General Motors announced its plan to end Camaro production in January 2024. The final sixth generation Camaros would roll off the Lansing Michigan assembly line.
In this generation the Camaro has been offered in coupe and convertible forms since 2016 and it comes with a range of power options. The base Camaro starting around 27800 dollars in the United States uses a 2.0 liter turbo engine making 275 horsepower.
The top ZL1 model features a 650 horsepower V8 and carries a price tag near 77300 dollars in the United States.
Like its main rival the Ford Mustang, the Camaro is built on a traditional front engine rear drive layout with a sporty look. In base configurations these cars did not always include the most powerful engines. This contributed to the nickname pony car in the North American market. The term evokes a small horse and the idea of a compact, spirited sports car. The Camaro and Mustang history began with rapid sales after the Mustang launched, and when the Camaro appeared in 1966 its sales helped set a high pace across the market.
chasing the Mustang
The work to develop the first generation Camaro began in 1964 after Mustang success became clear. By mid November 1965 the first body was built and production of the coupe started on August 7 1966 with the distinctive long hood and a cabin shifted toward the rear.
Early base models carried a 6 cylinder engine rated at 140 horsepower. A more robust 8 cylinder option with up to 375 horsepower was also offered for the new coupe.
Shortly after the road car reached customers a Trans Am race inspired variant appeared, centered on the Z28 with a 4 speed manual transmission and a 290 horsepower engine.
In the late sixties the pony car segment grew popular among teenagers as the large generation of postwar baby boomers reached driving age. The Camaro lineup also included affordable models alongside more powerful options.
Consistent improvement
The second generation arrived in 1970. The design changed significantly while the underlying chassis remained familiar. GM engineers improved handling considerably. The standard engine shifted to a 4.0 liter V6 while the high end Super Sport offered a V8 with about 6.6 liters displacement.
During the mid 70s the Camaro program faced a potential shutdown due to the oil embargo declared by oil producing nations. Fuel prices surged and buyers began shifting toward more fuel efficient cars. The lineup trimmed the largest engines but continued in production.
The third generation debuted in 1981 introducing a 4 cylinder base option with modest power. The fourth generation ran from 1993 to 2002 and then Camaro production paused for the first time as sales lagged behind the Mustang. The model made a revival in 2009 and found renewed popularity in part thanks to cinema.
one of the Transformers
In 2007 the Camaro became a highlight in the film Transformers. General Motors prepared concepts for a revived Camaro ahead of the next generation. Bumblebee, one of the central robots, drew inspiration from this car. The design of the future film iterations carried the Camaro spirit across generations.
The Transformers series helped the Camaro regain attention. By 2009 sales exceeded 60000 units, a notable jump from the prior year, and by 2010 the Camaro outpaced the Mustang in sales in some markets.
Not collectible but iconic
Automotive antique experts approached by media outlets note that Camaro is not typically treated as a guaranteed collectible whose value rises over time. Still, the car is widely viewed as iconic thanks to its film appearances and its role in shaping a bright chapter of American performance history.
Antiquarian Automobiles, a dealer and restoration house, explains that the Camaro began as a mass market model aimed at younger buyers and helped launch the Chevrolet line. A representative named Alexander noted that the car sold in high volumes, which tends to limit its long term collectible status. Museums sometimes feature classic Camaros to illustrate automotive evolution.
In the market, customs duties tied to engine size can affect import costs, sometimes dramatically. For example a Camaro with a large engine priced around 10 20 thousand dollars in good condition in the United States may face taxes that raise the total cost significantly for import into other regions.
Ultimately, enthusiasts remain drawn to Camaros for their heritage and performance. While not every model is a future blue chip, a dedicated fan base keeps demand alive across generations. The latest body style gained renewed attention after appearing in popular media and continues to attract collectors, especially models with low mileage and careful preservation.