Top 10 Camaro Models Ever Made – Miami Lakes Automall Chevrolet

If you are reading this, then we probably don’t have to convince you that the Camaro is one of the coolest muscle cars ever made. Since it first came into production back in 1966, the Camaro has been a constant symbol of muscle, speed, performance, and power. If you have ever gotten behind the wheel of a Camaro, or better yet – owned a Camaro, then you have a better idea of what we mean. The Camaro is not simply a car, it is a lifestyle choice. Others have tried to replicate this feeling, but no other car in its class can hold a candle to the Chevy Camaro. Miami and the rest of the world know deep down, that the Camaro is king.

Nearly 50 Years of Excellence

The Camaro is nearing its fiftieth birthday, and just this year, Chevy has moved its production back to the United States after a brief manufacturing run in Canada. The homecoming for Chevy’s most beloved muscle car was a warm one, complete with a red, white, and blue ceremony in Detroit.

The return of production to the United States came just in time for the Camaro’s newest 2016 model year, a number that represents the car’s rich 50 year history. 2016 is also the year that marks a major redesign for the Camaro, and has car enthusiasts and industry insiders equally as excited.

Top 10 Camaro Models Ever Produced

Narrowing down the field of Camaro models to a top ten list, was no easy feat. With 50 years of quality, thrill-inducing Camaros to choose from, not to mention the various special editions and trim levels released with each model year, the list was extensive. We managed to narrow this intense undertaking down to 10 of the most impressive Camaros to ever roll off the assembly line.

Whether you are an avid collector, a curious browser, or a car enthusiast, we hope you enjoy this list of the top ten Chevy Camaro models ever made.

1. **1967 Chevy Camaro –** After careful planning and execution, Chevrolet debuted this first Camaro model to the world. Released in 1966 for the 1967 model year, the Camaro was instantly able to stand up to major competition. The Ford Mustang had been around for a few years at this point, and the Camaro set out to change the Mustang’s course of success. The first Camaro stood out because its design was different and more elegant than the competition. Drivers were also able to choose from over 80 factory options, and over 40 accessories to beef up their Camaro and make it their very own. At the time, neither the Mustang or the Pontiac GTO offered as much versatility as the 1967 Camaro. 
2. **Yenko Camaro –** While it is not widely publicized, Chevrolet created the Camaro to serve as a convenient compact, and not necessarily as a muscle car. The owner of a Pittsburgh Chevy dealership, Don Yenko, took advantage of the Camaros customization options to create what is now known as the Yenko Camaro. After rigging models with a 427 cubic-inch V8 for numerous years, Chevy began producing the Camaro this way from the factory in 1969. 
3. **1968 Camaro Z/28 –** Chevrolet took matters into their own hands after General Motors put the stop to a factory Trans-Am racing team. The bowtie brand went out on their own, outsourcing Roger Penske and his team of engineers to design the first track-ready Camaro. Outfitted with a heavy duty suspension and performance brake parts, the Camaro began winning on the racing circuit, further cementing its value in the muscle car segment. 
4. **1969 Camaro ZL-1 –** For a very long time, this Camaro model was the most powerful ever created. Created with the help of dealerships and the Chaparral Can-Am racing team, the 1969 ZL-1 had a rating of 430 horsepower, and was incredibly quick. Only 69 of these Camaro models were sold, as this version added an extra $4,000 to the sticker price of $2,727. A number not easily justified by the mass consumer. 
5. **Early 1970s Camaro –** Completely redesigned, re-engineered, and restyled, General Motors poured millions of dollars into the most ambitious Camaro ever mass produced. Styled by the famous Bill Mitchell, who gained inspiration from an Italian sports car, this Camaro was slimmer and more sophisticated than previous models. 
6. **1988-1992 Camaro 1LE –** This third generation Camaro was a throwback to the first model Chevrolet produced, but with advanced handling and overall refinement. The Camaro Z28 1LE was offered from 1988 through 1992, and offered a 5.7-liter V8 engine, stiff dampers, an oil cooler, new fuel tank, and aluminum driveshaft. The only thing this model was missing was air conditioning, an amenity that would be added to later models. 
7. **1998-2002 Camaro SS –** At a time when driving a Hummer wasn’t considered frivolous, and the mentality of “bigger is better” reigned supreme, Camaro sales inevitably dropped. Despite the decreased sales during this time in Camaro’s history, the fourth generation of the muscle car was one of its best. The starting MSRP of $25,000 included an aluminum block LS1 V8 engine, with an impressive 325 horsepower rating. 
8. **Bumblebee Camaro –** Back in 2007, Michael Bay opted to make a yellow fifth-generation Camaro one of the stars of his _Transformers_ film. Playing the “good guy,” the bright yellow Camaro became more than just a presence on the road. Even today, nearly 8 years after the film’s release, the yellow Camaro is still recognized in public as Bumblebee. Chevrolet hit the marketing lottery when they agreed to this partnership, a relationship that the bowtie brand is still reaping the benefits from years later. 
9. **2014 Camaro Z/28 –** After a less than impressive 2010 model debut, Camaro engineers worked tirelessly to create the newest addition to the fifth generation model. Outfitted with redesigned… _everything._ From a new steering wheel column, tires, suspension system, and more – the Z/28 was repentance for what is still considered a big fail for the start of the Camaro’s fifth generation. 
10. **2016 Camaro –** Winning Motor Trend’s 2016 _Car of the Year_ award, the newest Camaro needed to make our list. The sixth generation has been highly anticipated, and that anticipation is paying off. A new sculpted body affords the Camaro a more modern appeal, lighter body weight, and as a result – better performance. Chevrolet offers thousands of customization options, giving drivers complete control over nearly every aspect of their new Camaro. Starting as low as $25,700, and offering up to 455 horsepower, the newest model is certainly worthy of a top 10 spot when it comes to the greatest Camaros ever made.

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