1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS: The Fierce Rival of the Mustang

The Birth of

In 1967, Chevrolet officially introduced the Camaro to compete directly with the Ford Mustang, which had been dominating the muscle car market since 1964. The Camaro was not just a response but part of Chevrolet’s long-term strategy to reclaim market share in the pony car segment.

The RS/SS (Rally Sport / Super Sport) trim was one of the most premium variants of the first-generation Camaro, combining the stylish RS appearance package with the high-performance SS engine package. The 1967 Camaro RS/SS was not only aggressive in design but also packed with a powerful engine, making it an instant icon in the American muscle car scene.

Pride

The 1967 Camaro RS/SS showcased an aggressive yet refined design that made it a standout in the golden era of muscle cars:

• Hidden headlights (hideaway headlights) from the RS package, adding a sleek and futuristic look.
• A bold and wide front grille, giving the car a fierce, muscular stance.
• Chrome-accented bumpers, adding a touch of elegance to its aggressive design.
• Exclusive SS badging, signifying its high-performance status.
• A long hood and short rear deck, following the winning formula of classic muscle car design.

The RS/SS package was not just an ordinary Camaro trim; it was a statement that Chevrolet was ready to dominate the muscle car world.

Engineering

Under the hood, the 1967 Camaro RS/SS was equipped with a powerful V8 engine, offering drivers an exhilarating experience. The SS package allowed buyers to choose between a 350 cu in (5.7L) Small-Block V8 or a 396 cu in (6.5L) Big-Block V8, delivering raw power and unmatched performance.

Key engineering highlights of the Camaro RS/SS 1967 included:

• An upgraded suspension system, improving road grip and stability in corners.
• A 4-speed Muncie manual transmission or a 2-speed Powerglide automatic, allowing drivers to tailor their driving experience.
• A 4-barrel carburetor, optimizing fuel and air intake for maximum performance.
• Higher compression ratio, generating more torque and horsepower than many competitors at the time.

With these enhancements, the Camaro RS/SS was not just fast—it was a serious contender in street and track racing.

Luxury Features Set the Standard

Despite its high-performance nature, the Camaro RS/SS 1967 still provided impressive luxury features:

• Premium vinyl bucket seats, ensuring both comfort and style.
• A sporty gauge cluster, displaying speed, RPM, fuel levels, and performance metrics.
• An AM/FM radio system, considered a luxury at the time.
• Adjustable seats, allowing drivers to find the perfect position.
• A classic three-spoke wood steering wheel, enhancing grip and adding a vintage touch.

These amenities made the Camaro RS/SS 1967 not just a muscle car but a refined driving machine.

Specifications, Outputs, and Understanding

Key Specifications of the 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS

• Engine Options:
  • 350 cu in (5.7L) V8 – 295 HP
  • 396 cu in (6.5L) V8 Big-Block – 375 HP
• Torque: 563 Nm (396 V8 variant)
• Transmission:
  • 4-speed Muncie manual
  • 2-speed Powerglide automatic
• Drivetrain: RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive)
• Rear Axle Ratio: 3.31:1 or 4.10:1 (optional performance package)
• Weight: Approximately 1,520 kg

With an exceptional power-to-weight ratio, the Camaro RS/SS 1967 was capable of going head-to-head with some of the fastest muscle cars of the era.

Speed

Thanks to its powerful V8 engine, the Camaro RS/SS 1967 had impressive acceleration:

• 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in approximately 6.5 seconds (396 V8 variant)
• 1/4 mile (402m) completed in around 14 seconds, reaching over 160 km/h.
• Top speed of approximately 210 km/h.

Compared to muscle car rivals like the Ford Mustang GT and Dodge Charger, the Camaro RS/SS 1967 was a formidable competitor, often outpacing them in drag races.

Conclusion

The 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS was not just another muscle car; it was a legend in Chevrolet’s history. With bold styling, a powerful engine, and exhilarating performance, the Camaro RS/SS established itself as one of the most iconic muscle cars of the 1960s.

Today, the 1967 Camaro RS/SS is highly sought after by collectors, and well-preserved models can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars at auctions. It remains a symbol of the golden era of American muscle cars and a dream car for enthusiasts.

For those passionate about classic muscle cars, the 1967 Camaro RS/SS is a masterpiece that stands the test of time.