396/375 was a "K"
1967 Production
L35, Camaro SS; includes special hood and ornaments, front header panel paint stripes, underhood insulation, special nylon red stripe tires, 14x6 wheels, suspension features, fender SS emblems and SS emblems on radiator grille and gas filler cap; with 325-hp Turbo-Jet 396-cid engine. $ 263.30, 1,003 built.
L48, Camaro SS; with 295-hp Turbo-Fire 350-cid engine. $210.65, 29,270 built.
L78, Camaro SS; with 375-hp Turbo-Jet 396-cid engine. $500.30, 1,138 built.
1967 Production
Coupe - 195,765
Conv. - 25,141
SS - 34,411
Total - 255,317
1968
Introduced on 9-21-67
The 1968 Camaro looked very similar to the 1967 externally. Small body changes included the addition of side marker lights (due to a new gov�ernment mandate), a pointier front grille, and divided rear taillights. Due to the 1968's new Astro Ventilation fresh-air-inlet system, gone were the side window windwings.
Engine offerings for 1968 were nearly identical to those of 1967, with the exception of the RPO L89 option that fitted aluminum cylinder heads to the RPO L78 396 big-block V8. Due to the high cost of the L89 option ($868.95), only 272 1968 Camaro's were fitted with this performance upgrade.
The 1968 Camaro's suspension was much im�proved, thanks to the new five-leaf rear springs that worked with repositioned rear shocks. The new rear suspension not only delivered improved handling, but virtually eliminated wheelhop.
Inside, the 1968 Camaro was similar but incorporated a new center console, newly styled door panels, and circular Astro Ventilation vents on the outer edges of the dash. Although the 1968 had new seat covers, the big news was the availability of trendy-looking houndstooth seat fabric.
1968 Production
Coupe - 214,707
Conv. - 20,440
SS - 30,695
Total - 265,842
