The Chevrolet Camaro made its debut on September 26, 1966. The 1967 Camaro caused a sensation on the new GM F-Body Platform that featured rear wheel drive. The new car was available as a two door coupe and drivers were offered the choice of a six cylinder engine or a V-8 powerhouse. The first generation Chevy Camaro made its last appearance in 1969.

The first Chevy Camaro to roll off the production line had a lot in common with the 1968 Chevy Nova with forty dealer options and eighty factory options. There were three main trim packages available for the first year Camaro.

The trim packages included the RS package that featured hidden headlights, exterior rocket trim and RS badges. The RS trim package was available on all models of the Chevy Camaro. The SS package went beyond the appearance and added increased power to the Camaro. It included a 5.7 liter V8 engine with an available big block V8 option. Also featured in the SS package were air vents on the hood, sports striping and SS badges on the front fenders, grill, horn button and gas cap. 1967 also saw the introduction of the Z28 option, even though it wasn't mentioned in any promotional materials so it remained unknown to the general public. Only 602 Z28s were sold in 1967.

The 1968 Camaro saw some design changes from the 1967 Camaro. Gone were the side vent windows, which were replaced with the new fresh air inlet system called Astro Ventilation. Side marker lights were added on the front fenders. The front grill was more pointed, a spoiler was added and the rear lights were divided. Chrome hood inserts were introduced on the big block SS Camaros and non-RS Camaros had their running lights changed to oval from the original circular design. Chevy also staggered the shock absorber mounting to resolve wheel hop complaints.

The SS saw the introduction of a 6.5 liter 350 hp engine added as an option for 1968. The Z28 also appeared in promotional materials for the first time,causing a huge spike in sales over the 1967 model year.

The drive train and mechanical design from 1968 carried over to the 1969 models, but the car received a sporty make over with an all new sheet metal body. The only exterior panels not to receive the new sheet metal were the hood and the deck lid. The grill received its third redesign in as many years with the addition of a heavy V cant. The headlights were inset deeper and the new rear quarter panels gave the Camaro a much more aggressive style.

The 1969 model year also saw the introduction of new performance options including a four wheel disc brake package. For the first time, Chevy allowed engines larger than 400 cid when the 427 engine was placed in select 1969 Camaros. Chevy also produced a limited number of all aluminum big block engines that was specially designed for the drag racing circuit.