Chevrolet Camaro (first generation)

Chevrolet Camaro (first generation)
1968 Camaro RS 327
Overview
Manufacturer	Chevrolet (General Motors)
Production	1966–1969
Model years	1967–1969
Assembly	Van Nuys, California Norwood, Ohio Biel, Switzerland
Body and chassis
Class	Pony car Muscle car
Body style	2-door hardtop 2-door convertible
Layout	FR layout
Platform	F-body
Related	Pontiac Firebird
Powertrain
Engine	230 cu in (3.8 L) L26 I6 250 cu in (4.1 L) L22 I6 283 cu in (4.6 L) small-block V8 302 cu in (4.9 L) Z28 V8 (Z/28) 307 cu in (5.0 L) L14 V8 327 cu in (5.4 L) LF7/L30 V8 350 cu in (5.7 L) LM1/L65 V8 350 cu in (5.7 L) L48 V8 (SS350) 396 cu in (6.5 L) L34/L78/L89 V8 (SS396) 427 cu in (7.0 L) L72/ZL1 V8 (COPO)
Transmission	3-speed manual 4-speed manual 2-speed automatic 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108 in (2,743 mm)
Length	184.7 in (4,691 mm) (MY1967) 184.7 in (4,691 mm) (MY1968) 186.0 in (4,724 mm) (MY1969)
Width	72.5 in (1,842 mm) (MY1967) 72.5 in (1,842 mm) (MY1968) 74.0 in (1,880 mm) (MY1969)
Height	51.4 in (1,306 mm) (MY1967) 51.4 in (1,306 mm) (MY1968) 50.9 in (1,293 mm) (MY1969 conv.) 51.1 in (1,298 mm) (MY1969)
Chronology
Successor	Chevrolet Camaro (second generation)

The first-generation Chevrolet Camaro appeared in Chevrolet dealerships in September 1966, for the 1967 model year on a brand-new rear-wheel drive GM F-body platform and was available as a 2-door, 2+2 seat, hardtop (no "B" or center pillar) or convertible with a choice of six-cylinder and V8 power plants. The first-generation Camaro was built through the 1969 model year.

The Camaro's standard drive train was either a 230 cu in (3.8 L) straight-6 engine rated at 140 hp (104 kW) or a 327 cu in (5.4 L) (307 cu in (5.0 L) later in 1969) V8 engine, with a standard three-speed manual transmission. There were 8 (in 1967), 10 (in 1968), and 12 (in 1969) different engines available in 1967-1969 Camaros. There were several optional transmissions. A four-speed manual was available with any engine. The two-speed "Powerglide" automatic transmission was available all three years. The three-speed "Turbo Hydra-Matic 350" automatic became available starting in 1969. The optional automatic for SS396 cars was the Turbo 400 three-speed automatic.

There was a plethora of other options available all three years, including three main packages:

The RS was an appearance package that included hidden headlights, revised taillights with back-up lights under the rear bumper, RS badging, and exterior bright trim. It was available on any model.

The SS performance package consisted of a 350 or 396 cu in V8 engine and chassis upgrades for better handling and to deal with the additional power. The SS featured non-functional air inlets on the hood, special striping, and SS badging.

The Z/28 performance package was designed (with further modifications) to compete in the SCCA Trans-Am series. It included a solid-lifter 302 V8, 4-speed transmission, power disc brakes, and two wide stripes down the hood and trunk lid.

The idea of offering such a wide variety of "packages" and numerous options was to "blanket" Camaro's end of the personal car market with everything from a nice, plain and docile Six to a gaudy and fire breathing V8.