1969 Camaro Z28 Crossram-jl8
The classic Camaro can be broken up into five distinct generations with the fifth set to release in early 2009. Anyone who has ever driven a car has heard of and most likely wanted a Camaro of their very own, and if not when they see the movie Transformers, they will.
Seeing the popularity of the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet soon realized that, the Corvair simply could not compete. This was due in part to a book by Ralph Nader that titled “Unsafe at Any Speed”. We should all thank Ralph someday because from that came the car of many a teenagers dreams.
Seeing the popularity of the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet soon realized that, the Corvair simply could not compete. This was due in part to a book by Ralph Nader that titled “Unsafe at Any Speed”. We should all thank Ralph someday because from that came the car of many a teenagers dreams.
First generation Camaros would come out in three basic trim packages, the Rally Sport, Super Sport, and the Z28.
RS- This option was a beauty package that included hidden headlights, RS badging and revised taillights.
RS- This option was a beauty package that included hidden headlights, RS badging and revised taillights.
SS- Came with 350 cid and 396 cid engines, special striping, non-functioning air induction inlet on the hood, SS emblems on the grill, front fenders, gas cap, and horn. It was possible to order one car with both packages and in effect have a RS/SS Camaro.
Z28- Was in December 1966 for the 1967 production year but there was no advertisement of the package so few knew of its existence. The Z28 required front disc brakes and a Muncie four speed automatic transmission. It sported a 302-cid engine that was perfect for the racing regulations of the Trans Am racing series.
To compete in the “pony” car arena Chevrolet had to make some hard and fast steps. Which they did with the Camaro, in part on the battle ground of the Trans Am racing season. A good showing on the track would bring the younger crowds to the car in droves. The first year was a difficult year with SCCA sanctions limiting the cars to not more than one four-barrel carburetor. The following year would see the restrictions lifted and the introduction of every Camaro fanatic’s favorite subject the cross ram induction system.
1969
The 1969 Camaro belongs to the very first generation of Camaros that ran from 67-69 and is the inspiration for the retro style fifth generation soon to be released. The first Camaro were built on the brand new rear wheel drive Chevy F frame and would be available as a 2 door, 2+2 seating. Coupe or convertible with a variety of engine choices.
Z28- Was in December 1966 for the 1967 production year but there was no advertisement of the package so few knew of its existence. The Z28 required front disc brakes and a Muncie four speed automatic transmission. It sported a 302-cid engine that was perfect for the racing regulations of the Trans Am racing series.
To compete in the “pony” car arena Chevrolet had to make some hard and fast steps. Which they did with the Camaro, in part on the battle ground of the Trans Am racing season. A good showing on the track would bring the younger crowds to the car in droves. The first year was a difficult year with SCCA sanctions limiting the cars to not more than one four-barrel carburetor. The following year would see the restrictions lifted and the introduction of every Camaro fanatic’s favorite subject the cross ram induction system.
1969
The 1969 Camaro belongs to the very first generation of Camaros that ran from 67-69 and is the inspiration for the retro style fifth generation soon to be released. The first Camaro were built on the brand new rear wheel drive Chevy F frame and would be available as a 2 door, 2+2 seating. Coupe or convertible with a variety of engine choices.
The 69 Camaro would see little in the way of style changes from the previous two years. What was added was the option of the jl-8 brake system, a piston brake system borrowed from the Corvette. The addition of this four-wheel brake system thoroughly improved the cars braking ability and was the key to winning the Trans Am Championship. This is where components come together to create a highly coveted version of the Camaro.
A 1969 Z28 Cross Ram Jl-8 that is all original is the holy grail of Z28’s today. Unlike cars of today in 69 only the Corvette had come standard with four wheel disc brakes, this made the Z28 Camaro a rarity and added to the cross ram intake with a Holly carburetor and a cross ram induction hood, it is enough to make a classic car lover salivate. Numbers are sketchy at best, as far as how many were manufactured 206 is the official number but some believe the number may have been inflated to meet the SCCA minimum manufacturing requirements.
Finally, you cannot discuss the Camaro without remembering the Yenko and the ZL-1:
Yenko
In the early days of the Camaro, a corporate edict stated that no car other than the Corvette could have an engine larger than a 400 cid. This put the early Camaro at a disadvantage against the Mustang and the Barracuda. Don Yenko owned a Chevy dealership at the time and in 67, he ordered L-78 equipped SS Camaros and switched the engines from the Corvette. By 69 corporate had caught on to the vision and the 427 was being installed at the factory. Yenko then added visual effects including his sYc emblem. Today these cars have gone as high as 2.2 million dollars at Barrett Jacksons.
ZL-1
This was a car built entirely for the strip, drag strip that is. It contained an all aluminum 427 cid; reportedly having nearly 550 hp, this is the fastest and the rarest of all Camaros.
