Wanting to fight back to the "pony car craze" started with the introduction of the Ford Mustang in 1964, Chevrolet introduced on September 29th, 1966 the Camaro, its own interpretation of a young and sporty cupè. The name "Camaro", which translates into "companion" in moder English, was found in an ancient French dictionary by Chevrolet officials and it was deemed to suit perfectly the character of their new creation. The Camaro was intended as the most perfect daily companion, the one car that had more refinement, more power and a more muscular design. Featuring a self supporting structure with a front sub frame where the front suspension and engine were mounted, the Camaro was more refined and rapidly became the Mustang's nemesis and arch rival.
Like all American cars, it was presented with a complete lineup of engines, starting from a docile straight six engine to more powerful 3.8 and 4.5 liters V8's, with power outputs ranging between 140 and 375 horses. Customers could choose between 60 options of which only 4 of those were engines and also a rich option list of trim levels was offered. From the popular RS and SS trims, the Camaro was also best known for the desirable "Special Performance Package" otherwise known as the Z/28. Chevrolet produced around 600 of these special muscle cars and all of them were homologations specials: as a matter of fact, GM made the Z/28 to homologate their 302 cubic inches motor for stock car racing. Included in this special package were, aside from this special engine, heavy duty suspension, larger radiator, dual exhaust, 3.73:1 Positraction rear axle, power front disc brakes and 15"x6" wheels.
The Camaro is still to this day, a fantastic muscle car, which has never got tired of battling against the Mustang. For this, it is one of the very best American cars that you can buy today.