Camaro SS was the performance car with the machine look outside as well as inside. The accent stripe that Chevrolet introduced on the 1967 told you this was one very special F-body. This was the bold Camaro. The all new 1967 Super Sport edition Camaro. The 1967 SS option cost $211. This got you the SS on the fenders, on the grille, and the fuel filler cap. All SS models received special suspension and chassis components right through the first generation years. To complement the wide stance of the 1967 SS red-striped tires on 14x6 inch wheels were standard. White striped tires were available. This was true for the 68 SS models as well. The introduction of the SS began with a new 295-hp Turbo-Fire 350 cubic inch engine. It wouldn't be until months later (December 1966) that the 325-hp 396 turbo-Jet V8 with the famous porcupine heads would be added to the list of SS heavy-duty power. The SS came in both models-convertible or Sport Coupe. Right from its beginnings, an optional vinyl roof was available on the coupe. Imagine the combinations of SS models the average buyer could put together. Imagine the ultimate SS ordered with Rally Sport equipment! Yes, it was possible. Ordering both the RS and SS options on the same Camaro was sometimes confusing. Today however the combined performance package of the SS with the bright trim features of Rally Sport brings a premium price in comparison to those Camaros that are not so equipped. The SS whether ordered alone or with the RS package ALWAYS sported SS badge identity. Exclusive to the SS model for 1967 was the simulated louvered hood. Underhood insulation and bumblebee stripes came as standard appointments on all Super Sport Camaros. The RS option (RPO Z22) could be added to all of the three year SS cars-1967, 1968, and 1969. The RPO added special highlights- hideaway headlights, taillights with back-up lights under the bumper and bright rocker panel moldings. All RS insignias were replaced with SS identity. The 1967 SS Hugger handled and cornered exceptionally well. Some attributed it to the F7Ox14 tires on 6" wheels. Chevrolet had styled a car with road looks and boulevard ride. By 1969 the SS Camaro would be riding on 14x7 wheels with the F7O-14 wide oval white lettered tires. One note of interest on the 1969 performance SS models-the JL8 four-wheel disc Super Sport cars were factory installed with F7O-15 Goodyear tires on Rally wheel rims. Other than the basic model styling difference over the three year period of the first generation SS Camaros, noticeable changes were made in equipment also. The base engine had its horsepower increased from 295-hp in 1967 and 1968 to the 300-hp version in 1969. The 1968 model was the first year the dual stack type hood louvers were used on the 396 models to distinguish the big block SS from the 350 standard engine. However, by mid year all 1968 SS models wore the dual stack type louvers, even the 350 models. The louvers were unique, giving the appearance of working ports even though they were not functional. Maybe GM should have given more consideration to them instead of using the louvers as dress-up brights. Unmistakably the potent performer, the 396 SS was easily identified by the flat black accented rear panel. The only big block cars that broke this rule of thumb were the 1967 and 1969 white Indianapolis big block pace cars. Other features of the SS 396 were front fender identification, large capacity radiator, dual exhaust, larger fuel lines, heavy duty clutch, rear axle, special springs, and special shock absorbers. Just to set the record straight -the 396 models were introduced in 1967 with only two horsepower availabilities, the 325-hp Turbo-Jet engine and the 375-hp Turbo-Jet. The aluminum head Turbo-Jet 396 V8's were not factory produced until the 1968 model year and continued through the 1969 model year. |
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