1969 not only saw the and of the decade which was to have such important influences on design, fashion and style, but also the last of the first generation Camaro. Although the 1969 model was essentially the same as the 1967 – 1968, it looked considerably different and there were quite a few changes to powertrains and options.

In Detroit it was quite normal to introduce new sheetmetal to existing models every two years, and despite 1968’s improving sales record (over the Mustang) and the fact that the 1970 model had been penned, 1969 sheetmetal changes were instigated to give the Camaro a lower, wider stance. Henry Haga, chief designer of the first generation Camaro, admitted design influences from the Mercedes 300 SL gullwing in the wheel arches. The front grill resembled an “egg crate” and became more aggressive but less aerodynamic. The rear lights were segmented into three to accentuate the feeling of width. Those wider arches now enable the modern day Camaro fiend to squeeze larger tyres under them without fouling.

On the mechanical front, the 327 was discontinued and the low spec 307 replaced it. The L-65 350 superseded the high performance 327, giving the 1969 Camaro two 350’s and four 396’s, as well as the Z/28 302, the base 307 and two 6’s.

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