Makes and Models: Camaro

The very first Camaro appeared in 1966 as GM’s response to a rising star, Mustang. Even though the name was translated from French as a “comrade”, marketers announced to the press that the word described the little beast that devours mustangs. 

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The Camaro emerged in a golden age of powerful, fast, and furious muscle cars that seemed to know no limits. It was an unusual automobile in every respect, unlike any other GM creation. Compact, stylish, and super fast, a real companion for those who loved the heavy smell of gasoline, the roar of powerful engines, and speed. Even though the name translated from French as a “comrade”, representatives of Chevrolet decided to maintain a visible hatred of the competitor and announced that they had created a small beast that devoured mustangs. And although this bold statement was not quite accurate (at least for the first generation), the Camaro became an iconic model for Chevrolet, which was appreciated, loved, and even adored by youth.

The origins

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In 1964, when Ford introduced its  Mustang, General Motors decided to see how its rival’s four-door sports car would unfold. However, after the latter’s unbelievable success, GM took action and in 1966 released its first pony car, the Camaro. The first generation of the “Small, Angry Mustang Eating Animal” was available in two body styles (coupe and convertible), with over 80 optional factory features. The most powerful of the four standard engines of the first generation was the V8 5.7 liters engine with 255 hp. There were also several modifications available, the most popular of which were the SS and Z-28. The second generation of the model appeared already in 1970 turning the most successful for the company, so it was produced without major changes for 12 years, until 1981. The car received more European body features, lengthened by 5 cm. However, the promised 7.4-liter engine was not implemented due to the crisis, so the new generation of Camaro was driven by a 6.5-liter engine marked the “396”. The most popular modification of the Z-28 underwent the greatest changes, the engine of which was equipped with an automatic gearbox for the first time. Until 1975, annually Chevrolet Camaros only lost power, up to 105 hp, but even this did not prevent it from being one of the most popular vehicles of the time: in 1977 the model’s sales even exceeded the Mustang’s sales. In 1978, the T-top body modification appeared with a new shape of bumpers and enlarged rear lights. In 1981, the air intake Z-28 was redesigned which changed it slightly. Despite this, sales fell significantly and the company decided to stop producing the second generation.

The 1973 model year

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In 1973, the model underwent several notable changes and updates. The base model saw the introduction of a larger front bumper, providing increased protection in the event of an 8 km/h impact. Meanwhile, the RS package replaced the front bumper with a plastic grille surround, adding a touch of modernity to the design. Notably, the SS model with the powerful 402 big-block V8 engine was replaced by the LT trim package, which was compatible with both the RS and Z28 packages. The LT trim package, available for an additional $396, offered a range of enhancements. These included variable-ratio power steering, sporty mirrors, hidden windshield wipers, Rally wheels, a full-gauge veneer instrument panel, and improved soundproofing. Despite the challenging economic climate, Chevrolet aimed to provide customers with added value and an enhanced driving experience. However, the 1973 model year experienced a decrease in engine performance due to tightening emission regulations. The 4.1-liter 6-cylinder engine experienced a significant drop in power, losing up to 100 horsepower. Similarly, the 5-liter V8 307 engine saw a reduction of up to 115 horsepower, and the 5.7-liter V8 350 engine had power outputs of either 145 or 175 horsepower, depending on the carburetor. The high-performance Z28 version, equipped with the LT1 engine, featured hydraulic valve lifters and delivered 245 horsepower in 1973. Chevrolet also offered air conditioning as an optional feature to enhance comfort during the warmer months. Despite the challenging economic climate and the impact of tightening regulations on engine performance, the vehicle continued to enjoy increasing sales. In 1973 alone, an estimated 96,751 vehicles were sold, indicating the enduring popularity and appeal of this iconic American muscle car.

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In 1973, Chevrolet decided to stop the production of the powerful SS version. The production ceased and it was not offered anymore because of the fuel crisis. 

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After the launch of Ford’s compact sports coupe, Mustang, General Motors was determined to keep up with its main competitor and began working on its sports vehicle on the rear-wheel drive “F” platform. Three years later, the Chevrolet Camaro already won the hearts of the reckless youth in the US and Canada.

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Camaro appeared in 1966 as a response to the new star –  Ford Mustang. The first generation was available in convertible and hardtop coupe bodies, also in any of 80 factory and 40 dealer advanced options and accessories, and four base engines. It was a success! Even though many connoisseurs of classic automobiles believed that the success of the first generation was exaggerated, still, the Camaro was a phenomenon. It should be admitted that the first generation had that piece of the classic, which made it everyone’s darling in the 60s. It was smaller, but thanks to just this difference and some classic elements of the body, the vehicle differed from its competitors in originality. Entry-level automobiles were equipped with an in-line V6 engine with a minimum power of 140 hp. For additional payment, other modifications of the vehicle were offered, equipped with a V8 with power from 200 to 375 hp.

The origins

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The muscle car appeared in 1966 and was available in convertible and hardtop coupe bodies, including the installation of 80 factory and 40 dealer advanced options and accessories, and one of four basic engines. Even though many connoisseurs of classic cars believed that the success of the first generation was exaggerated, still, the Camaro was a phenomenon. The first generation had that piece of the original classic, appreciated by many motorists of the 60s. It was smaller, but thanks to this difference and some classic elements of the body, the automobile differed from its competitors in originality. Entry-level cars were equipped with an in-line V6 engine with a minimum power of 140 hp. For additional payment, forced modifications of the car were offered, equipped with a V8 with power from 200 to 375 hp. The new platform was exclusive to the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird and was designated the F-body. It included a separate front subframe for the engine and transmission, connected to the main body via rubber mounts to minimize noise and vibration. The front suspension of the vehicle was independent, on wishbones of unequal length and coil springs with anti-roll bar, the rear suspension was dependent, on longitudinal “Mono-Plate” single-leaf springs with telescopic shock absorbers. Five power units were installed under the hood, most of them from the mid-size Chevelle model.

The 1969 model year

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1969 was a year of great restyling for the model,  making it more aggressive. As a result of restyling, the body became lower and longer. In 1969, the vehicle also changed the shape of the wings, doors, and tail section. The standard version featured a metal-framed V-shaped cellular grille with 13 vertical and 5 horizontal cells with deep-set headlights. In addition to the basic configuration, the model was produced in the RS, SS, and Z/28 packages. The RS package received a black grille with smaller cages, headlight blinds with three horizontal slots, chrome sill moldings, and horizontally split tail lights. Restyling in 1969 also touched the interior, which was completely redone. The new instrument panel consisted of two symmetrical, inward-turned square cells with recessed round sensors, the ventilation and radio control next to them, and additional instruments on the console. The steering wheel was two-spoke (for RS – three-spoke). New headrests were all-vinyl or could be done with cloth inserts. The list of options included disc brakes on all wheels and headlight washers.  In addition, the number of available engines gradually expanded to 10, and many new custom transmissions and trim options appeared. In 1969, a 200-hp 5-liter V8 307 was added to the standard engine range, and a 5.7-liter V8 350 with 250 hp. The SS package was equipped with a 5.7-liter V8 350 engine (300 hp) or a 6.5-liter V8 396 (325, 350, or 375 hp).  In total,  243,095 cars were sold, where 37,773 were in the RS version and 33,980 in the SS version. Moreover, the 1969 release was used as a pace car in the Indianapolis 500. In this regard, the company produced 3,475 “Pacesetter” convertibles for $3,500. All of them were painted white with orange stripes.

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The company recently conducted a poll that the 1969 Camaro was recognized as the best car in the entire 100-year history of the company. Classic Auto valued the 1969 model above all other brand’s vehicles. Its aggressive design, which even influenced the modern 2006 Chevrolet Camaro, was the main factor in its appeal.

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A pronounced sporty silhouette with a long hood, a short trunk, and a cabin shifted back. Whether “Companion” or “Mustang-eating monster,” the Camaro was one of the fastest, most stylish, and most muscular vehicles of the 60s.

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Those were the turbulent years when a new automobile class emerged, pioneered with the iconic Mustang. 2 years later, GM launched its pony car Camaro. Like other “Detroit monsters” of the second half of the sixties, it became the true personification of its era – terrible and beautiful. The anti-war procession raged. The youth revolted in full, smoked marijuana, and listened to Jim Morrison. Camaro, in general, perfectly embodied the era: its target audience lived one day, and rushed into the future with a fantastic roar, leaving behind black marks from burnt tires. The Camaro was the dream of newly licensed youngsters and soldiers in the hellish jungles of Vietnam, where sometimes the most vivid memory of home was the thunderous roar of this iron monster.

The origins

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The automobile was first shown in September 1966 but appeared on sale as a 1967 model-year automobile. General Motors believed in their extensive and powerful muscle cars with the Super Sport package before the advent of the Mustang. However, the resounding success of the Ford pony car (over 100,000 Mustangs were sold in three months) sowed panic in GM. It became clear that a new “Pony era” was coming, and GM risked being left behind. So, the development of a new vehicle, codenamed XP-836, quickly began. Chevrolet CEO Pete Estes and GM Styling studio head Bill Mitchell led the project. However, the automobile owed its success to chief engineer Don McPherson, exterior designer Henry Hage, and interior designer George Engersbach. Exclusively for the Camaro and also for the Pontiac Firebird, a new F-body platform was developed. It included a separate front subframe for the engine and transmission, connected to the main body via rubber mounts to minimize noise and vibration. It was produced at factories in Norwood (Ohio) and Van Nuys (California) and at assembly plants in Belgium, Switzerland, Venezuela, Peru, and the Philippines. Although its clear superiority compared to the Mustang, Chevrolet’s new pony car failed to achieve even half of the sales volume of a competitive model.

The 1967 model year

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The model’s first generation (1967-1969) was remarkable not only for its unique design. It was revolutionary because the company offered various engine opportunities of different sizes and power, including body and interior modifications for every taste and pocket. The automobile was equipped with V6 and V8 engines, with a volume of 3.6 to 7.0 liters. Six-cylinder engines had only two varieties: one with a volume of 3.6 liters and 140 hp, and the other with a  3.9 liters volume and 155 hp. There were many more varieties of eight-cylinder engines: a 5.1-liter engine with 210 hp, a 5.1-liter carburetor with four chambers and a power of 275 hp, and a 5.5-liter engine with 295 hp, a 6.2-liter with 325 or 375 hp. The latter was for Super Sport modifications, and the most powerful in this set was a 7-liter engine with a capacity of 425 hp. This engine was installed by special order and only on the most advanced Camaro Z-28 model, produced in Super Sport and Rally Sport varieties. The interior of the vehicle was modern and stylish: power windows, vinyl roof (for a coupe), tinted windows, an independent heater, air conditioning, rear window heating, cruise control, a radio or stereo tape recorder, front seats with headrests or a solid sofa made the model a real road star.

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The 1967 Camaro Z/28, compared with other basic configurations, received a heavy-duty front/ rear suspension and reinforced brakes because it was created specifically for racing.

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On August 11, 1966, the first Chevrolet Camaro rolled off the assembly line at the Norwood, Ohio plant. This iconic car was released to take on the Ford Mustang.

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“A little mustang-eating predator” is how Chevrolet marketers jokingly dubbed their creation. Introduced in 1966, the Camaro sports car was designed as a competitor to the Ford Mustang, which a couple of years earlier had created a new vehicle class and spawned a culture of “pony cars” – compact rear-wheel-drive two-door coupes with a sporty disposition and an affordable price. So, the humorous remarks of the brand’s marketers quite fully characterized the purpose of the novelty. 

It should be mentioned that Ford’s brainchild was not the ancestor of the Pony Car class, as many think because such vehicles were produced by both the Chevrolet and Plymouth brands a little earlier. However, this sportscar with a stallion on the radiator grille created an unprecedented public outcry due to its style, and ideology becoming a hit, reaching a million sold copies in the first year and a half since launch. Chevrolet couldn’t watch its competitor’s incredible success, so the idea of creating a proper rival to the legendary Mustang emerged and finally was introduced on August 11, 1966. The model’s introduction marked the beginning of the era of the legendary automobile family.

The origins

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The first generation of the model was produced with coupe and convertible bodies until 1969 at two factories in the United States. Moreover, models were also assembled in Belgium, Switzerland, Peru, Venezuela, and the Philippines. In 1970, the fight for market share was continued by an updated second-generation beautiful vehicle on the same chassis. At this time, the Chevrolet team was no longer developing the second-generation vehicles in a hurry, but properly thought and arranged, so the car turned out to be even more attractive than its predecessor with a more reliable chassis. However, there were also not pleasant moments during the production of the second generation: the open-top version was no longer produced, and in 1975 the Z28 modification disappeared from the catalogs, which had a 360-horsepower monster in the engine compartment and was able to reach “hundreds” for 6.5 seconds! Rear-wheel drive coupes were equipped with in-line “sixes” 3.8 and 4.7, a V6 3.8 engine, as well as eight-cylinder engines of 5.0, 5.7, 6.5, and 6.6 liters. Second-gen Camaros had mechanical four-speed and automatic three-speed gearboxes.

1977 model year

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The 1977 model year was marked with the return of Z28 modification, as a model rather than an RPO, in response to increased sales of the Pontiac Trans Am, which sold over 46,000 units in 1976 and accounted for half of all Firebird sales that year. The revived Z28 was powered by a 350cc V8 engine, a four-barrel carburetor that produced 185 hp (138 kW; 188 hp) (175 hp with California emissions equipment), with most vehicles sold fitted with air conditioning and automatic transmission. The engine was no longer supplied with the main bearing cylinder block which was part of the RPO Z28 special performance package, the engine that was shared with the Corvette LT. -1 and L82 350 best engines 1970-74. The engine was no longer supplied with a 4-bolt main bearing cylinder block, forged crank, forged pistons, large valve heads, and a working camshaft. The most powerful engine in the 1977 Camaro was the LM1, which was only available for the Z28. This model year, the company’s engineers received an engine with improved intake and exhaust for all cars of the brand. Also, the cars were available with a 4-speed manual transmission Borg-Warner Super T-10. Intermittent wipers for the 1977 model year were offered as a new option, and the 4.1 L engine became the standard in both sports coupes and luxury LT models. Camaro production rose to a record high, reaching 218,853 coupes produced. 

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One of the most important and remarkable achievements of the second-generation Camaro, more precisely, of the 1977 release, was the fact that in 1977 it, at last, was ahead of its sworn enemy, the Ford stallion, in sales, reaching 218 853 sold cars.

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Called the “Super Hugger”, the second-generation Camaro’s basic mechanical layout was taken from its predecessor, with a one-piece structure using a front subframe, A-arms, and coil-spring front suspension and rear springs.

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The history of the Chevrolet Camaro began in 1966. This vehicle was created as a completely new one, even though parts from Corvair and Corvette were used in its design. The Muscle car was supposed to become the main competitor of another popular machine – the Ford Mustang. A year after the release of the model, its sales amounted to 2.2 million copies. A feature of this model was the appearance of the body structure of the front subframe of an impressive size. It was attached to the supporting body, and between them were rubber cushions. Due to this engineering solution, the vehicle had a spacious interior and a relatively large trunk. The machine was offered in several modifications. The most popular of them were SS (Super Sport). In addition, there was a version in which both modifications were combined. It was called RS/SS, but the nameplates on the car were placed at the request of the client, which caused some confusion. The car was equipped with a 5-liter engine with a capacity of 400 liters with a suspension suitable for racing and disc brakes. The rally version of the model (Rally Sport) differed from them mainly externally.

The second generation

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The second generation can be safely considered a typical representative of the American pony cars, which were produced by Chevrolet from 1970 to 1981. The start of production of the new generation was in the spring of 1970. The design of the new model became more European: it differed from the first cars of this model in that it was longer, lower and wider. Also, from 1970 Chevrolet discontinued convertible production. The new release became more like a “driver’s car” than its predecessor. The engine remained practically the same with a little increase – 0.1 liters were to its volume. However, due to the fuel crisis, in 1971 they began to use engines running on unleaded gasoline, which led to a decrease in their power.

1971 model year

The 1971 release received only minor styling changes from its 1970 counterpart. Inside, new high-back Strato bucket seats with integrated headrests replaced the 1970 low-back seats with adjustable headrests. The biggest change came under the hood: due to GM’s corporate requirement, all engines had to be designed to run on low-octane gasoline with regular, low lead, or unleaded gasoline, requiring a reduction in compression ratio and power ratings. Inline 6-cylinder engine with a volume of 250 in3 (4.1 L), V8 – with a volume of 307 in3 (5.0 L), and a 2-cylinder V8 – with a volume of 350 in3 (5.7 L) remained largely unchanged as they were low compression conventional fuel engines in 1970 and prior years. The power of the LT-1350 V8 engine used in the 1971 release had been reduced from 360 hp SAE up to 330 hp (250 kW) by SAE due to a reduction in compression ratio from 11.0:1 to 10.3:1. The 350cc engine in the 1971 Camaro produced 275 horsepower (205 kW) SAE. The power of the 396 (402 cc) V8 was reduced from 350 to 300 horsepower (220 kW) SAE due to a drop in compression ratio from 10.25:1 to 8.5:1. The 402 cc engine in the Camaro SS 396 1971 produced 260 horsepower (190 kW) on the SAE scale.

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Remarkably, sales and production of the 1971 model were hit hard by the famous 67-day strike at GM in the late 1970s. That already difficult situation was greatly shaken by the continued decline in interest in the pony car market, due to a sharp increase in insurance rates for high-performance machines. Things got to the point that rumors began to spread about the possible cancellation of the Camaro after 1972. The fears were all but confirmed a year later when a strike hit the Norwood assembly plant, which was the only one producing Camaros and Firebirds.

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Lost TV series (2004-2010)

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In general, GM marketers never bat an eye and very actively promoted the concern’s products on the screens as well. Ofter, US’s largest automaker sponsored films, consequently receiving carte blanche to advertise their products in it. Sometimes these appearances were just huge. One such example is the Transformers movie where the first generation Camaro in the full sense of the word became one of the main characters in the film. Screen appearances of the 1971 model are also not uncommon. However, its most striking appearance can be considered in the cult TV series Lost (2004-2010).

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Camaro, without exaggeration, is a legend- a car whose history kept pace with the development of the Chevrolet brand itself. Since 1966,  several generations had been produced, united by a powerful engine and “old school” design.

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– “Camaro”? What does it mean?

– It’s a small, bloodthirsty beast that feeds on Mustangs …

Well, it’s generally accepted that the discussion above is just a legend, but many still believe the conversation took place in late September 1966 between the press and top management of the Chevrolet division of GM. Nevertheless, on this day, September 29, 1966, one of the most formidable and beautiful predators of the automotive world ever hunted on the freeways was presented. And its name was Camaro. With this short capacious word, General Motors answered to Ford, which since April 1964 has been freely driving herds of its Mustangs across the prairies of the American market. It was time to share the territory…

Birth of a LEGEND

According to many analysts, the first response to the Ford Mustang was the elegant Super Nova concept car. It was shown in the spring of 1964 during an exhibition in New York. However, it was not even as closely cool as the wild Mustang. And then designers have gone to bat, and ideas boiled up.

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This is the official version of the events. In fact, General Motors had been looking at this type of vehicle since 1958, involving Pontiac brand designer Bob Porter. In the 60s, four-seater sports cars that possessed similar dimensions and weight to the Mustang were very popular. Every designer dreamed of creating such a car, but at that time these projects did not meet the corporate interests of the US auto giants at all. However, when in 1966 Mustang sales almost hit half a million in a year, GM got seriously interested in what was going on and embarked on the journey to create a rival vehicle. All authority to combat the brood stallions was assigned to the Chevrolet Studio within the GM Design Center, led by Henry C Haga. The work on the interior was entrusted to George Engersbach, who created the salons of such remarkable machines as Corvette, Corvair, and Chevy II.

So “Little Shrimp” or “Companion”?

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Meanwhile, the presentation date was approaching, and the car still did not have a name. The press and GM itself came up with many pilot names, including Nova, Panther, Chaparral, and even Wildcat (later used for Buick). In the end, the car came out with the name “Camaro”. Chevrolet interpreted its origin as the word borrowed from an old French explanatory dictionary, meaning a “friend”, “companion”. Ford, in turn, unearthed another meaning of the word, this time in an old Spanish dictionary – “small shrimp”. The press was having fun with might and main, adding fuel to the flames. A certain journalist discovered another meaning of this word – in slang, “make a Camaro” meant “to guts out” of an opponent. All the fun, however, ended the moment the world witnessed the stunning debut of the 1967 Chevrolet Camaro.

1968 Chevrolet Camaro

The 1968 model came in two body styles – a coupe and a convertible. Moreover, several were available, the most popular of which were the SS and Z28. The most powerful V-shaped eight engine was installed for this machine, with a working volume of 5.7 liters (255 hp). Interestingly, the Z28 modification never appeared in the advertisement, which did not make it less popular. The reason for such fame was the power disc brakes on the front wheels, the suspension prepared for competitions, the Muncie 4-speed gearbox, and, of course, the most powerful argument for buying this modification was the forced 5-liter engine. It was a modification of the 5.4-liter engine, installed on a 4.6-liter crankshaft. This design was a requirement for the Trans-Am race.

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In 1968, some improvements were made to the design, and the exterior design was slightly changed. Following new US laws, side turn signal repeaters were installed. The protruding corner of the grille became sharper, and the taillights were divided in the middle by a vertical bar. The vents have disappeared from the doors. Shock absorbers with improved characteristics were installed. On some modifications, mono leaf rear springs were replaced with multi-leaf ones. Updated design in 1968 – rectangular fog lamps, pointed grille, turn signal. In total, 235,147 vehicles left the gates of GM factories in 1968.

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Camaro was often used in drag racing. A 1968 model driven by famed Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins won the American National Drag Racing Championship in 1970. 

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When the 1970 Camaro Z/28 made its premiere at the Chicago Auto Show in February of that year, the audience went crazy. With good reason: the new automobile looked gorgeous, with clean bodylines, a long front end, and a short rear deck. That split-bumper front end was particularly threatening when selected with the Rally Sport option.

The car was such a hit that it was featured in various movies along the way. From the 1976 American comedy gumball Rally to the 2011 Super 8, this magnificent car has surely made its way in front of the camera.

History

The Chevy Camaro was a last-ditch effort by General Motors to face the challenge posed by the wildly popular Ford Mustang.

Almost everyone, save Ford, was taken off guard when the Mustang was introduced in April 1964. What happened to Chevy’s inexpensive sporty vehicle that might have competed with the Mustang? The boxy Chevy II Nova lacked sex appeal, and the rear-engine Corvair didn’t really cut it. While there had been suggestions for a “Super Nova”-style automobile before the Mustang’s launch, it wasn’t until August 1964, after the Mustang had proved to be a success, that the go-ahead was granted to hurry a similar car into production. By the autumn of 1966, Chevy had a fully developed automobile in its showrooms—just over two years.

The Firebird was based on the same basic automobile that was known as the F-car inside General Motors. However, although Pontiac would spin the vehicle in its own manner, the Camaro was practically ready for production by the time the Firebird was authorized.

Although the Camaro would become the Mustang’s most fierce competitor, its history differs from that of the Ford model. That legacy is worth documenting, with five generations of Camaros now behind us and a sixth on the way.

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The Start of the Z/28

The “Super Hugger,” the second-generation Camaro, was an all-new car with a unitary structure, front subframe, and coil spring front suspension, similar to its predecessor.

The second generation’s chassis and suspension were improved in terms of performance and comfort; basic versions included major improvements in sound-proofing, ride isolation, and road-holding. Chevrolet engineers used their first-generation Camaro racing expertise to improve the second-generation Camaro’s handling, braking, and balance. Initially, high-performance configurations were available, but as the 1970s advanced, the market altered due to the fuel crisis, rising insurance costs, and increasing emissions restrictions. In 1974 and 1978, major design revisions were made, and the second-generation Camaro was retired in 1981.

1972 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

Due to a 117-day strike at the Lordstown, Ohio facility, where the vehicles were solely made, production of the Chevrolet Camaro dropped dramatically in 1972. While this may seem odd, this certainly added value to the few produced 1972 Chevrolet Camaros.

The 1972 Chevy Camaro was offered in 15 colors, although the quantities of each color were not listed. The colors were Antique White, Pewter Silver, Ascot Blue, Mulsanne Blue, Spring Green, Gulf Green, Sequoia Green, Covert Tan, Placer Gold, Cream Yellow, Golden Brown, Mohave Gold, Flame Orange, Midnight Bronze, and Cranberry Red. Stripes came in black and white, with the exception of Antique White automobiles, which had black stripes while Mohave Gold exclusively had white stripes.

The second-generation Camaro remained almost unaltered in appearance until 1973. Yes, the style was inspired by Ferrari. GM clearly took inspiration from the 1963 250GT Lusso. For 1973, big-block V-8s were dropped from the lineup.

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The Engine

Engineers added some genuine punch to the Z28 with a 350-cu.in. screamer with the now-famous designation, LT-1, to add to the knockout style. The Z28’s gross rating of 360 horsepower drove it to new heights. The engine was lowered to 330 horsepower in 1971, the same as the Corvette. Because of the decreased compression, the horsepower was reduced and quarter-mile timings were increased by more than a half-second and trap speeds were reduced by several miles per hour.

Engineers worked hard to keep as much electricity as they could. They changed the camshaft profile, ignition curve, and induction system, as well as the cylinder heads. To assure excellent performance, they altered rear-axle ratios. A little-known fact about the Z28 is that GM management approved the use of the 400-cu.in. small-block in place of the somewhat neutered 350, but a UAW strike, which effectively halted Camaro production for two months, helped kill the idea, as the end result was fewer Z28 orders, so GM stuck with the detuned LT-1. That isn’t to say it was a horrible thing. Solid lifters, free-breathing heads, and a large Holley carburettor remained on the engine.

In 1972, it was difficult to tell the difference between a ’71 and a ’72 model. The ’72 featured 15-inch wheels and tires and the engine still produced the correct noises thanks to strong lifters. The handling, which has always been a strong suit of the Z28, has become a little better with some small suspension tweaks. And, despite what we assumed was the end of the muscle car era when GM slashed the Z’s horsepower by another 20 or so, it still managed to be decent with 255 horsepower.

In 1972, the fastest time on street tires was 15.2 seconds at 86.6 mph. In comparison to its predecessors, it is not particularly powerful. Solid lifters would be fitted in any GM engine for the final time this year. However, GM emphasized that the Z28 was as excellent as any sports GT vehicle and that it could handle bends as well as, if not better than, most automobiles.

With newer models of the Camaro entering the market, would the old ones gain more fame for their utter genuinity?