How Quickly Can You Spot the Year of a First Gen Chevrolet Camaro?
Posted by Christopher Nagy on Jan 10th 2025
Chevrolet's debut of the Camaro in mid-1966 had an instantaneous impact in the affordable performance-oriented automotive marketplace at the time. The first generation version’s run from 1967 to 1969 presented a shape so iconic it heavily inspired the fifth generation variant’s return in 2009. What may not be immediately apparent to enthusiasts spotting a first generation Chevrolet Camaro is numerous year-to-year changes that give an educated eye the ability to swiftly identify by an exterior glance. Being able to observe specific year characteristics of first generation Chevrolet Camaros serves as both satisfying for fans as well as vital details to note when authentically restoring an example of this General Motors’ pony car.
Exterior Features of the First Generation Chevrolet Camaro
The following exterior aspects of the Camaro will tell a bow tie fan whether they are looking at a 1967, 1968, or 1969 model:
The 1969 Camaro: A Bigger, Badder Machine
The final run of the first generation Chevrolet Camaro should be noted for the appearance of several one-year-only touches. A source for many 1969 model year changes was the adoption of a new front fender and rear quarter panel design. Besides stylistic differences, the 1969 Camaro is 1.3 inches longer and 1.5 inches wider compared to 1967 and 1968 models. Measuring 186 inches in total length and 74 inches in maximum width, the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro’s larger profile maintains the 108-inch wheelbase consistent with the first generation cars.
Door Window Vent
One way to immediately verify the appearance of a 1967 Camaro can be found just beyond the car’s A pillar. By the late 1960s, automobile designs began to delete the vent window commonly incorporated with the front doors. The production of the first batch of the Chevrolet Camaro included front vent windows but would be removed from the pony car for the 1968 model year.
Wheel Arches
On 1967 and 1968 Camaros, the contour of the wheel arches hugs the upper circumference of the tires. With the redesigned fenders and quarter panels introduced on 1969 models, the wheel arches feature a less rounded shape with the top section adhering more closely to the car’s body lines.
Front Grille Shape
1967 and 1968 Chevrolet Camaros maintained a similar grille design, but the 1969 featured a revised face. Along with updated body panels for the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro, the front end received a mild refresh. On 1969 models, the front grille involves a more pronounced V shape on non-Rally Sport models.
Taillight Arrangement
The taillights on the first generation Chevrolet Camaro provide a quick clue to the pony car’s specific model year. On 1967 Camaros, taillights are positioned in a pair of single rectangular pods. The following year’s model saw the taillights appear framed in a two-pod arrangement with the overall size unchanged. The 1969 model year of the Camaro featured a new look for the taillights assembled in a three-pod arrangement. White backup lights are integrated with first generation Camaros with base styling while Rally Sport models have them placed under the rear bumper.
Side Indicator Lights
One quick way to distinguish a 1967 Camaro from a 1968 Camaro at a side exterior view appears on the front and rear corners. In 1968, safety requirements dictated the addition of side indicator lights to more clearly communicate turns. These side indicator lights on the 1969 Camaro are positioned higher on the quarter panels with front lights located above the bumper line.
Rally Sport Trim’s Headlight Doors
The Rally Sport Package was immediately a popular option for Camaro buyers equipped on more than half of the cars sold in 1967. The ‘RS’ badging was accompanied by a host of distinctive styling details including racing stripes, special body moldings and a unique grille featuring hidden headlights. For 1967 and 1968 Camaros, the electrically-operated headlight doors would appear camouflaged within the black grillework when in place. The headlight doors were redesigned for RS-equipped 1969 Chevrolet Camaros to be more pronounced with a body-colour matching appearance and three horizontally-placed transparent bars.
Parking Lights
The appearance of front parking lights on non-Rally Sport vehicles is a quick way to identify the model year of a first generation Chevrolet Camaro. On the 1967 Camaro, a round parking light was mounted within the grille beside each headlight. These parking lights remained within the grille for 1968 but are rectangular in shape. For 1969 Camaros, parking lights returned to a circular shape but were relocated in the lower front valance under the bumper trim. Rally Sport package equipped Chevrolet Camaros also shared parking light placement for the 1969 model year.
