Car of the Week: This 1967 Chevy Camaro Is Heading to Auction With Its Original Muscle and Swagger
The Chevrolet Camaro was GM’s answer to Ford’s Mustang, the pony car that took the automotive world by storm in late 1964 as a fun and affordable antidote to driving boredom. Caught mostly unaware, GM, Mopar, and AMC were a little late to the muscle-car game, but by 1967, Chevy came on strong with the Camaro and the Pontiac Firebird. Both soon established themselves as the Mustang’s archrivals, on the street and in motorsport. That rivalry would play out in the Trans-Am competition, a few years later, as one of the most exciting periods of American racing.
The first-year Camaro crossing the block through Mecum Auctions is just one vehicle among an impressive group of desirable Chevrolets coming to the NRG Center in Houston, Tex., from April 4 through 6. Elaborating on this rare opportunity for Chevy fans, John Kraman, Lead TV Commentator/Analyst for Mecum Auctions says, “The Plendl Brothers Bowtie Classics Collection features over two dozen quality Chevrolets, but there is one that is especially noteworthy. The 1967 Camaro RS/SS is one of the finest time capsules of this model’s debut year. The desirable color combination, high options count, plus the level of originality just may reset the value bar for Chevy’s first challenger to the pony-car sales battles.”
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The Plendl Collection is an assemblage of mostly black cars, meticulously curated and fueled by passion. It embraces nearly every significant model, from Chevrolet’s popular Camaro, Monte Carlo, Nova, and Chevelle, to pickup trucks such as the Tahoe and El Camino. Rob Plendl’s collecting journey began with his father. “Dad started buying Corvettes as he slowed down,” says Plendl. “He really enjoyed the Corvettes and sports cars, and my habit of collecting was handed down from him. Something like this . . . it just gets into your blood.”
The first generation of Chevy’s enduring icon, introduced in the fall of 1966 as a 1967 model, was built through 1969. It spawned a Camaro bloodline that continues today. The 2024 Camaro proudly shows its heritage with a retro look that almost—but not quite—eclipses the character of the original, one more example of how the first is often the best.
The first-gen engine and appearance options were almost overwhelming, and the RS Package, available on any model, included hidden headlights, sleek taillights, and exterior bright trim. The SS Performance Package featured a 350 ci or 396 ci V-8 engine (instead of Chevy’s standard 230 ci straight-six), and an upgraded chassis strengthened to deal with the V-8’s additional power and enhanced to deliver improved handling.
Painted Tuxedo Black with a black vinyl top, this RS/SS is powered by the 350 ci Turbo-Fire V-8 (not to be confused with turbocharged anything—these were days when marketing men were in the driver’s seat and engineers rode shotgun). The engine makes 295 hp and 380 ft lbs of torque. The driveline is original, and the matching-numbers engine also attests to the car’s authenticity. Adding to the car’s exclusive nature is the fact that it has only 33,572.6 miles on the odometer. In back of the V-8 is a three-speed automatic transmission, while power steering and power brakes make this Camaro a civilized car to drive.
The Deluxe-trim interior, with white bucket seats and a center console, is a class act in an era of slippery vinyl bench seats and rubber floor mats. Power windows, a tilt steering column, cruise control, and air conditioning add further touches of refinement. And its Delco AM/FM radio reminds us that music used to be at the discretion of the DJ, playing songs like The Dead Milkmen’s “Bitchin’ Camaro,” a hit from their 1985 album Big Lizard in My Backyard, whose lyrics piquantly frame the era:
Bitchin’ Camaro, bitchin’ Camaro
Donuts on your lawn
Bitchin’ Camaro, bitchin’ Camaro
Tony Orlando and Dawn
It was a fun time, much as Mecum’s Houston sale promises to be. Offered at no reserve, this “bitchin’” Camaro comes with the original owner’s manual as well as the instruction card for the seat belts and cruise control, all in the original GM-issue plastic pouch.
Click here for more photos of this 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS.
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