Five generations gather to share mutual admiration
A lot of attention has been given to the Mustang recently and rightfully so with the model commemorating it's 50th anniversary. But that doesn't mean the Camaro crew is lacking in things to celebrate.
Revamped Chevrolet Camaros are hitting the streets, packing monster horsepower and insane track prowess. Combined with a growing following that adores the car's heritage, there's more than enough reasons to celebrate. One local festivity was the third annual All Camaro Car Show, hosted last weekend by the Illinois Camaro Club.
The event took place at the Volo Auto Museum. Around 160 Camaro owners participated, representing all five generations. Here's a sampling of some of the cool vintage bowtie iron on display.
Jim Selby, Lake Villa 1969 Chevy Camaro SS/RS 396
When the Camaro hit dealerships in 1967, Jim Selby never noticed them on the streets. A disinterested consumer? Not by a long shot. The Lake Villa resident was overseas and far from any roads where Chevy's iconic ponycar would be cruising.
“I spent the whole first generation (67-69) stationed in Vietnam,” the military veteran said. “I was always eager to get my hands on magazines and ads about them.”
Selby acquired his 1969 SS/RS in 1989. During his two decades-plus ownership, the Daytona Yellow Chevy has undergone a rotisserie restoration. After many years of happy driving, Selby's son, Jeff, helped him rebuild the 396-cubic-inch V-8 engine in 2012.
Selby is a founding member of the Illinois Camaro Club.
Stuart Goldman, Lindenhurst 1970 Chevy Camaro RS/Z28
Stuart Goldman's foray into vehicular toys came via the two-wheeled route. “I only had space in the garage for a motorcycle,” he said. After some spring-cleaning, the die-hard Chevy enthusiast made the jump to the four-wheeled hobby. He went out and purchased “the car I've always wanted” — a 1970 Chevelle SS, coated in Cranberry Red paint with black stripes. In 2013 he set out to find a matching sister car, this one bearing a Camaro badge.
He located his 1970 RS/Z28 in Montreal, Canada. After the vehicle crossed the border and landed in Goldman's hands, he attacked a couple issues. Rusty headers were replaced, electronic ignition was added and the shifter was rebuilt.
Shannon Camarata, Spring Grove 1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
On many occasions after joining the Illinois Camaro Club 11 years ago, Shannon Camarata would hop in her husband's 1970 Camaro and together they would head out to club events.
Five years ago they were at Volo for a club picnic when they came across a 1979 Camaro for sale.
“It attracted all the guys,” Camarata said. “I told my husband I was going to come back and buy it.” A week later she returned and did just that.
“My mom always had white cars and I loved the blue and black highlights,” she said. The sedate 350-cubic-inch V-8 awoke in 2008 at the hands of a racing company in Boston. “The motor is modified and sounds meaty,” Camarata said. It's still not quite enough grunt for the enthusiast; her future plans include adding even more performance upgrades.