1977 Chevrolet Camaro

1977 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Chevy brought back the Z28 performance
model on the 1977 Camaro.

The 1977 Chevrolet Camaro lineup resurrected the Z28 model in mid-season after two seasons without it. Chevrolet executives felt it was needed to rival the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. Instead of straight-line action, though, the focus shifted to handling.

Rather than try to build a fire-breathing speed machine, Chevy created a true road car. Even so, engineers injected as much get-up-and-go as they could given the current state of emissions technology.

Enthusiasts cheered the revived Z28's debut at the Chicago Auto Show, despite a $5,170 price. The four-barrel, 350-cubic-inch V-8 shot a reasonably vigorous 185 horsepower toward Goodyear GR70x15 rubber.

Otherwise, changes were few, apart from new interior appointments. The Type LT offered bright new woven-cloth upholstery instead of the previous plaid material (vinyl continued as an alternative). Hidden wipers became standard for all models.

"Pure driving pleasure" was Chevrolet's promise to buyers of a Camaro, touted as "definitely a driver's car." Camaros again had a standard 110-horsepower 250-cubic-inch six-cylinder engine. The V-8 measured 305 cubic inches and delivered 145 horses.

Output set a record for the second-generation Camaro, with 218,853 coupes produced. And, Camaro outsold Ford's Mustang for the first time ever.

1977 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
The Z28 had adequate power (185 horses)
but its strong suit was handling.

1977 Chevrolet Camaro Facts
Model Weight range (lbs.) Price range (new)
Number built
Camaro 3,369-3,422 $4,113-$5,170218,853

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