Scott Kolecki

I expected to read a book about the Camaro’s model change history. The author, Scott Kolecki, took a more thought-provoking path, however. He addressed the history of the Chevrolet Camaro’s development team’s efforts as evidenced by the concept cars they entered into nationwide auto shows; some of whose concepts were and remain popular. Each concept team development leader sought out the best car designers to flesh out and add to concept ideas. After a show, the team would note how the show’s car buff participants accepted the concept car’s various features and then incorporated the most popular into an upcoming Camaro model year; or they discarded and replaced them with something the auto press felt was more needed.

The first Camaro pony car came out in 1968 in response to the 1964 Ford Mustang. Chevy was caught flat-footed by the sales success of the Mustang and spared no expense in financing the Camaro designer team’s efforts. Throughout the years, Camaro’s success waivered in response to Chevrolet’s profitability or lack thereof. Currently, there are no plans to sell the Camaro beyond 2024 as the industry is moving toward power train electrification. Enthusiasts remain hopeful, however.… (more)