1975 Chevrolet Camaro

The first-generation Camaro had used the same basic platform as economy cars likes the Nova, while the second-generation introduced in 1970 had an all-new 2+2 platform that offered much better handling. The new F-body was longer, lower and wider with a more modern and sophisticated appearance than its predecessor, with styling heavily influenced by European GT cars of the era. The convertible was dropped from the line-up, with the fastback coupe the only model available. There were six engines available, ranging from a six-cylinder through the base 307-cid V8 to a 396-cid unit producing 350 bhp along with a choice of four transmissions. During the 1970s, the Camaro was continually improved and the original styling underwent a major revision in 1974, with a distinctive pointed nose inspired by the new Vega incorporating a deformable urethane panel and eggcrate grille. For 1975, the Camaro received a new wraparound-style rear window which greatly improved vision. Trim levels included the base model, Rally Sport, and the better equipped LT (or luxury touring package), first seen in 1973. The LT came with an electric clock, twin external rear view mirrors, Hide-Away wipers, full instrumentation (including a tachometer), better sound insulation and a set of 14 x 7 Rally wheels. 141,629 Camaro were sold in 1975.

The standard Camaro engine was the 250 CID inline six-cylinder unit backed by a floor-mounted three-speed manual transmission with either a 2.73:1 or 3.08:1 rear axle. The base price for the six-cylinder equipped Camaro was $3,550, while the Camaro with the base 350 CID V8 sold for $3,700.

The 1975 Camaro had all-welded unit body construction, Saginaw variable-ratio power steering, a 21-gallon fuel tank, self-cleaning rocker panels, front ball joints with wear indicators, and an independent front suspension with coil springs. There were self-adjusting front disc brakes with audible wear indicators, and new finned rear brake drums. They had a Delcotron generator with built-in solid state regulator, a Delco Energizer sealed side-terminal battery, and a High Energy Ignition (HEI) system. The interior featured an energy-absorbing steering column, energy absorbing padded front seat back tops, a safety steering wheel, an anti-theft steering column lock, an anti-theft ignition key reminder buzzer, safety armrests, a vinyl-edged wide-view inside day/night mirror with shatterproof glass, a left-hand outside rearview mirror, a starter safety switch, and dual-action safety-hood latches.

The LT (Luxury Touring) option added a well-trimmed interior with standard plaid knit-cloth seat and door trim. Other interior trim options included knit vinyl and (for a short time) genuine leather. There were LT bucket seats with deep-countour seat backs, door panels with map pockets and door pulls, a clock, a tachometer, additional sound deadeners and insulation, a special instrument panel with simulated bird's-eye maple accents, sport mirrors on the drivers and passengers door, Rally wheels with center caps, variable-ratio steering, parking light trim, wheel rim rings, a lighted glove box, and Hide-A-Way windshield. LT emblems and decals were located throughout the vehicle. The base engine was the 350 CID two-barrel V8 backed by a floor-mounted three-speed manual transmission.

The LT Rally Sport could be purchased on the V8-only Type LT for an additional $165. This packaged combined the Rally Sport and the LT packages, combining features from both these trim packages, including the Rally wheels, flat black hood, grille, rear end panel, and tri-color trim stripes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2020