The first-generation Camaro hit its peak in 1969. Compared to the earlier 1967 and 1968 first gens, there were more engine choices, sleeker styling, a lower, wider, and meaner appearance, and special appearance packages and trim codes.
From GM’s standpoint, the 1969 Camaro was “the next best thing to a ‘Vette.”
It was as tough as a big Chevy semitruck, appealing to the younger hip generation but also to Marlboro men, suburban proto-soccer moms (did they even exist yet in 1969), and—with the 1969 Camaro SS, 1969 Camaro Z/28, and the legendary COPOs—to hardcore gearheads, be they drag racers or road racers.
Over the 1969 Camaro’s extended production run from August 1968 through November 1969 (a union strike delayed the all-new 1970 models), 243,085 1969 Camaros rolled off the production lines from plants in Norwood, Ohio, and Van Nuys, California, a record that would stand until 1979.
1969 Camaro SS 350, sand, sky, ocean, “California blonde” model. What more could one desire? One of Chevy’s main pitches for the younger crowd was that a Camaro was all about having fun in the sun—and everywhere else.
Today when you buy a new car, many options are only available as part of overall packages, but during the glory days of the muscle car era many of the 1969 Camaro’s 130-plus RPOs (regular production options) could be ordered individually, a la carte.
Chevy knew kids loved the sporty Camaro. But they wanted to convince squaresville parents (who of course really had the bucks) that it was OK to cross the under-30 generation gap and communicate with young folks about all the great new features introduced in 1969 “including a little device that washes your headlights for you. You should drive a new Camaro the first chance you get. Even if you’re 42. ”
So much freedom of choice may have been cool or groovy, but a half century later it’s also downright confusing to collectors, restorers, and gearheads alike.
It wouldn’t be too out there to say that rare 1969 Camaro variations occasionally still turn up, and yet these survivors (as the enthusiast community calls them) are all-original and remarkably have all documentation intact.
