The Greatest Generation: Which Is the Best of All Camaro Generations?

The Camaro has been through many stages of evolution, but which of all Camaro generations reigns supreme? We decide, once and for all.

Keyword(s): all camaro generations

Calling all car enthusiasts. What's your Camaro of choice?

As a race car icon, Camaro has stood the test of time. From its onset in 1967 to its newest 2019 models, this is a car made for racing. It has long earned its muscle car status with race car enthusiasts. 

All Camaro generations have endured through the ages. Through five decades of this giant on the race circuit, it has evolved, changed shape and had engine tweaks. One thing has remained constant during all of it though: its wide audience of driving fans. 

Which model is your favorite? Check out this list of the best Camaros through the generations. One of them is sure to be on your best-loved list. 

1967 Camaro

Camaro came into the auto world in the fall of 1967. It was widely thought to be introduced as competition for the Ford Mustang. In the first year, it sold 220,917 cars. 

The 1967 Camaro was the first in the Camaro generations that followed for the next 52 years.

This model was introduced with the inline six-cylinder and V-8 engine and 325-horsepower SS396. There was also a version with a 375-horsepower engine, and this was the first year that the car was offered in a 2-door, 2+2 seating, coupe or convertible option.

1968 Camaro Z/28

In year two of the Camaro, it became a serious race car. While General Motors was hesitant to do the work, Roger Penske and his race team engineers transformed the Z/28 into a serious road warrior. 

The new 1968 Camaro Z/28 housed a 302 cubic inch small block V8 with an aluminum intake manifold and a four-barrel Holly carburetor. It had an improved road suspension and brake components and was ready to hit the race circuit. 

As part of its new look, this model sported hood racing stripes that became iconic with the brand through decades of design. It quickly became serious competition for Ford's Mustang. 

1969 Camaro

After two successful years on the market, the 1969 version made the Camaro a serious muscle car. Chevrolet offered this year in a variety of interpretations: Z/28, ZL1, Yenko, Baldwin Motion and Big Red. 

The 1969 model had slight adjustments to the fascia along with a more curved rear. 

Among its other claims to fame, this model appeared as that year's Indy 500 Pace Car. The Yenko model was built and later used in the 2003 film ‘Fast and Furious’. It sported a 425-horsepower, 427 cubic inch engine.

1970 Camaro SS

In terms of Camaro generations, this began the second. This car was delayed coming off the production line because of the huge strike in the auto industry happening at the time.

Car buyers were also reluctant after the oil embargo. But eventually, this new generation of Camaro took hold.

This model came out as a less aggressive version for the average driver compared to the previous muscle and race-inspired version. It had a longer and wider body type. General Motors also discontinued the convertible option in this new generation. 

The Camaro SS (Super Sport) housed 350 horsepower big block V8. This offered a significant upgrade from the 155-horsepower base six-cylinder in previous models. 

This new generation also offered improvements to the chassis and suspension providing a smoother ride. Other comforts included improved noise control and interior comfort. 

1985 Camaro IROC Z

This model is part of the third generation of Camaros and is considered one of the rare wins in the 80s Camaro lineup. It was named after the International Race of Champions and the IROC branding became iconic with this classic car design.

The 1985 Camaro IROC Z in automatic came with a 205-horsepower, fuel-injected V8 power plant.  For only $659 that year, the performance package was added onto the Z28s. The model featured improved suspension and offered a lowered body frame. 

The IROC Z had a revised front nose. As part of the base package, it came with the IROC Z fog lights. 

This car was touted by enthusiast magazine ‘Car and Driver’ as one of their top ten best cars. 

1988 Camaro 1LE

Part of the third generation family of Camaros, this model was all about performance. Chevrolet had one thing on its mind when creating this model and it was to have an edge in stock car racing. 

It came with heavy duty breaks and also sported an aluminum driveshaft and specialized shocks. Amenities were limited on this model as it was made to be a racer (There was no air conditioning, T-tops or fog lights available.) 

Buyers could choose between a 305 cubic-inch V8 with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 350 cubic-inch V8 with a 4-speed automatic transmission. 

While this model was made for racing and performance, General Motors didn’t make many of them. Only a few hundred were actually produced. If a collector wanted to purchase this model now it would be top dollar because of its rarity. 

1993 Camaro Z/28

This fourth-generation model proved Camaro was back in the game after falling out of favor with car enthusiasts. The 1993 Camaro Z/28 was back and better than ever. 

It had a whole new look—with a more sleek body design, the model offered improved aerodynamics. 

This version sported a 275-horsepower, V8 engine. The car also offered a new chassis and suspension with tighter control and steering. The transmission from previous models also saw improvements. 

After 22 years, the Camaro Z/28 surpassed the Mustang in rankings and retained its muscle car status. It was the first of the Camaro models to not be built in the United States. (General Motors switched production of this new generation to a plant in Quebec, Canada.)

2010 Camaro SS

After going out of production for 8 years, it was time for Camaro to come roaring back into the automotive scene and the 2010 Camaro SS did just that. It was recognized as the World Car Design of the Year. 

Performance and speed was the name of the game for this Camaro. It offered up a 6.2-liter V8 engine. This 426 horsepower reinvented machine was lifted from Corvette's playbook. 

Antilock disc brakes, stability control, and front-seat side airbags were part of the standard safety features while its retro looks offered up supreme performance. And, as an added bonus it came that year with highly competitive pricing. Chevrolet rolled it out to get noticed! 

This car got rave reviews from car enthusiasts. Many believed it was worth the long wait for Camaro to come back into the race car market. This muscle car was back and flexing its muscles. 

2014 Camaro Z/28

While it is hard to claim a car that has only been around for five years as a classic, that's what this one is going to be. It will long go down as one of the best in all Camaro generations. 

The 2014 Camaro Z/28 has power. It has pizzazz. With its 7.0-liter dry-sump V8 engine, it was made to go fast. This redesign stud sports a 505 horsepower behemoth. 

If going fast is your thing, this is the Camaro to beat. Be prepared for stopping on a dime in this show off, too. It has serious stopping power because of its enormous carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes. (It gets up and goes and then knows how to come to a quick and efficient stop too.) 

The front tires were changed up from previous models to match the size of the rear ones. When warm and racing they stay glued to the road. This Z/28 reinvention makes its namesake proud. 

2019 Camaro Turbo 1LE

In the newest installment of the Camaro lineup, the 2019 Turbo 1LE is the one to grab. It combines all the newest technologies with Camaro's brand of race savviness. 

The best part is that it comes in at a decent price for this kind of race ability.  Starting at just over $30,000, this newest model is sure to create some new Camaro enthusiasts. 

The Turbo 1LE  is only available in six-speed manual transmission. It comes with three engine options that are available in each of the 2019 Camaros.  It sports a three-piece rear spoiler. This model comes with 20-inch wheels with wider tires ready to stick to the road. 

The 2019 Camaro Turbo 1LE gives off the same iconic retro vibe that made it a hit from the beginning. 1LE comes with a satin-black hood, part of its new trademark look.

From Camaro's onset, it was built to tango with Ford's Mustang. This newest inception is no different. 

All Camaro Generations, Race Car Superstars

For over five decades Camaro has offered up classic car design and serious race capabilities. Whether you are a loyalist to Camaros' earliest styling or a fan of the Z/28 versions, Camaro has grown and evolved to gather multiple generations of fans. 

Newer models are bringing in new and younger fans of this iconic model. Whatever the case may be its longevity makes it appealing to race enthusiasts of all ages.  

All Camaro generations offer up the muscle car styling and road capabilities that made it popular from the beginning. 

Do you have a vintage Camaro in your life? If so, we have a whole line up of parts to assist you. Contact us today so we can help keep your Camaro racing.