Earliest date of 1967 big block Camaro build...

[ibuyncr]

Hi Bruce, The following is from info out on the web:"When first introduced in September 1966, the 1967 Camaro SS came only with a 350-cid engine, an engine displacement exclusive to the Camaro within the Chevrolet line that year. In November 1966, the 396-cid engine was added to the SS option list". The fact that so few 396's, (of either L-78 or L-35) made it into 1967 cars would indicate the public was not aware of a big block at the initial model launch. By contrast, look at how many 68 cars were delivered with 396 engines.
Gary

[ibuyncr]

Hi Bruce, plenty of other web sources that back up the Nov.1966 release of the big blocks. Also total Camaro production for 1967 Total Camaro Production: 220,906.
The carin question is a California emmission L-35 and is stamped:MX =Calif.Emmission/396cid.

[Mark_C]

Grumpy Jenkins, got if not the first production 67 big block Camaro, it is one of the very early ones. This was a Norwood built car, so if you know the info on his cars, you can tell when the first ones were built.

Hi,

I have a pretty interesting story from the original owner of a 1967 L78 Camaro. The car is still owned by the owner and has only been repainted once in the '80's. It is butternut yellow and is pretty devoid of options save for the L78, a factory 4:56 rear and I think a M22. The guy still drives the car and neither engine, trans or rear have been apart. The car was bought at Hechler Motors (a very performance oriented dealer in Richmond...1969 ZL1 'vette fame being one example)and was a twin to another L78 they had at the same time. The other car was optioned (or lack of..lol)the same, except had a 4:10 rear. The cars were bought from Hoyt Rotella (the main performance car salesperson who also retailed the 1969 yellow ZL1 vette) to race. They were bought by 2 friends that worked at Dupont together and were occasionally raced at Richmond Dragway. I was told that the owner met Grumpy Jenkins recently and mentioned he owned a 1967 L78 Camaro. When they started talking Grumpy mentioned that he had tried to get a L78 Camaro for racing and had found out about the 2 Hechler had, but was told they were already sold. I would think these 2 cars would have been pretty early cars as Hechler was very tied to the zone office and had many "inside" connections. They were responsible for dealer swaps on a few Camaros and Chevelles and there is a rumor that they might have even gotten a few COPO Chevelles built in 1967 with L72s. I will try to get ahold of the owner of the L78 if anyone is interested and get his cowl tag data and a few pics. Just email or post.

Respectfully,

Gregory Carlson

[JChlupsa]

I would like to get the Tag info both VIN and Cowl if possible

[Belair62]

....and it's a damn cool looking piece...I have just a "few" pics of it to post in the Members Rides down the road !!!

[Xplantdad]

Thanks Belair! Yea, there's just "a few" pics...

How was Wisconsin?

Greg, Please post pics and any info. That wouuld be cool.

Bruce

[Belair62]

Oh great...fixing a few frozen copper pipes

[Xplantdad]

Sounds like tons of fun...I'll stick with the relatively warm Arizona climate...at least it's not raining here!

Bruce

[Kurt S]

[ QUOTE ]
plenty of other web sources that back up the Nov.1966 release of the big blocks.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's the web for ya.
Actual data mostly backs up the GM documentation.