It is not actually known when Americans fell in love with open air automobiles, but the facts do tell us that the public has had an overwhelming love affair with the first generation Camaro convertible. In the years 1967 through 1969, the F-body convertible came in all forms: RS, SS, and standard style. In fact most recently even one Z/28 convertible has been documented as a genuine Chevrolet assembly line product. Click here to see that one Z/28 convertible that was built. Engine, options, and accessories came in all configurations.  This also depended on what your ordered. Or perhaps it is best said depending on what you could afford.  Maybe this was the reason so many convertibles were sold.

     Probably the most famous of convertibles are the Indianapolis Pace Cars.  In a short three-year period, the Camaro ragtop did its duties at the Indianapolis Speedway as the official pace car twice.  Once in 1967 & in 1969.  This should give you an idea of just how popular the Camaro convertible was and STILL IS!  It is really sad to think that General Motors decided to kill the open-air F-bodies after such popularity.  The 1969 models were the last of the drop-top fun drivers for a long while.  It wasn't until year later (1987) that the Camaro would reappear wind-in-the-hair topless version.

    Whether it was a 1967, 1968 or 1969 convertible, each year offered a choice of either a manual or power top control.  Option code C06 (power top) was a favored feature but was ordered on less than half of the convertibles in all three years of their existence.   One thing each model year had in common was the cocktail shakers used in four corners of the car, one in each front fender and one in each side of the trunk area.  Actually these ballasts were used for the main purpose of keeping the weight balance in the car to assure better handling.

    Another comparison view for all three years is the frame brace design.  This was incorporated to strengthen the body which in turn prevented what was known as "convertible sag." They were made of vinyl and could not be interchanged with the hardtops visors.  A special door striker was implemented into the jamb area as well.  This is a unique feature of the open body style, as it was only used on the ragtop cars.

    In 1967 the convertible came with a clear vinyl rear window which could not be opened.  For some reason, the window was sewn in.  Owners complained back then and they still do today.  Most 1968 convertibles owners have the luxury of a zippered-in back window as do all the 1969 Camaros.  The convertible top came in black and white for all three years.  However the medium blue convertible top color was only available for the 1967 and 1968 model years.  The date of manufacture can be found stamped n the lower left corner of the plastic window.

    Exclusive to the convertibles were the shorter sun visors.  They were made of vinyl and could not be interchanged with the hardtop visors.  The windshield top was also noticeably shorter.  Don't even attempt to use a hardtop windshield.  IT WILL NOT FIT.

    Another notable feature on the ragtops was the use of a special mounting bracket for the inside rear view mirror.  The 1967 bracket is not the same as 68 and 69 models which were the same.  Another characteristic of the convertible is the placement of the ashtray in the rear seat armrest.  It made a clean, neat showing and the ashtray can be found in this position in all three years.

    Considered to be on the rarest finds in a convertible was the rear window defogger (RPO C50) is a forced-air style defroster available at a minimal price under $35.  Air conditioning is another option (RPO C60) which was often not ordered with a convertible, making them quite sought after.

    The convertible options was available on every Camaro from the low budget six cylinder family car to the high performance 396 muscle car.  Chevrolet was right when they introduced the concept of the Camaro - a car the buyer can tailor to fit his needs and his pocket.