Difference between revisions of "First-generation Chevrolet Camaro"

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{{Unreferenced|date=January 2007}}
{{Mergefrom|Camaro ZL-1|date=July 2008}}
{{Infobox Automobile
{{Infobox Automobile
| image = [[Image:1968ChevroletCamaroZ28.png|250px]]
|image         = [[Image:1955-chevy-nomad-chevrolet-archives.jpg|right|thumb|250px|1955 Chevrolet Nomad Station Wagon]]
| name = First-generation Chevrolet Camaro
|name           = Chevrolet Nomad
| manufacturer = [[Chevrolet]]
|manufacturer   = [[Chevrolet]]
| parent_company = [[General Motors]]
|parent_company = [[General Motors]]
| production = 1967-1969
|production     = 1955-1972
| assembly = [[Van Nuys, California]] <BR> [[Norwood, Ohio]]
|body_style     = 2-door/2-seat [[station wagon]](1955-1961)<br>4-door/5-seat [[station wagon]] (1964-1972)
| predecessor =
|engine         =
| successor = [[Second-generation Chevrolet Camaro|Second&ndash;gen Camaro]]
|layout        = [[FF layout]]
| class = [[pony car]] <BR> [[muscle car]] <BR> [[sports car]]
| body_style = 2-door [[coupé]] <BR> 2-door [[convertible]]
| layout = [[FR layout]]  
| platform = [[GM F platform|F-body]]
| related = [[Pontiac Firebird]]
| engine = {{Auto CID|230}} [[I6]] <BR>
{{Auto CID|250}} [[I6]] <BR>
{{Auto CID|302}} [[V8]] <BR>
{{Auto CID|307}} [[V8]] <BR>
{{Auto CID|327}} [[V8]] <BR>
{{Auto CID|350}} [[V8]] <BR>
{{Auto CID|396}} [[V8]] <BR>
{{Auto CID|427}} [[V8]]
| transmission = 4-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]<Br>
2-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]<Br>
3-speed automatic
| designer =
| related =
}}
}}
The '''first-generation [[Chevrolet Camaro]]''' appeared on September 26, 1966, for the 1967 model year on an all brand new rear-wheel drive [[GM F platform|GM F-body platform]] and would be available as a 2-doors, 2+2 seating, [[coupe]] or [[convertible]] with a choice of [[Straight-6|six-cylinder]] and [[V8 engine|V8]] powerplants. The first-gen Camaro would last up through the 1969 model year.


== 1967 ==
The '''Chevrolet Nomad''' was a [[station wagon]] model produced by the [[Chevrolet]] Division of [[General Motors]]. The Nomad is best remembered in its two-door 1955-57 form, and was considered a [[halo vehicle|halo model]] during its three-year production as a two-door station wagon.


The debut Camaro shared some mechanicals with the 1968 [[Chevy II Nova]]. Almost 80 factory and 40 dealer options, including three main packages, were available.
==1955-57==
The two-door Nomad differed from other station wagons of the era by having unique styling more reminiscent of a hardtop than of a standard station wagon. Chevrolet shared this body with its sister [[Pontiac]], which marketed their version as the [[Pontiac Safari]].  


The '''RS''' was an appearance package that included hidden headlights, revised taillights, RS badging, and exterior rocker trim. It was available on all models.
The Nomad's unique design had its roots in a [[Motorama|General Motors Motorama]] show car of the same name that was based on the [[Chevrolet Corvette|Corvette]]. The Concept was introduced at the GM Motorama in 1954 as one of Head Stylist, Harley Earl's "dream cars".


[[Image:1967 camaro ss 01.jpg|thumb|left|1967 Camaro SS convertible]]
GM approved production of the vehicle if the design could be transferred to its standard model, because top GM brass felt that they could sell more models if it were attached to the popular [[Chevrolet Bel Air|Bel Air]] model.
The '''SS''' included a {{Auto CID|350}} V8 engine and the ''L35'' and ''L78'' {{Auto CID|396}} big-block [[V8 engine|V8]]'s were also available. The SS featured non-functional air inlets on the hood, special striping and SS badging on the grille, front fenders, gas cap, and horn button. It was possible to order both the SS and RS to receive a Camaro RS/SS. In 1967, a Camaro RS/SS [[convertible]] with a 396 engine paced the [[Indianapolis 500]] race.


The '''Z/28''' option code was introduced in December 1966 for the 1967 model year. This option package wasn't mentioned in any sales literature, so it was unknown to most buyers. The Z/28 option required power front disc brakes and a Muncie 4-speed [[manual transmission]]. The Z/28 featured a {{Auto CID|302}} small-block V-8 engine, 3" crankshaft with 4" bore, an aluminum intake manifold, and a 4-barrel vacuum secondary Holly carburetor of 780CFM. The engine was designed specifically to race in the Trans Am series (which required engines smaller than {{Auto CID|305}} and public availability of the car. Advertised power of this engine was listed at {{Convert|290|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. This is an under-rated figure. Chevrolet wanted to keep the horsepower rating at less than 1hp per cubic inch, for various reasons (e.g. insurance and racing classes). The factory rating of 290 hp occurred at 5300 rpm, while actual peak for the high-revving 302 was closer to {{Convert|360|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} (with the single four barrel carb) and {{Convert|400|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} (with optional dual-four barrel carbs) at 6800-7000 rpm. The Z/28 also came with upgraded suspension, racing stripes on the hood, and 'Z/28' emblems for the fenders (in 68 & 69). It was also possible to combine the Z/28 package with the RS package.
While considered to be a milestone vehicle design, General Motors discontinued the original Nomad at the end of the 1957 model year due to low sales and the introduction of a new body for 1958.


Only 602 Z/28s were sold in 1967. The 1967 and 1968 Z/28s did not have raised cowl induction hoods as was optional on the 1969 Z/28s. The 1967 Z28 received air from an open element air cleaner or from an optional cowl plenum duct attached to the side of the air cleaner that ran to the firewall and got air from the cowl vents. 15-inch rally wheels, were included with Z/28s had while all other 1967-9 Camaros had 14-inch wheels.  
==1958-61==
[[Image:1960 Chevrolet Nomad.jpg|thumb|right|250px|1960 Chevrolet Nomad Station Wagon]]
For the 1958 model year, Chevrolet moved the Nomad name to its top-line four-door station wagon. Chevrolet continued to use the Nomad name until the end of the 1961 model year, when all Chevrolet station wagons adopted the names of the regular sedan models.


The origin of the Z/28 nameplate came from the [[Regular Production Option|RPO codes]] - RPO Z27 was for the Super Sport package, and RPO Z28, at the time, was the code for a Special Performance Package.
==1964-72==
[[Image:1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Nomad.jpg|thumb|right|250px|1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Nomad Station Wagon]]
The 1964 and 1965 [[model year|model years]] brought a revival of sorts for original 1955-1957 Nomad when Chevrolet produced a two-door mid-sized [[Chevrolet Chevelle|Chevelle 300]] station wagon cast in a similar vein. The Nomad name was not used for these wagons, but between 1968 and 1972 the name was applied to the lowest-priced Chevelle four-door station wagon model.  In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the name returned again on a trim package for the full size [[Chevrolet Van]].


The Camaro's standard drivetrain was a {{Auto CID|230}} [[straight-6]] engine rated at {{Convert|140|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and backed by a Saginaw three-speed manual transmission. A four-speed manual was also available. The two-speed "Powerglide" [[automatic transmission]] was a popular option in 1967 and 1968 until the three-speed "Turbo Hydra-Matic 350" replaced it starting in 1969. The larger Turbo 400 three-speed was an option on ''L35'' SS396 cars.  
== Concept cars ==
There have been two Nomad concept cars. The first one from 1999 was based on the F-body ([[Camaro]]) and was V8 powered.<ref>"[http://www.seriouswheels.com/cars/top-1999-Chevrolet-Nomad-Concept.htm 1999 Chevrolet Nomad Concept]." GM Press Release (on ''seriouswheels.com''), 1999.</ref> The second concept presented in 2004 was based on the [[GM Kappa platform]], and highly resembled the original 1954 Corvette-based  Nomad showcar.<ref>"[http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/040104-2.htm Chevy Nomad concept recalls 1954 Nomad]." Canadian Driver, 4 January 2004.</ref><ref>"[http://www.madle.org/egmnomad.htm Chevrolet Nomad (2004)]." ''Maddle,'' 7 March 2004.</ref>


'''Production numbers:'''
==References==
{|
|RS:||align="right"|64,842
|-
|SS:||align="right"|34,411
|-
|Z28:||align="right"|602
|-
|Total:||align="right"|220,906
|}


== 1968 ==
{{Commonscat}}
<references/>


[[Image:1967 Sunoco Camaro Z28.jpg|thumb|right|1968 Penske-Godsall Racing Sunoco Camaro at the 2004 Watkins Glen SVRA]]
==Further reading==
[[Image:'68 Chevrolet Camaro 350 Convertible (Orange Julep).JPG|thumb|right|1968 Chevrolet Camaro 350 convertible]]
* {{cite book | author = Gunnell, John, Editor | title = The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975 | publisher = Krause Publications | year = 1987 | isbn = 0-87341-096-3}}
1968 saw the deletion of the side vent windows and the introduction of Astro Ventilation, a fresh-air-inlet system. Also added were side marker lights on the front fenders, a more pointed front grille, a front spoiler, and divided rear taillights. The front running lights (on non-RS models) were also changed from circular to oval. The big block SS models received chrome hood inserts that imitated velocity stacks. The shock absorber mounting was staggered to resolve wheel hop issues and higher performance models received multi-leaf rear springs instead of single-leaf units. A {{Auto CID|396}} {{Convert|350|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} big block engine was added as an option for the SS, and the Z28 appeared in Camaro brochures. 7,199 Z28s were sold in 1968.
* {{cite book | author = Dammann, George H. | title = 75 Years of Chevrolet | publisher = Motorbooks International(Crestline Series)| year = 1986 | isbn = 0-87938-692-4}}
*"[http://www.oldride.com/library/chevrolet_nomad.html Chevrolet Nomad]."  Pictures and Information on ''oldride.com.''


'''Production numbers:'''
{{Early Chevrolet cars}}
{|
|RS:||align="right"|40,977
|-
|SS:||align="right"|27,884
|-
|Z28:||align="right"|7,199
|-
|Total:||align="right"|235,147
|}
 
== 1969 ==
 
[[Image:1969 Chevrolet Camaro Pace Car.jpg|thumb|right|1969 Chevrolet Camaro Indianapolis 500 Pace Car]]
[[Image:1969 red Chevrolet Camaro SS side.JPG|thumb|right|1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS]]
The general appearance of the 1969 Camaro did not change much compared to the first two years, having kept the basic body lines and basic "look". This slight transformation was similar to the changes made to the 1968 model to make it look different than the 1967 model. The 1969 Camaro carried over the previous year's drivetrain and major mechanical components, but all-new sheetmetal, except the hood and trunk lid, gave the car a substantially sportier look. The grille was redesigned with a heavy "V" cant and deeply inset headlights. New door skins, rear quarter panels, and rear valance panel also gave the car a much lower, wider, more aggressive look. This styling would serve for the 1969 model year only. Collectors often debate the merits of smooth, rounded lines of 1967 and 1968 model versus the heavily creased and sportier looks of the 1969.
 
Several new performance options were available for the 1969 model year.
 
To increase competitiveness in the SCCA Trans Am racing series, a four wheel disc brake option, RPO JL8, was made available during the year. This system used the 4 piston brake components from the Corvette and made for a major improvement in the braking capability and was a key to winning the Trans Am championship.
 
A GM corporate edict forbade Chevrolet from installing engines larger than {{Auto CID|400}} in the Camaro. But requests from dealers (notably Yenko) who were dealer-installing {{Auto CID|427}} engines in the Camaro caused Chevrolet to use an ordering process usually used on fleet and special orders (taxis, trucks, etc) to offer 427 engines in the Camaro. Two Central Office Production Orders (COPO), numbers 9560 and 9561, were offered in the 1969 model year.  The COPO 9561 option brought the solid lifter L72 [[Chevrolet Big-Block engine#427|big-block]] engine, making an underrated {{Convert|425|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} gross. Dealer Don Yenko ordered 201 of these cars to create the now-legendary [[Yenko Camaro]]. Other dealers also became aware of the L72 engine package and ordered it. Around 1,015 Camaros were fitted with the L72 engine option.
 
Even rarer was the COPO 9560. This option installed an all-[[aluminum]] {{Auto CID|427}} [[Chevrolet Big-Block engine#427|big-block]] called the ZL-1 and was designed specifically for drag racing. Just 69 ZL-1 Camaros were produced, probably because the engine alone cost over US$4,000 — nearly twice that of a base coupe with a V8. Though rated at {{Convert|430|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} gross, the ZL-1 made closer to {{Convert|550|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, making it both the fastest and rarest of all Camaros.
 
The 1969 model year was exceptionally long, extending into November 1969, due to engineering problems that delayed the introduction of the second generation model planned for 1970. It is a popular myth that late-'69 Camaros were sold as 1970 models (due to GM publicity pictures of the 69 Camaro labeled as a 1970), but they were all assigned 1969 [[VIN]] codes.
 
'''Production numbers:'''
{|
|RS:||align="right"|37,773
|-
|SS:||align="right"|34,932
|-
|Z28:||align="right"|20,302
|-
|Total:||align="right"|243,085
|}
 
== First-generation engines ==


* 1967-1969 L26 [[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#230|{{Auto CID|230}}]] [[I6]] {{Convert|140|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}
[[Category:Chevrolet vehicles|Nomad]]
* 1967-1969 L22 [[Chevrolet Straight-6 engine#250|{{Auto CID|250}}]] I6 {{Convert|155|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 4200 rpm, {{Auto lbft|235}} @ 1600 rpm
[[Category:Chevrolet concept vehicles|Nomad]]
* 1967-1969 Z28 [[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#302|{{Auto CID|302}}]] [[V8]] {{Convert|290|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} (rated) {{Convert|350|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} actual
[[Category:Full-size vehicles]]
* 1967-1969 LF7 [[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#327|{{Auto CID|327}}]] V8 {{Convert|210|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}
[[Category:Rear wheel drive vehicles]]
* 1967-1968: L30 {{Auto CID|327}} V8 {{Convert|275|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}
[[Category:Station wagons]]
* 1969: LM1 & L65 [[Chevrolet Small-Block engine#350|{{Auto CID|350}}]] V8 {{Convert|255|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{Convert|250|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}
[[Category:1950s automobiles]]
* 1967-1969 L48 SS350 {{Auto CID|350}} V8 {{Convert|295|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} (1969 {{Convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}) @ 4800 rpm, {{Auto lbft|380}} @ 3200 rpm
[[Category:1960s automobiles]]
* 1967-1969 L35 SS396 [[Chevrolet Big-Block engine#396|{{Auto CID|396}}]] V8 {{Convert|325|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 4800 rpm, {{Auto lbft|410}} @ 3200 rpm
[[Category:Vans]]
* 1967-1969 L78 SS396 {{Auto CID|396}} V8 {{Convert|375|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 5600 rpm, {{Auto lbft|415}} @ 3600 rpm
[[Category:Goods manufactured in the United States]]
* 1968-1969 L34 SS396 {{Auto CID|396}} V8 {{Convert|350|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 5200 rpm, {{Auto lbft|415}} @ 3200 rpm
*1968-1969 - L89 aluminum cylinder head option for the SS396/375 engine - lightened the engine by ~{{Auto lb|100}}.
* 1969 COPO 9561/L72 [[Chevrolet Big-Block engine#427|{{Auto CID|427}}]] V8 {{Convert|425|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 5600 rpm, {{Auto lbft|460}} @ 4000 rpm
* 1969 COPO 9560/ZL1 {{Auto CID|427}} V8 {{Convert|430|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 5200 rpm, {{Auto lbft|450}} @ 4400 rpm
 
== References ==
{{commonscat|First-generation Chevrolet Camaro}}
{{reflist}}
 
== External links ==
* [http://www.chevrolet.com/performance/ Chevrolet Camaro Concept] official Chevrolet site
* [http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewmonthlyreleasedetail.do?domain=74&docid=27934 2009 production announcement] official GM press release
* {{dmoz|Recreation/Autos/Makes_and_Models/Chevrolet/Camaro/|Chevrolet Camaro}}
* [http://www.camaros.org/index.shtml Camaro Research Group] - reference data for 1967-1969 Camaros
 
{{Camaro}}
{{Early Chevrolet cars}}


[[Category:Chevrolet vehicles|Camaro 1]]
[[de:Chevrolet Nomad]]
[[Category:Muscle cars|Chevrolet Camaro 1]]
[[fr:Chevrolet Nomad]]
[[Category:Rear wheel drive vehicles|Chevrolet Camaro 1]]
[[lt:Chevrolet Nomad]]
[[Category:Coupes|Chevrolet Camaro 1]]
[[Category:Convertibles|Chevrolet Camaro 1]]
[[Category:1960s automobiles|Chevrolet Camaro 1]]

Revision as of 23:48, 2 February 2009

Chevrolet Nomad
1955 Chevrolet Nomad Station Wagon
ManufacturerChevrolet
Parent companyGeneral Motors
Production1955-1972
Body style(s)2-door/2-seat station wagon(1955-1961)
4-door/5-seat station wagon (1964-1972)
LayoutFF layout
ManualsService Manual

The Chevrolet Nomad was a station wagon model produced by the Chevrolet Division of General Motors. The Nomad is best remembered in its two-door 1955-57 form, and was considered a halo model during its three-year production as a two-door station wagon.

1955-57

The two-door Nomad differed from other station wagons of the era by having unique styling more reminiscent of a hardtop than of a standard station wagon. Chevrolet shared this body with its sister Pontiac, which marketed their version as the Pontiac Safari.

The Nomad's unique design had its roots in a General Motors Motorama show car of the same name that was based on the Corvette. The Concept was introduced at the GM Motorama in 1954 as one of Head Stylist, Harley Earl's "dream cars".

GM approved production of the vehicle if the design could be transferred to its standard model, because top GM brass felt that they could sell more models if it were attached to the popular Bel Air model.

While considered to be a milestone vehicle design, General Motors discontinued the original Nomad at the end of the 1957 model year due to low sales and the introduction of a new body for 1958.

1958-61

1960 Chevrolet Nomad Station Wagon

For the 1958 model year, Chevrolet moved the Nomad name to its top-line four-door station wagon. Chevrolet continued to use the Nomad name until the end of the 1961 model year, when all Chevrolet station wagons adopted the names of the regular sedan models.

1964-72

1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Nomad Station Wagon

The 1964 and 1965 model years brought a revival of sorts for original 1955-1957 Nomad when Chevrolet produced a two-door mid-sized Chevelle 300 station wagon cast in a similar vein. The Nomad name was not used for these wagons, but between 1968 and 1972 the name was applied to the lowest-priced Chevelle four-door station wagon model. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the name returned again on a trim package for the full size Chevrolet Van.

Concept cars

There have been two Nomad concept cars. The first one from 1999 was based on the F-body (Camaro) and was V8 powered.[1] The second concept presented in 2004 was based on the GM Kappa platform, and highly resembled the original 1954 Corvette-based Nomad showcar.[2][3]

References

  1. "1999 Chevrolet Nomad Concept." GM Press Release (on seriouswheels.com), 1999.
  2. "Chevy Nomad concept recalls 1954 Nomad." Canadian Driver, 4 January 2004.
  3. "Chevrolet Nomad (2004)." Maddle, 7 March 2004.

Further reading

  • Gunnell, John, Editor (1987). The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975. Krause Publications. ISBN 0-87341-096-3. 
  • Dammann, George H. (1986). 75 Years of Chevrolet. Motorbooks International(Crestline Series). ISBN 0-87938-692-4. 
  • "Chevrolet Nomad." Pictures and Information on oldride.com.

de:Chevrolet Nomad fr:Chevrolet Nomad lt:Chevrolet Nomad