Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
The Z/28 was born for one purpose: to beat Ford's Mustang on the Trans-Am racing circuit. SCCA Trans-Am rules required a production car with an engine displacement under 305 cubic inches, so Chevrolet created the DZ 302 — a unique small-block built by combining the 327's 4-inch bore with the 283's 3-inch stroke.
The result was a high-revving screamer that lived to be wound up. Where the SS 350 and SS 396 delivered their power as low-RPM torque, the Z/28's 302 built power progressively, coming fully alive above 4,000 RPM and pulling eagerly to its 7,000+ RPM capability. The official rating of 290 horsepower was conservative — actual output was closer to 360 hp, and race-prepared engines made over 400 hp.
The 1969 Z/28 was the pinnacle of the first-generation car. It gained the distinctive cowl-induction hood, available cross-ram dual four-barrel intake manifold, rear spoiler, and wide racing stripes. The suspension was thoroughly sorted with heavy-duty springs, shocks, and anti-roll bars, creating a car that could genuinely compete with European sports cars on road courses.
Mark Donohue drove Roger Penske's Z/28 to the 1968 and 1969 Trans-Am manufacturers' championships, cementing the car's racing credentials. The Trans-Am racing Z/28s bore a clear resemblance to their showroom counterparts, lending authenticity to every street-driven Z/28.
The Z/28 was not a comfortable car. The mandatory heavy-duty suspension pounded over bumps, the close-ratio Muncie M22 'Rock Crusher' manual demanded deliberate shifts, and the high-winding 302 was buzzy at highway cruising speeds. Air conditioning and automatic transmission were not available. This was a purpose-built road racer that happened to have license plates.
With just 7,199 produced in 1967, 7,199 in 1968, and 19,014 in 1969, the Z/28 is significantly rarer than the SS models. Well-documented examples with cross-ram intake are among the most sought-after first-gen Camaros.
Z/28 authenticity is paramount — the DZ 302 engine with its unique block casting, forged crank, and solid-lifter cam must be verified. Check the VIN for Z28 designation (not always present in early cars, which relied on the cowl tag). The 1967 cars are extremely rare (602 built) and valuable. Cross-ram intake cars are worth significantly more. JL8 four-wheel disc brake cars are the holy grail. Standard Z/28 rust concerns apply plus ensure the cowl induction hood (1969) is genuine.
Z/28 production: 602 (1967), 7,199 (1968), 19,014 (1969). The 1967 Z/28 was not advertised — buyers had to know about it and specifically order RPO Z28. The cross-ram dual four-barrel intake manifold was an over-the-counter dealer-installed option, not factory-installed. Only about 10% of 1969 Z/28s received the JL8 4-wheel disc brake option.