Danbury Mint 1967 Chevrolet

What comes to mind when I say 60's muscle car? I am sure Chevrolet Camaro would be a few replies and rightly so; it was one of the leaders in the muscle car era. I myself was never a fan of the Camaro preferring the Corvette and Mustangs as my rides of choice.I can't dismiss the Camaro just because it didn't "pop my cork" as a kid. I do have many found memories of the 67 Camaro and they are all from the drag strip where I lined up next to one and made sure they always saw my break lights at the end of the quarter before I seen theirs.

A little trivia you may or may not have known? During the preproduction stages of the Chevrolet Camaro, General Motors codenamed the vehicle 'Panther'. The name 'Camaro' was decided upon before production began. The word 'Camaro' in French is slang for 'friend' but in pony-car slang, the name means 'Mustang killer'. A Mustang killer is what GM hoped this car would be, I can't say it was a killer but it sure was a pain for Ford where it didn't want it to be cutting into the Mustang sales with its introduction.

Seriously, the Danbury Mint captured the 1967 Camaro Z28 precisely and perfectly. From its glass like finish to the redline tires this replica represents the many advances in modern die cast technology molding into another fantastic replica from Danbury.

Upon viewing and caressing this model you can't help but reminisce of a time so long ago such as I did in my opening paragraph of drag racing at Numidia Raceway. Memories came flooding back to me of sites, sounds, friends and smells. I wish I could go back in time and relive those days but in reality I can't. However, Danbury Mint allowed me to do just that albeit in a small way with this latest release and I am grateful for that.

The '67 Camaro had a menacing look both on and off the track. Its unique body style was one you never forgot once it zipped by you while crusing around town on a Friday night. Admit it you cruised just as I did it might not have been in a Camaro but you were there just like me. Remember these were the good 'ole days, we didn't have a care in the world.

Just as the first Mustang was based on Ford's compact Falcon, so the first 1967 Camaro was based on Chevy's compact Nova. However, it was based on the upcoming redesigned '68 Nova and therefore more robust than a comparable '67 Nova.

Take a few minutes and review the front end of this classic. Notice the detail and trim work from its very appealing lights and grille to its plain jane bumper. Remember nothing fancy just horsepower that was all that really mattered wan't it.

The Camaro was highly customizable, with over seventy factory and forty dealer options available. The Z28 option was not mentioned in sales literature, many buyers were unaware of its existence. Due to the lack of press regarding this option, only 602 examples were produced.

The package included many performance enhancements such as a 4.9 liter small-block engine, front disc brakes, Muncie 4-speed gearbox, suspension improvements, 15 inch Rallye wheels, and power steering. The aesthetics of the vehicle were segregated from the other Camaro's with racing stripes being placed on the hood.

The Z28 package was offered by GM specifically to comply with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Trans Am racing series that required an engine size of five-liters or less.

You know how much I love bling? Well let me tell you this model exceeded my wildest expectations. From the detailed engine compartment to its exciting undercarriage this model had it all. I admired the detail of the 302 cu. in. engine with its hoses, belts and badging. Do you know every engine in every Camaro ever built by GM was of pushrod-actuated valve design? Also, did you know there has never been an overhead cam engine in a factory Camaro? You do now.

I vividly remember the interior of these cars and they were not the most comfortable I ever rode in. Nor did I care for the looks of the dash of the 1:1, I guess that is why they never appealed to me. But I have to tell you admiring the Danbury Mint replica had me chuckling away as I remembered my rude comments to the owners of these cars back in the late 60's.

Once again Danbury did their homework and miniaturized yet another interior. From its uncomfortable seats to those gaudy gauges in the instrument cluster it's all in there, picture perfect too.

Flipping the car over you will find attention to detail on the undercarriage too. Absorb the detail found around the rear axel and you can only image what a fantastic replica you have here. Brake lines, fuel lines check out the suspension while you're at it then come to the conclusion you need this model just as I did.

In conclusion the '67 Camaro Z28 in Marina Blue has a glasslike finish. Its doors, hood and trunk have very tight tolerances making this beauty the queen of the ball. The '67 Camaro Z28 may not be for every one but it surely "popped my cork". The 'ole bling meter was pulsating like I was standing in the middle of a uranium field; it is the perfect muscle car. It may be a plain Jane replica in some collectors eyes but it is worthy of a spot in your collection. Spotting a window sticker of $120 you better order yours today or you will be left starring at the drag light tree again when they are all gone.

The Danbury Mint 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is without a doubt a five star model, a real "cork popper" for sure.

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