Steve's Camaro Parts - 1967 Fun Facts

1967 FACTS Excerpted from Michael Antonick's White Book

• The first Camaro model was the 1967, introduced on September 26, 1966. At the time of introduction, several important options were not available. These included the RPO-Z28 Special Performance Package, and the 396-cid displacement engine for Camaro SS models.
• The 1967 model was the only first generation Camaro to have both rear shocks mounted forward of the rear axle. Later years changed to a staggered arrangement to counter wheel hop. The 1967 was the only Camaro to feature a right-side traction bar, also to counter wheel hop. The traction bar was standard equipment for all Z28 models, and was installed on other high performance models.
• The 1967 Camaros did not have side marker lights.
• The 1967 Camaro was the only Camaro model to have its VIN tag mounted to the door hinge pillar. The VIN tags of later models moved to positions visible through the windshield.
• The bumblebee nose stripe was part of the SS package at the start of 1967 production, but became a separate option (RPO-D91) in March 1968.
• Chevrolet built three special Camaro pace cars for the 1967 Indianapolis 500 auto race. It also built 78 lookalikes for complimentary use by race officials and dignitaries during the month preceding the race. After the race, these lookalikes were sold to the public as used cars. All were white SS/RS convertibles with Bright Blue custom interiors. Other options varied. All had "Chevrolet Camaro Official Pace Car 51st Annual Indianapolis 500 Mile Race - May 30, 1967" decals on their doors. (Chevrolet also built anywhere from 100-560 Pace Car Replicas for a special "Pacesetter" campaign which ran through June, plus 21 cars exported to Canada. The actual number of these cars is unknown, this number is my guess - Greg McGann)
• When first introduced in September 1966, the 1967 Camaro SS came only with a 350-cid engine, an engine displacement exclusive to the Camaro within the Chevrolet line that year. In November 1966, the 396-cid engine was added to the SS option list.
• Though similar to 1968, the 1967 instrument panel was unique to the year. Its padding did not fold over the corners as did the following year. And, with the exception of air conditioned models, the 1967 instrument panel did not have the side air (Astro Ventilation) vents.
• The ignition for the 1967 model (and 1968) was located on the dash.
• The first Z28 models were built starting on December 29, 1966, and low volume delivery began in January 1967. The Z28 was initially developed as a contender for the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) Trans Am sedan racing series. The series had a displacement limit of 305 cubic inches which the Z28 met by combining a 327-cid Chevrolet block with a 283-cid Chevrolet crankshaft for a 4" x 3" stroke that yielded 302.3 cubic inches.
• The "Z" in Z28 was at first nothing more than another option code, along with others like Z23 for the Special Interior Group, or Z87 for the Custom Interior. But the Z28 had a special ring to it and became the model's official name. However, the Z28's built in 1967 carried no external identification other than wide racing stripes. Convertibles could not be ordered with the ZZ8 option.
• Chevrolet listed curb weights for the 1967 Camaro as 2,910 pounds for the 6-cylinder coupe, 3,070 pounds for the 8-cylinder coupe, 3,165 pounds for the 6-cylinder convertible, and 3,325 for the 8-cylinder convertible. Add 21 pounds for power windows, 20 pounds for the folding rear seat, 86 pounds for air conditioning, 9 pounds for power brakes, 23 pounds for front disc brakes, 10 pounds for the 250-cid 6-cylinder engine, 39 pounds for the 327-cid V-8 engine, 72 pounds for the 350-cid V-8 engine, 258 pounds for the 396-cid V-8 engine, 7 pounds for the four speed manual transmission, 14 pounds for the Powerglide, 56 pounds for the Turbo Hydra-Matic, 38 pounds for dual exhaust, 29 pounds for power steering, 15 pounds for heavy duty battery, 8 pounds for an AM radio, 9 pounds for an AM-FM radio, and 17 pounds for the Rally Sport.
• The 1967 was the only Camaro model to feature side vent windows.
• The headlight door covers of the 1967 Camaro were electrically operated. Later model years were vacuum operated.
• All 1967 Camaros had single leaf rear springs.
• The center console design used in 1967 was unique to the year. Additionally, the design of the optional instrument grouping which mounted to the console was unique to 1967. The secondary instrument cluster consisted of fuel gauge, temperature gauge, oil gauge, ammeter, and clock.
• The first 1967 Camaro built at the Norwood, Ohio, plant had a VIN ending in N100001; the first built at the Van Nuys, California, plant had a VIN ending in L100001.