First Gen Camaro History

The car, initially known just as the “F-car” was born inside GM design studios under the leadership of Elliot M. “Pete” Estes in August 1964. This car was General Motors’ answer to Ford’s hugely popular Mustang. Many names were considered for the new car, such as Chaparral, Nova and Panther as well as Wildcat, G-Mini and Gemini. Pictures exist of models wearing the Chaparral and Panther emblems. Pete finally settled on the word “Camaro,” which he reportedly found in an obscure French dictionary. The slang French term “supposedly” meant friend, companion or comrade.