Interestingly, the name “Z28″ that is now and forever associated with the Chevy Camaro started out as a sales code for a “Special Performance Package”. GM codes all its options and accessories with a 3-digit alpha-numeric code. Option Z28 was offered only so that GM could certify these cars for stock racing. Included was a special 302 cu. in V8, made only for this application. Also part of the package was a heavy duty radiator, special suspension, dual exhaust, 15″x6″ wheels, 3.73:1 Positraction rear axle, special stripes, and power front disc brakes. Only 600 models were sold with option Z28 in 1967, making them extremely rare collectibles today. Camaros were chosen as the Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500 races in both 1967 and 1969.
Camaro continued with minor changes for 1968 and 1969 while designers were hard at work on the 2nd generation models.
The body received a minor redesign in 1974, but the famous wrap-around rear window was not seen until the 1975 models. 1974 also marked the end for the Z28 option due to the ever-tightening pollution standards and insurance costs. In 1975, the only engines available were a 250 straight-six and a 2- and 4- barrel carbureted 350 V8, and all had the new catalytic converter exhaust system.
During this period in the mid 70s GM focused more attention on interior comfort, features, and appearance which made the Camaro larger and heavier. New options in 1975 included a half-vinyl roof covering, power door locks, and air conditioning was available on the base 6 cylinder engine for the first time.
1978 saw the next minor redesign, this time incorporating urethane body-color painted bumper covers. Also, T-Tops were offered for the first time. This was a roof with two tinted glass hatches and a “T” bar in the center, which simulated the open air feel of a convertible. Sales soared to the highest numbers ever on the strength of this new style, and went even higher in 1979 reaching the highest sales in the history of the Camaro line at 282,571.
In 1981, GM even offered wire wheel covers on the Berlinetta! Even though the Z28′s engine now boasted 190hp, the Camaro was quickly losing it’s place as a “sports car for the average driver” and sales declined sharply in 1980 and ’81 as designers readied the “next big thing”.
There was hope though. In 1985 the Camaro was chosen as the car of the International Race of Champions (IROC) stock car racing, and GM came out the an “IROC-Z” model which was essentially a Z28 with special graphics. The V8 now featured “Tuned Port” fuel injection, and the 4 cylinder engine was dropped in favor of a much-needed V6 in 1986. 1986 also saw the return of the convertible to the model lineup for the first time since 1969. In 1987, the Z28 gained power with the addition of a new 350 cubic inch V8 that measured 225hp.
Stronger bumpers were required, so the design now included full-width chrome bumpers, which were changed to an aluminum bar for 1974-77. Strict pollution standards on the engine and the requirement of unleaded gas meant the power output would be cut back; the Z28 option V8 now only produced 245hp. High-Energy Ignition was installed on some models by mid-year and standard from 1974 on. This system had the ignition coil inside the distributor and produced about 20,000 volts to the spark plugs for a more complete fuel burn, leaving less pollution in the exhaust. Also, the mini-spare tire, power windows, and seat belt warning buzzers were introduced this year.
By 1979, the Camaro family had grown to 4 members: Sport Coupe, Rally Sport, Z28, and the new Berlinetta. This was GM’s attempt to market the Camaro to a female buyer; the model featured bright chrome/plastic painted trim, special wheels and a softer ride, and extensive acoustic insulation on the interior.
The base engine now found on the Sport Coupe was a 2.5 liter 90hp 4 cylinder! For the first time, the heavy Camaro now had the same power as a typical subcompact. And taking top honors for tackiness, the 1984 Berlinetta model featured a “Star Wars” style digital dash and radio panel. Although 1984 was the 3rd best selling year in Camaro history with 261,591 units sold, the Berlinetta did not help and was gone by 1986.
In 1988, the Z28 was dropped again, leaving the IROC-Z to fill the role of high-performance Camaro, but IROC chose a different model in 1991 which meant Chevy had to drop the IROC-Z and return the Z28 to the model line. A driver’s side airbag was first seen in 1990, and a special 25th anniversary model was built in 1992 which was also the final year for the 3rd Generation of Camaro.
The 4th Generation was introduced in mid 1993, and the ’93 Z28 was chosen as the Indy Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500 race in May. Production moved from Van Nuys California to a plant in Ste. Therese, Quebec, just outside of Montreal. Engines included a new 3.4 V6 for the coupe, and a 275hp “LT1″ V8 (same engine as in the Corvette) for the Z28. The body on this model was the biggest news: it was made of composite plastic all over, except for the hood and rear quarter panels. Design work for the convertible model did not finish in time for the midyear launch so it was pushed back to 1994. A new 6-speed manual transmission also was added to the Z28 in 1994, along with traction control and a larger more powerful 3.8 liter V6 for the Coupe in 1995.
