We'll start our journey back in time with the promotional materials released by Chevrolet's Public Relations Department and the Camaro specialty dealers. These two great sources of information give us a sense of just how serious the high performance movement was at the time.
To set the stage ... It's important to understand that Chevrolet was coming from behind. The Ford Mustang was out a few years ahead of the Camaro, and Chevrolet had a great deal of time to make up. It was crucial for Chevrolet to produce an exceptional product in order to quickly break into the fast growing youth market where the Mustang was already the established leader.
Chevrolet's answer began with the design group's creation of the aesthetically beautiful Camaro body. Engineering excellence then followed with the implementation of the excellent high performance large and small block Chevrolet V8's. All that was left to do was build a winning image that would give the Camaro the competitive edge.
Now, when it comes to being competitive Chevrolet is good - real good - on both the consumer level and on the race track ... and it was through racing that Chevrolet successfully created the winning image that allowed the Camaro to tear into the specialty sports car market.
Their formula was simple: Chevrolet put together a "solid" high performance lineup to compete against their rival in all circles of competition. Road race and drags, big block or small, Chevrolet had the answer with the Camaro SS, Z/28 and other special high performance models.
Chevrolet didn't have to work real hard at promoting the Camaro either. Since they provided a highly competitive package to begin with, the public was more than happy to tweak it a bit more and get out on the race track and prove it! Win after win, time after time.

Recognizing the opportunity for increased sales and services, Chevrolet dealers catered to the high performance crowd by establishing separate Special High Performance departments. These specialty dealers began popping up everywhere, finding it promotionally advantageous and profitable to support the high performance movement and to keep Chevrolet out front ...
The dealers also served as a critical link between the public and the factory since there was an AMA mandate which outlawed the direct factory sponsorship of racing. Acting as liaisons, the dealers provided feedback to the factory regarding the racers' needs, and Chevrolet Engineering would then provide the solutions. It could be said that this clandestine network was one of the greatest racing partnerships of all time. The outcome speaks for itself ... and that folks, is how the Camaro legend was built!

Here's one of the coolest examples of promotional material that came out of Chevrolet Product Promotions Department ... this three page "Technical News" handout was distributed at Riverside, California during the November 1966 press conference held by Chevrolet to introduce the 1967 Z/28. It details the Z/28 package, its "Special Equipment" and options. All of the automotive press came out for this one and each representative was allowed to smoke the engineering knock-off senselessly! Needless to say everyone had a GREAT time...

Now try out Nickey/Chicago - Home of ... The exclusive NICKEY Camaro 427-425HP. Check out this 5 1/2 X 8 inch flyer and think about asking for the demonstration drive!
Nickey was one of the largest and best "connected" of the specialty dealers. They claimed to have the world's largest inventory of special Go-fast Parts, and featured performance parts "Direct from Detroit engineering" ... And yes, they really did!
Note the Nickey Emblem on this 68 Camaro

Not wanting to be outdone by the others, Courtesy Chevrolet with the help of Dick Harrel launched the SUPER CAMARO / CHEVELLE which came with the 427-450HP engine and a whole lot of other great stuff for ... (get ready) $4,395! Check the options list section of this 11 x 8 two page handout and imagine the possibilities ... By the way, does anybody remember the Holley "THREE BARREL"...?

Specifications for Super Camaro / Chevelle

427 CID - 450 H.P. V-8 Engine
4-Speed close ratio transmission (turbo available)
Positraction rear end 4.10:1 ratio
Dual eshaust system
Special H.D. Clutch and pressure plate
Special purpose suspension
H.D. cooling system
Chrome valve covers and air cleaner
Special dual-scoop fiberglass hood (with hood pins)
Special fiberglass rear deck spoiler (Camaro only)
Special wide stance wheels - 14"X6"
Wide oval nylon tires

$4,395.00
All prices are f.o.b. Kansas City, Mo.

Ready to flip out?... Try this 8 x 11 Baldwin/Motion flyer! Does it get any wilder? Take the name alone - Phase III ... Sounds like a military code name for a worldwide nuclear attack! Combine this with the ominous look of Darth Vader and more power than any car should rightfully have and you get the Motion Performance Phase III Camaro. Effective? You bet!


Stay tuned for another edition of '60's Camaro flash back!