Over the years we have seen the Camaro evolve to look, well like the original.
The generations of the Camaro all have distinctive features, some were huge sellers and continue to attract a lot of attention while others seem to slip past without a head turning. Most notably the current Camaro is making appearances in numerous TV shows and Movies, while the original Camaro SS turns heads everywhere it goes. The video, by X7 Productions, is a beautiful recap of this history, while showing off some of the latest and greatest mods to the current model of the Chevy Camaro.
“What is a Camaro?” and were told it was “a small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs.” -Henry Biggs
Generation 1 (1967 – 1969)
Photo Credit: Partywave
Chevrolet executives realized that their compact sporty car, the Corvair, would not be able to generate the sales volume of the Mustang due to its rear-engine design, as well as declining sales, partly due to the bad publicity from Ralph Nader‘s book, Unsafe at Any Speed. Therefore, the Camaro was touted as having the same conventional rear-drive, front-engine configuration as Mustang and Chevy II Nova. In addition, the Camaro was designed to fit a variety of power plants in the engine bay. The first-generation Camaro would last until the 1969 model year and would eventually inspire the design of the new retro fifth-generation Camaro.
Generation 2 (1970 – 1981)
Photo Credit: Carros Antigos
Introduced in February 1970, the second-generation Camaro was produced through the 1981 model year, with cosmetic changes made in 1974 and 1978 model years. The car was heavily restyled and became somewhat larger and wider with the new styling.
Road & Track picked the 1971 SS350 as one of the 10 best cars in the world in August 1971. RS, SS, and Z28 performance packages gradually disappeared.
The Z28 package was reintroduced in mid-year 1977, largely in response to enthusiast demand as well as the success of its corporate stablemate, the Pontiac Trans Am. The 1980 and 1981 Z28s included an air induction hood scoop, with an intake door that opened under full throttle.
Generation 3 (1982 – 1992)
Photo Credit: GMForum
These were the first Camaros to offer modern fuel injection, Turbo-Hydramatic 700R4 four-speed automatic transmissions, five speed manual transmissions, 16 inch wheels, a standard 4-cylinder engine, and hatchback bodies. The cars were nearly 500 pounds (227 kg) lighter than the second generation model. The “20th Anniversary Commemorative Edition” was offered in 1987, as well as a “25th Anniversary Heritage Package” in 1992 that included a 305 cu in (5.0 L) High Output engine.
Generation 4 (1992 – 2002)
Photo Credit: Auto Trader Classics
The fourth-generation Camaro debuted in 1993 and retained the same characteristics since its introduction in 1967: a coupé body style with 2+2 seating (with an optional T-top roof) or convertible (introduced in 1994), rear-wheel drive, and a choice of V6 and V8 engines. The Camaro remained in production through the 2002 model year, marking 35 years of continuous production. Production of the F-Body platform was stopped due to slowing sales, a deteriorating market for sports coupés, and plant overcapacity.
Generation 5 (2009 – Present)
Photo Credit: CamaroZ28.com
Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper said the new Camaro “will appeal to both men and women, and unite customers with fond memories of previous Camaros with those who first experienced a Camaro” when the concept was unveiled. Going back to the roots which the Camaro was launched seemed perfect for a reintroduction of this car as Ford was having success with their retro Mustang. The “Mustang eater” was reborn.
In 2010, the Camaro was named the World Car Design of the Year and since has made notable appearances as Bumblebee in the Transformers franchise of movies and as Dan-o and McGarrett’s car in the remake of Hawaii Five-O.
Although the Camaro missed the best of Driving Legacy, this car has survived for the better part of 40 years. Coming back with a strong relaunch of the 5th Generation Camaro, we think this car will be around for another few generations.
