The Enduring Legacy: A Look Back at Iconic Camaro Old Models

The Chevrolet Camaro, a legendary name in American automotive history, has sadly reached the end of its production line for the second time. After its initial run ended in 2002, a revival in 2010 brought hope, only for Chevrolet to confirm its discontinuation following the 2024 model year. While whispers suggest a future electric iteration, possibly even a sedan, the true legacy lies in the performance and style established since its 1966 debut. For enthusiasts searching for information on the Camaro Old Model, the history is rich with iconic vehicles.

Throughout its six generations, the Camaro consistently offered special editions that elevated its already impressive performance baseline. From the early days of the SS to navigating the challenges of the 1970s, the performance resurgence in the 1980s, and the retro-inspired return in the 21st century, numerous Camaro Old Model variations have captured the hearts of enthusiasts. Here, we explore 12 of the most significant Camaros that define this celebrated pony car’s history.

Milestones in Camaro History: The Best Old Models

1967 Camaro

The journey began on September 12, 1966, when the first Camaro launched as a four-seat coupe and convertible. Often seen as GM’s answer to Ford’s wildly successful Mustang, the concept had been developing since 1962. This classic Camaro old model was built on the forthcoming Chevy II/Nova unibody platform, featuring a front subframe. With a base price of $2,466, it offered a range of inline-6 and V8 engines within its compact frame, mirroring the Mustang’s pony car formula. The most potent standard offering was the 325-hp SS396, although a few special-order versions produced 375 hp. In its first year, 220,917 Camaros were sold, compared to the Mustang’s 472,121 units.

Classic 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, an iconic old model pony car.

1967 Camaro Z-28

While not the most powerful, the 1967 Z-28 was the superior handling variant of this early Camaro old model. Created to homologate the Camaro for the SCCA’s Trans Am racing series, the Z-28 featured a high-revving 302-cid V8 engine, officially rated at 290 hp (derived from the 327 block using a 283 crankshaft). Handling was enhanced by the F41 suspension, and distinctive visual cues included dual hood/trunk stripes and Rally wheels with red-stripe tires. Only 602 units were produced in 1967, making this vintage Camaro Z-28 highly sought after by collectors today. These cars secured three wins in the 1967 Trans Am season, paving the way for Camaro’s dominance in 1968.

Front view of a vintage 1967 Camaro RS, showcasing an early old model design.

1969 Yenko/SC Camaro

Dealer Don Yenko utilized Chevrolet’s Central Office Production Order (COPO) system to create specially equipped Camaros sold through his Pennsylvania dealership. Dubbed the Yenko/SC (“Super Camaro”), these factory-modified cars featured Chevrolet’s formidable L72 iron-block 427-cubic-inch V8. Officially rated at 425 hp, Yenko advertised them at 450 hp. This potent Camaro old model also included disc brakes, positraction, a cowl-induction hood, and a heavy-duty suspension. Yenko added the signature stripes, badging, and “SYC” headrest logos. Only 201 were built for 1969, and surviving examples command high prices.

Rare 1969 Yenko/SC Camaro old model, a high-performance classic Chevrolet.

1969 ZL-1 Camaro

The rarest and most powerful Camaro old model of the 1960s was the ZL-1. Essentially a factory-built drag racer for the NHRA Super Stock class, it was another COPO creation. The ZL-1’s heart was an all-aluminum 427-cid V8 racing engine, officially producing 430 hp but likely generating over 500 hp in reality. Equipped for the strip, it featured cold-air induction, a Harrison four-core radiator, transistorized ignition, multi-leaf rear springs, and a heavy-duty 4.10 12-bolt rear axle. With only 69 built, the ZL-1 remains one of the most valuable classic Camaros. The first unit ever built, pictured here in race trim, sold for $400,000 in 2012.

The first 1969 Camaro ZL1 old model ever built, prepped for drag racing.

1970 1/2 Camaro Z28

Debuting on February 26, 1970, the second-generation Camaro was offered solely as a coupe. Its European-inspired styling, reminiscent of Jaguar and Ferrari, led many to consider it one of Detroit’s most beautiful designs. This new Camaro old model was longer, lower, and wider, providing more interior room. It also boasted improved handling and a smoother ride, prompting Road & Track to declare it the best American car of its time. The Z28 package included the potent 360-hp LT1 350-cid V8 borrowed from the Corvette. Car & Driver clocked its 0-60 mph time at a swift 5.8 seconds. A V8 Camaro started at $2,726, with the Z28 package adding $572.95.

Sleek 1970 and a half Chevrolet Camaro Z28 old model, representing the second generation.

1987 Camaro IROC-Z

After the power-sapping effects of the mid-70s fuel crisis and emissions regulations, performance gradually returned. The Camaro IROC-Z replaced the Z-28 as the top performance model from 1985 onwards. The 1987 model year was particularly noteworthy for this Camaro old model generation. The 305-cid V8 was supplemented by an optional 350-cid (5.7-liter) V8, boosting output by 10 hp to 225 hp. Additionally, the convertible body style made a comeback for the first time since 1969. The 5.7L V8 was a $1,045 option for the IROC-Z, enabling a 0-60 mph sprint in 6.3 seconds. The “IROC” name came from the International Race of Champions series, which famously used identically prepared Camaros.

Red 1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z convertible, a popular old model from the 80s.

2002 35th Anniversary Camaro

Facing declining sales in the sporty coupe market, partly due to the rise of SUVs, Chevrolet decided to end the Camaro’s run after the 2002 model year. A special 35th Anniversary Package, costing $2,500, was offered for the SS coupe and convertible as a final tribute. Available exclusively in red, this Camaro old model featured silver stripes with a checkered flag motif, unique fender badges, embroidered headrests, and special 10-spoke wheels. Power came from the LS1 V8, now rated at 325 hp. Performance remained strong, with Motor Trend recording a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 13.5 seconds. Despite this, sales couldn’t be sustained, leading to an eight-year hiatus.

2002 Camaro Z28 35th Anniversary Edition, a significant old model marking the end of the fourth generation.

2012 Camaro ZL1

The Camaro made its triumphant return for the 2010 model year. Engineers quickly focused on creating a successor worthy of the historic ZL1 nameplate, reviving the designation from a revered Camaro old model. The 2012 ZL1 featured the supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V8 from the Cadillac CTS-V, tuned to produce 580 horsepower. Performance enhancements included Goodyear Supercar tires on lightweight alloys, GM’s advanced Magnetic Ride Control dampers, and large Brembo brakes. Car and Driver tested the ZL1 achieving 0-60 mph in just 4.0 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.3 seconds. With a price tag around $57,000, it was the most expensive Camaro to date, though later models would surpass it.

Powerful 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, a key model preceding the final generation.

2013 Camaro 1LE

Continuous refinement following the Camaro’s 2010 return led to the impressive 1LE package in 2013. Echoing a lesser-known track-ready package from the late 1980s, the 1LE was a $3,500 option for the SS trim. It incorporated the ZL1’s sticky front tires and lightweight wheels (used on all four corners), thicker stabilizer bars, monotube rear shocks, a front strut tower brace, a high-capacity fuel pump, and a short-throw shifter. Visual upgrades included a matte black hood wrap, black rear spoiler, black front splitter, and a unique steering wheel. The 1LE package transformed the Camaro into a superb handling machine for under $40,000.

Track-focused 2013 Chevrolet Camaro with the 1LE package.

2014 Camaro Z/28

A mid-cycle refresh brought what many consider the best-handling Camaro ever, reviving the spirit of the classic Z/28 Camaro old model. This track-focused machine built upon the 1LE’s suspension improvements with stiffer settings, thicker anti-roll bars, unique monotube shocks, and lighter 19-inch wheels. Weight reduction measures cut 300 pounds compared to the ZL1. A functional body kit increased downforce. The key track upgrades were the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires (essentially street-legal race tires) and standard carbon-ceramic brakes. Power came from the Corvette Z06’s 7.0-liter, 505-hp V8. While its 0-60 mph time (4.4s) and quarter-mile (12.7s) were slightly slower than the ZL1, its superior grip and braking made it faster on a road course. Its $76,000 price reflected its specialized nature.

High-performance 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 track car, reviving a classic old model designation.

2017 Camaro SS 1LE

The sixth-generation Camaro debuted for 2016, built on a new platform derived from the Cadillac ATS. This resulted in a stiffer structure and a weight reduction of over 223 pounds. Refined electric power steering and the Corvette’s LT1 V8 (455 hp in the SS) delivered performance previously reserved for specialty models, achieving 0-60 mph in about four seconds. The SS truly excelled with the addition of the 1LE package for 2017. This package included sophisticated magnetic dampers, an electronic limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes with 6-piston front calipers and 14.6-inch rotors, Recaro seats, and crucial cooling upgrades for track use (oil, differential, transmission). The 2017 SS 1LE built upon the base SS’s strengths, making it even more agile and capable.

Redesigned 2017 Chevrolet Camaro SS with the 1LE package, a standout modern performance model.

2017 Camaro ZL1

Representing the peak of Camaro performance before its final discontinuation, the 2017 ZL1 arrived with formidable power and capability. Its supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V8 engine produced an astounding 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. This translated to a blistering 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds, an 11.4-second quarter-mile, and a top speed of 198 mph. Transmission choices included a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic. Beyond straight-line speed, it offered exceptional handling with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires (285 front, 305 rear) and the suspension upgrades from the SS 1LE, plus 11 heat exchangers and larger front brake rotors. For extreme track duty, the ZL1 1LE package added Multimatic DSSV dampers, wider Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tires, lighter components, and enhanced aerodynamics.

The ultimate performance 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, the peak of the model line before discontinuation.

The Camaro’s Lasting Impact

From its inception as a Mustang competitor to its evolution into a sophisticated performance machine, the Chevrolet Camaro has carved out a significant place in automotive history. The various generations and special editions, particularly the celebrated camaro old model variations like the Z-28, Yenko, IROC-Z, and ZL1, showcase a legacy of power, style, and enthusiast appeal. While production has ceased once again, the impact of these iconic American muscle cars ensures the Camaro legend will endure for generations to come. Enthusiasts and collectors will continue to cherish these remarkable machines long after the last one rolled off the assembly line.