History has never been so interesting.

There's nothing quite like the style or sound of an honest, powerful sports car. And right from day one - in the fall of 1966 - the Chevrolet Camaro never compromised. This classic Chevy is the V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive muscle car for millions of enthusiasts. Here are some milestones in this purebred's lineage.

1966
Camaro was named. A french dictionary cited it as meaning comrade or pal. Others said it implied a personal driving experience or a characteristic that was tied to the owner. Either way. it would become an American icon, prompting songs, movies and plays to be written about it.

1967
The first Camaro roared to life on September 26, 1966 as a '67 model. Unlike its main competitor, Camaro consisted of a front subframe attached to a unibody for better road and noise isolation as well as better ride quality. Right from the beginning - with its dramatic style, 350 old small block V8, and choice of options such as the Style Trim Group, Rally Sport and Super Sport - Camaro was the "closest thing to a Vette yet." There was even a special edition Z28 with a specific small block V8 engine that was developed as a contender for an established racing series. 22,906 camaros, including approximately 100 Ermine White Convertible pace car replicas were produced.

1969
New sheet metal gave camaro a longer, wider look than in previous years. Nicknamed "The Hugger" and offering a color by the same catchphrase, it made such a lasting impression that nearly 40 years later, its essence would be revived in a Camaro Concept Car. In what would become valued collectibles, 69 Central Office Production Orders (COPO) Camaros were built with an aluminum block 427 old, 425-hp engine.

1970
A short model year beginning in spring introduced the all-new second-generation Camaro. While it maintained the semi-unitized body concept, almost every other part of the car was redesigned - with a definite European influence. New racing circuit rules allowing larger engines spurred a more powerful Camaro. The new Camaro Z28 came with a fierce 350 old, 360-hp engine, and SS offered an optional 396 old, 375-hp engine. 124,901 Camaros were produced.

1978
T-Tops made their way to the market along with body-color fascias for a cleaner, more aerodynamic look than previous models. The two millionth Camaro rolled off the Van Nuys assembly line in LA on May 11, 1978. Owned by a Chevy dealer in Nevada, it still looks as good today. In total, 272,631 Camaros were produced that year.

1980
A new decade gave way to new engines. For the first time, a V6 was available on a Camaro. That meant a 229 old and a 231 old engine. Z28 models featured a new hood with a rear-facing scoop and an intake door that was solenoid-controlled. A variety of radios, including the popular integral CB, were available. 152,005 Camaros were produced.

1982
The third-generation Camaro arrived. For the first time in 12 years, Camaros body was totally redesigned, this time with a futuristic look and a hatch instead of the traditional trunk. Another first for Camaro: a 4-cyclinder engine available in the Sport Coupe. It was a more fuel efficient response to the fuel shortage during this decade. 189,747 Camaros, including 6,360 Silver pace car replicas were produced.

1985
A special Z28 sport equipment package, IROC, commemorated the International Race of Champions that featured identically equipped Camaros. This package allowed Camaro to pull .92 g's on the skidpad. The V6 engine received Multi-Port Fuel Injection, and top horsepower came with the LB9 Tuned-Port Fuel Injected 305 old engine rated at 215-hp. ten of the 12 colors available on Camaro were new this year, along with revised interior fabrics and colors. 180,018 Camaros were produced.

1987
After an 18-year hiatus, the Camaro Convertible was brought back to life. An engine similar to one used in Corvette was available on the IROC-Z and was rated at 225-hp. The Norwood, Ohio assembly plant closed at the end of this model run. 137,760 Camaros were produced.

1993
With a totally redesigned body and significant mechanical improvements, the fourth-generation Camaro debuted. All models included dual air bags along with analog tachometer and instrument displays. The V6 bulked up from 140-hp to 160-hp, and the Z28 received an LT-1 V8 similar to that used in the Corvette and rated at 275-hp. camaro's fourth appearance as a pace car was a striking Z28 with black-over-white exterior and special multicolored stripes and interior seat covers. 40,224 Camaros, including 633 pace car replicas, were produced.

1998
The hood, wheels, front fascia updated with composite headlamps, instrument panel and seating were all given a minor facelift. Z28 was available with an aluminum LS-1 305-hp engine. SS got its own air induction hood, SS badging, a specific rear spoiler and 320-hp. 49,488 Camaros were produced.

2002
For 35 years Camaro offered honest American performance with rear-wheel drive, sport-tuned suspensions, exceptional power and eye-catching, fluid-themed styling. To celebrate, a limited number of 35th anniversary Camaro T-Top Coupes and Convertibles were offered through a limited number of dealers. Each featured special graphics, interior and a Corvette-derived, 325-hp LS1 small block V8.

2006
Design elements from the '69 Camaro and other Chevy performance cars were given a modern adaptation with the Concept Camaro Coupe. This concept car placed the powerful engine into a form fitting angular package and gave it a forward-thrusting aspect. It made its debut at autoshows around the country.