By Award Winning Automotive Historian/Researcher Robert Tate
Courtesy of General Motors Heritage Archives
Published 1.21.26
The 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, introduced on September 29, 1966, quickly captured the public’s attention with its sharp styling and spirited performance. Designed under Bill Mitchell to challenge Ford’s Mustang, in the beginning GM called it the F Car styling project. Henry C. Haga, chief designer, led the early design work, reporting to Dave Holls, with contributions from talented designers including Charles M. Jordan and Irvin Rybicki.
Early Design
The Camaro’s debut was an immediate success, generating strong sales. GM produced 220,900 units for Chevrolet dealers, offering two series with multiple engine choices. The 2 door hardtop sold for $2,572, while the convertible started at $2,809.
Interior design was another highlight, shaped by Suzanne Vanderbilt and Cathy Kascur of the Chevrolet studio. The all vinyl cabin came in four color choices and featured Strato Bucket seats and vertically stitched vinyl door panels.
Female Interior Designers
The 1960’s brought the rise of psychedelic music along with rock and lively colors and automotive designs were reflected in that change in colors and designs. Among the most popular Camaro versions was the Rally Sport (RS) package, especially favored by younger buyers. It added distinctive touches such as concealed headlights, mag wheels, vinyl roof options, and signature rally stripes. The convertible also performed well in the market.
Camaro exteriors and interiors In bold colors
A major milestone came when the 1967 Camaro SS 396 served as the Pace Car for the 51st Indy 500, driven by three time winner Mauri Rose. Eighty one Camaros were used as pace and festival cars for the event.
Camaro Indianapolis 500 Pace Car
Advertisers embraced the Camaro’s youthful appeal with memorable campaigns like “How much Camaro you want depends on how much driver you want to be.”
Camaro Advertising
The Camaro also proved itself on the racetrack, becoming a favorite among drivers such as Dick Guldstrand and Sam Posey at west coast events. The Trans Am Camaro earned a strong following in the racing community.
Camaro Trans Am Racing
In the end, the 1967 Camaro launched a legacy. With its stylish design, performance capabilities, and cultural impact, it remains a cherished classic for enthusiasts around the world offering great memories for years to come.
Bibliography
Lamm Michael. “The Great Camaro” Lamm-Morada Publishing Company 1978.
Dammann George. “Sixty Years Of Chevrolet” Crestline Publishing 1972.
General Motors. “1967 Chevrolet Passenger Car Engineering Features” Chevrolet Motor Division information 1967.
Frumkin MJ. “Classic Muscle Car Advertising” Krause Publications 2002.