photos and text by Sam Bush
Camaros and Firebirds From the First Three Generations Reunite at the Hallowed Norwood, Ohio Plant
For Camaro and Firebird fans, Norwood, Ohio is the birthplace of it all. Norwood was just one of three places where F-bodies were built between 1966 to 1987, and for one weekend in August, enthusiasts brought the Camaro and the Firebird back home. The Norwood Motorfest brought out some of the most sought after Norwood-built cars.
As a side note, Firebirds were also built in Lordstown, Ohio between 1967-1969, and both F-bodies were also built between off and on at Van Nuys, California, off and on, between ’67-92. -Ed.
One of the most special cars in attendance was a seemingly normal IROC-Z. This red 1987 Camaro was the final car to ever roll off the assembly line at Norwood. At the time of the closure, the car was raffled off to the workers. After a number of years the car became lost to time. Now, it is perfectly restored, and is a tribute to the hundreds of workers that built it on that final day.
Another car that caught our attention was a Fathom Green 1969 Camaro. Upon further inspection, this was not just any old green Camaro It was a ZL1 with the aluminum 427 motor. The ZL1 was a factory built race car, and only 69 of them were ever built. Many of them did not survive, and seeing one out in the wild is a real special treat. Looking past the ZL1, there were two rare 1969 COPO RS Camaros.
The RS package notably added hideaway headlight covers for the first-generation Camaro. The COPO cars are also known for their specially-ordered 427, but unlike the ZL1 with its race-focused all-aluminum engine block, COPOs have iron blocks. Only 58 COPOs were built with the RS package. Your author’s personal favorite of the two is the unrestored example that is regularly driven. Despite showing signs of wear, the car has lived the life of 100 others combined, and has been with its owner since the mid 80’s.
The showfield had more to offer than just rare COPOs. The fan favorite of the show was the 1969 Indy Pace Car edition could be found all around the show grounds with a staggering six in attendance. There was at least two Z-10 coupes as well — which were basically a hardtop version of the Z-11 Pace Car convertible that most covet. The white with orange striping cars, with matching orange Houndstooth interior are instantly recognizable, and having them back home at Norwood was perfect.
Sam Bush is one of the biggest F-body fans you’ll ever meet. Hailing from Southern Ohio, he spends most of his time visiting Camaro and Firebird shows all over, showcasing some of the rarest examples of the breed known to man!
