In the summer of 1967, Chevrolet was facing a new challenge. The Mustang, Ford’s revolutionary muscle car, was quickly gaining traction among car enthusiasts. The pressure was mounting, and Chevrolet knew they needed a vehicle that could rival the Mustang’s dominance. Enter the 1968 Chevrolet Camaro—a vehicle that would not only compete but establish its own legacy in American muscle car history.
Source: Crown Classics
The 1968 Chevrolet Camaro marked the debut of an iconic muscle car that would go on to dominate the roads for decades. Known for its aggressive styling and powerful engine options, the Camaro quickly became synonymous with American performance cars. Built to compete directly with the Ford Mustang, it offered a mix of power, handling, and affordability that set it apart in the growing muscle car market.
While it was initially intended to be a pony car—sporting a smaller size and more affordable price—its performance capabilities soon propelled it into muscle car status. It was offered in multiple body styles, including coupe and convertible, with a wide range of engine choices, from a 230-cubic inch inline-six to a 396-cubic inch V8 for those seeking maximum power. Whether in the hands of an enthusiast or displayed in the showroom of a vintage car dealer, the 1968 Camaro was a standout.
Source: Vintage Car Collector
The 1968 Camaro was conceived as a direct competitor to the Ford Mustang, which had captured the hearts of American car buyers when it was introduced in 1964. Chevrolet knew it had to create something equally dynamic to carve out its place in the muscle car market.
General Motors had already dabbled in performance with vehicles like the Chevrolet Corvette, but the Camaro was different. It was designed to be a more accessible, mass-market car that could be customized to suit various customer tastes, from basic commuter cars to high-performance machines. Under the direction of chief engineer Pete Estes, Chevrolet’s design team worked feverishly to create a car that combined style, speed, and the ability to make a statement on the road.
The Camaro’s design was based on the F-body platform, which would go on to be used for subsequent generations of the vehicle. It featured a long hood, short rear deck, and wide stance—characteristics that would become hallmarks of the Camaro brand. Initially, it was available in two models: the Camaro Sport Coupe and the Camaro RS, which was the rally sport trim, offering features like hidden headlights.
By the time it was released, the Chevrolet Camaro was ready to take on the Mustang—and the automotive world was forever changed.
The 1968 Model Year
Source: Driving Emotions
The 1968 Camaro saw some exciting changes and refinements from its debut. While the first-year model was an instant hit, Chevrolet quickly made improvements and updates based on customer feedback. The 1968 model received a more refined design, with sharper lines and an aggressive stance that hinted at its performance capabilities.
The most notable change was the introduction of the Camaro SS (Super Sport) trim. This model came with the powerful 396-cubic inch V8 engine, producing an impressive 375 horsepower. The SS model was marketed as a street machine, designed to provide both speed and style. Additionally, the Z/28 package was introduced, which included racing-inspired features such as upgraded suspension, brakes, and a high-performance engine.
The 1968 Camaro was also notable for its interior changes. A new, more modern dashboard was introduced, featuring a cleaner layout and better instrumentation for the driver. The car was available with a range of options, including bucket seats, air conditioning, and AM/FM radios, making it as customizable as it was powerful.
In terms of production numbers, over 200,000 units were sold in 1968, showing the growing popularity of the Camaro. Its success solidified the Camaro’s place in the muscle car era and established it as a key player in the market alongside the Mustang.
Did You Know?
Source: American Muscle Car Museum
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