Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Chevrolet, Misc. Auto Shows
2007 Camaro SuperFest
Click on the Z28 for a high-res gallery of first generation Camaros
If you're a fan of the General Motors F-body cars, particularly the ones with a bow-tie, Ypsilanti was the place to be this weekend. 2007 marks the 40th anniversary of Chevrolet's response to the Mustang with the introduction of the Camaro. Actually, the original 1967 Camaro debuted in September of 1966, but let's not quibble over details. On another sunny summer weekend, the annual Camaro Super Fest returned to Ypsilanti, MI with plenty of reason to celebrate, especially knowing that a new model is finally coming in two years. All manner of each of the four Camaro generations turned up at Riverside Park, with first generation models being particularly well represented.
The attendees ranged from original unrestored examples to first gen F-bodies that look better than they did when new. One example of the former category was a rather sad looking brown 1977 base model complete with generic Chevy hubcaps and sheepskin seat covers. Modified units ranged from drag racers to wild flame paint jobs and many other variations. Relegated to a distant corner were a handful of Firebirds including a 1980 Turbo Trans-Am with a hood slathered with the ultimate screaming chicken and even one lonely Pontiac G5. There was even a portable hoist set up with a 2005 GTO up in the air. The announcer was advertising this as a preview of the '09 Camaro chassis, but I didn't have the heart to tell them that the new Zeta platform is all new and doesn't have the old GTO suspension.
Gallery: 2007 CamaroSuperFest - Gen 1
Gallery: 2007 CamaroSuperFest - Gen 2
Gallery: 2007 CamaroSuperFest - Gen 3
Gallery: 2007 CamaroSuperFest - Gen 4
Gallery: 2007 CamaroSuperFest - The Firebirds
All photos Copyright ©2007 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
_opt_thumbnail.jpg)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Darrell 12:07PM (7/03/2007)
White trash of the world unite!
Reply
hotrod 12:34PM (7/03/2007)
Why-oh-why must somone always make this comment? It's such a lame stereotype. There's just no basis for it. Many of these cars are superbly restored and a ton of fun to drive.
Of course, if anyone ever cared enough for a Toyota to restore it and hold an event celebrating it (after 40 years), we could all exclaim "Tree-hugging hippies and insurance salesmen of the world, unite!"
Besides, doesn't your brother Larry and your other brother Darrell get angry when you make fun of their cars?
FLR 3:48PM (7/03/2007)
I've got a 2000 Trans Am WS6 convertible. A few people have made comments that the TA is a 'mullet' car, blah, blah, blah. Then they come outside and see it and proceed to drool. Then they sit inside when I take them for a spin and proceed to proclaim how 'cool' the car is. It never ceases to amaze me.
GM did NOT spend much money on the 4th gen and it shows in some areas, but I'll tell you what, the Trans Am WS6 still gets more looks than any newer Corvette.
F451 1:32PM (7/03/2007)
I'm all for enthusiasts of the same ilk gathering to display their passion, and ideas. It's tough to get all the participants together, and takes a real commitment on their part.
Reply
Darrell 1:52PM (7/03/2007)
In all honestly, I wish they would ALL REUNITE and restore ALL their cars, expecially the ones in all my neighbors yards sitting on cement blocks. No I hear ya, most cars today have no character, no toyota will ever become a classic in any sense of the word (maybe the new IF's?) I drive a classic Mercedes myself, (worth twice now what I bought it for).
Reply
Brandon 2:05PM (7/03/2007)
Thanks for the coverage of this event. I particularly liked the pictures of the 4th gen Camaro with the rare-to-see Razzi bodykit.
Reply
c 3:55PM (7/03/2007)
Great pics, Great coverage,
And about those stereotypes, iI love those "Camaro Stereotypes". they are great. I also love my z28. But what I like more is when people take those stereotypes seriously and get their #$$ handed to them. Makes it that much more enjoyable.
Reply
Ben K. 10:31PM (7/03/2007)
Michigan is too far north, i'm sure it was great, but not a good location. Car shows are great, but there is only so much to do. Walking are round and looking at the exhibits gets a little old. There's a better way for sports car enthusiasts to spend the day. Travel to Bowling Green, KY to see the Corvettes built. Take a factory tour ( reservations will be needed ) and enjoy the museum nearby. There is nothing else like it! If you schedule a visit while there is a car meet, it's more exciting. Thousands of fans enjoy activities every year. The Corvette is an American icon evryone dreams of owning, but few can afford. Too bad GM hasn't tried to apply this idea to the new Heritage cars. The Camaro, GTO or El Camino would thrive in a good central location of the U.S.A. Building these modern day musclecars in the heartland, where the factory would be easily reached, would be enjoyed by thousands of fans and enthusiasts. I doubt too many fans will travel to Oshawa, ON to see the Camaro built. Why is the Impala ( NASCAR ) built in Canada? These are American icons and Ford builds the Fusion ( NASCAR ) in Mexico. But, Toyota's new Camry ( NASCAR ) is built in Georgetown, KY. It's hard to understand this strategy, Detroit has dropped the ball.
Reply