Camaro RS / SS / Z28 options 1967 to 1969

The Z28 moniker originates from the Chevrolet Regular Production Order (RPO) codes and the RPO Z28 is a designated special performance package. The ’68 models have few sheet metal revisions although they have a very different look. The newly introduced Astro ventilation system is fresh air inlets dash mounted which renders the side venting as obsolete so these are forever deleted starting in the ’68 model year. The ’68 models now have side marker lights to conform to newly introduced regulations as well as the front running lights are changed from round to oval but the Rally Sport (RS) option retains the round version. The grill has a more pointed look and the tail lights are shorter and separated from each other. If you chose the SS option with a large engine for ’68 it would be equipped with the new chromed hood inserts simulating velocity stacks. Any high performance Camaro will come with multi-leaf rear springs while lesser models retain the single leaf spring as well on the big block options the rear shocks are staggered to minimize wheel hop from a standing start rapid acceleration. In ’68 Chevy advertises the new 396 cu in (261 kW) engine for the SS and the Z28 packages. Many dealers such as Dana, Yenko, and Baldwin-Motion have a dealer order only optional 427 engine, not available as a RPO from the factory, to replace the 396 if you want to step your new Camaro up a few notches.

If you had optioned a new 1969 Camaro the car would retain the same under pinning as last year but, other than the hood and trunk, the sheet metal has taken a complete change and now look sportier. The Camaro has attitude this year with the headlights inset more, the grill angled obliquely, upgraded door skins, revised rear quarter panels, altered rear valance, the car is wider, longer, and lower looking. For collectors and other enthusiasts a common topic of discussion is the smooth and rounded 67/68 models and how they contrast the more sharply angled, sporty ’69 versions. The combined RS/SS packages the exterior would have headlight covers- three vacuum pressure operated semi-transparent louvers and also have a headlight washing system.

© Gwhitton | Dreamstime.com – 1969 Chevy Camaro Z28 Photo

This uptown combination package comes with a blacked out grill, black rocker panels, fender stripes, accented air vents, with the same treatment for the tail lights while the backup lights in ’69 are now below the bumper. The package is easily identified by RS logo’s on the front fenders, on the grill, with the steering wheel sporting the RS symbol as well. On any ’69 Camaro including all option packs the car can have front disc brakes but only if ordered although the rear is a drum braking system. The automobile is sitting on wheels 108 inches apart and features the recirculating ball steering system on all units. There were 235,147 Camaro models roll off the assembly line in 1968-most are the RS with 40,977 units, the SS version 27,884 units, a better advertising for the Z28 brought the sales figure up to 7,199.There are no figures available for the production of the RS/SS combined package or the RS/Z28 units. For the 1969 model year this sales of all Camaro models climbs a bit to 243,085 with RS sales dropping to 37,773 units, while the SS choice climbs by 20% or so to 34,932 with the Z28 taking the biggest jump to 20,302 units-almost triple the ’68 figures.

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