Chevy Z28 Camaro

The Z28 Camaro was designed to be in direct competition with the Ford Mustang. Although there were no visions of galloping ponies, the Camaro made a huge impact in the new Pony car market. In 1967 as a 14 year old, the Camaro didn’t have the same impact on me as the Mustang. The car offered a V6 and a mild V8 engine and a very nice style, but for me it did not offer much more. However the buying public loved the car and well over 200,000 were purchased.

Not much changed in this new offering by Chevrolet in 1968, but in 1969 a new muscle car was added to the list. The Z28 Camaro was designed to be a classic - to stand alone as a powerful contribution by its designers. A special 302 c.i. engine created from the 4-inch bore of the 327 and 350 engines, with the short throw of the 283 crank gave Chevrolet just what they wanted. Options to the engine including a cross ram manifold and 2 four barrel carbs could increase the horsepower to over 400. Quite impressive. However these tricks did add to the price which could reach up past the $5000 mark. Muscle costs money.

Along with a new style which added a smoother, sleeker look to the car, a longer, lower flair made the vehicle stand out. Adding the cowl (air) induction hood option not only created a hot looking vehicle, but contributed to the performance. Great suspension and a fantastic sounding and performing exhaust system just added to the thrill. GM added all the extra options and styling packages to the Z28 including the RS rally group. While the owner could add their choice of paints and striping, transmission options, and other performance and non-performance features, that again made the muscle car your own. A true muscle car that you built and allowed you to feel and hear the total driving experience.

Now there were other Camaros that belong in this muscle car group. These would include the SS models 327, 350 and 396 engine choices and performance packages that Chevrolet offered. These also were true muscle cars of the era and deserve mention here.
My favorite in this group however would have to be the great 1969 Z28.