1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS RS Convertible (RHD)

Description

Developed in response to the runaway success of Ford's Mustang, Chevrolet's Camaro was unveiled for the 1967 model year and was initially conceived by GM's design team as a four-passenger Corvette. Chevrolet's entry into the burgeoning pony car market proved a more than a worthy competitor for its more established rival, rapidly capturing a sizeable portion of the youth market. Sold in two body styles, the coupe and convertible, the new Camaro was marketed with a wide variety of engine choices, from the mild - the base engine was a six-cylinder developing a scant 140 horses - to the wild, with the ultimate choice being a 375 horsepower L78 396-cid big-block. There was no question the Camaro looked fantastic, with clean styling under the direction of Bill Mitchell and the curvaceous 'coke-bottle' lines foreshadowed the Stingray of 1968, as did the instrument panel. The first-generation Camaro was offered with a huge options list, allowing the customer to personalise their new toy into just about anything, whether it be a luxury cruiser or a drag strip bruiser. There were two Super Sport packages available, the SS badge being reserved for high performance Chevrolets across the model range since 1961. The first was the SS350 (code L48), with 295 horsepower from the 350-cid V8, a unique bonnet complete with twin simulated vents, 14 x 6 wheels and redline tyres plus special stripes and badging, including 'SS' emblems on the filler tank and steering wheel boss. Mechanical changes included dual exhausts, heavy-duty suspension and a dress-up package under the bonnet. Also available in big-block SS396 guise, the SS was particularly effective when combined with the Z-22 Rally Sport package, which added distinctive hidden headlamps and unique grille, parking lights, revised tail lights plus additional exterior bright work, including the rocker trim and around the wheel arches. A 1967 SS/RS Convertible is a rare combination - although the exact number made remains a mystery, of the total Camaro production over just over 225,000 there were just 25,141 ragtops made, 29,270 were equipped with the SS350 option and 64,642 had the Rally Sport option so Camaros combining all three remain scarce and highly desirable today. The first generation Camaro makes a great alternative to the more common Mustangs - with the RS covered headlamps and Rally wheels, these cars look particularly eye-catching and are sure to turn plenty of heads on a cruise or club run.