The Chevrolet Camaro debuted in 1966 for the 1967 model year, hitting the market in response to the wildly popular Ford Mustang. Offering a more traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout (unlike the rear-engine Corvair), plus a sexy two-door body (unlike the more squared-off Chevy II Nova), the first-generation Chevy Camaro would be the genesis for one of the most iconic muscle cars ever created. Now, we’re getting a look at an eye-grabbing Camaro concept from the nameplate’s early days.
Recently posted to the official GM Design instagram feed (@generalmotorsdesign), this sketch was created by Allen Young in 1968, and shows a concept proposal for a new Chevy Camaro Z/28. Unlike modern digitized concepts, this one was drawn by hand on a sheet of vellum using pencils, markers, and gouache, and simply oozes old-school cool.
For those who may not know, the Chevy Camaro Z/28 was born on the race tracks of the SCCA Trans-Am Series, taking the fight to the Mustang with a 302 cubic-inch V8 engine and select parts from the Chevrolet Corvette. To meet regulations, GM was required to produce at least 1,000 examples for the street, thus giving rise to the famous Z28 RPO code – a $400 option that included the 302 engine, upgraded suspension, Rally wheels, 15-inch tires, and quick-ratio steering. A Muncie four-speed and power front disc brakes were also required.
Naturally, all that go-faster goodness necessitates the right style, so as a follow-up, Young created this impressive Chevy Camaro Z/28 concept. The front end incorporates an unusual, boxy central intake, flanked by the wide, slim grille inserts more commonly associated with the first-gen Camaro.
Large vents are placed along the hood, while fat tires and a set of chrome exhaust pipes enhance the track-ready vibes. Final touches include red accent stripes around the fenders.
View this post on Instagram
We want to know what you think, so vote in the poll below, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Camaro news, more Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Looks like a ’71 Charger
Looks more like a 70-75 Challenger not an old charger but if they build it i will drive it proudly 😉
Cool
The nose looks much more like a Pontiac than a Chevy.
Look like a 68 GTO concept. It also has a little charger and Ford TBird.
I’m more interested in what Chevy had in mind for the 6th generation Z-28 they were allegedly developing; where are those drawings?
Looks horrible doesnt look anything like a camero at least the mustang and the challenger actually look amazingly like their predecessors!
Considering that this was a concept created in 1968 for the 69 z28 and not pertinent to any of the interpretations of todays cars, your comment serves no use. Why don’t you read before just saying “I dont like new camaro it not like old one it no good” especially when the article is about a concept from 1968
Looks terrible. Doesn’t look like a Camaro at all. I’ve been driving Camaros since I was 16 years old and there is no way I would drive anything like that if it is called Camaro
Frank you numpty it was a concept for the 1968 or 69 camaro and was drawn before 1968. It’s not a concept to bring a new camaro with 68 styling.
I like these late 60’s early to mid 70’s Bill Mitchell inspired design concepts. That concept though has a Pontiac beak that was already on many of their cars at the time, which makes it strange to see it on a Chevy concept.
And fair and square the next gen camaro took on the pontiac beak, so the concept drawing fulfilled its mission.
Looks like a GTO that got punched in the face.
Hot wheels splittin image
Its a concept drawing of a 68 or 69 camaro, show me a concept drawing of any car that the lookd like its real world production model!
All GM has to do to make more money than ever off the camaro is. Basically do a restomode slightly larger 1969 camaro with the traditional body but modern interior and breaking etc. And everyone will want one.
Definitely in the Pontiac family.
Nice concept. I agree with the idea of GM, doing a TRUE Retro styled Camaro. Not the ugly stuff they have been making. Take a page out of FCA’s playbook. Just take the REAL ’69 style, and update to a modern take. If GM did this, they would outsell, every other “new” muscle out there. Keep it simply stupid.
Ford Torino!
What are they thinking? Camaro 👎👎 on the other hand, Nice Concept of another Awesome GM Muscle Classic! 1967-69 GTO 🤗👍👏 Just a Thought ✌️♥️🙏🪶🪶🪶
Oh look!! A gen 6 roof line.
Looks like the batmobile a little bit. Might drive it for a little fun once and awhile.
Looks closer to Pontiac GTO & Firebirds.
Nice ,
much Pontiac
At first glance, I thought GTO front end. But, it has some design features of a Super Bird/Road Runner, and Charger/Challenger too! Some designs are just better left on the drafting room floor. Just my opinion. However, it possibly had some influence on the ’70+ long nose versions.
The main note here is…I’m very happy they didn’t make this in ’68. It probably would have drastically screwed up my ’69 350SS I had for 27 years! LOL First Gens are still the best!
Look like a Pontiac GTO, 68,69,70
The front is more mid size muscle car rather than spirts coupe.What leaps out to me is the silouette_continues the tradition of tge Camaro getting Vorvette hand me downs.This time it would be the C2 proportions for a Camaro.
Sex on wheels. Used to be a huge fan of the 69 z/28
I think this would have been better.
Can’t wait fir this car to come back I love it.
I love any concept picture from this Era. This was the beginning of muscle cars for camaro. When this picture was drawn by hand there was no previous model to work from. Just a blank sheet. This is cool and awesome and a sign of an era long gone. Besides ask any artist of any trade the first rendering never is like the final product.
Front end looks 68 goat to me. Nothing about it resembles a Camaro.
Very similar to Mattel’s art work on their 68-69 Hot wheels blister packs.