Chevrolet to end Camaro production with ‘Collector’s Edition’
Chevrolet have announced that a ‘Collector’s Edition’ to sign off the sixth-generation Camaro, will be available soon for the North American market.
The reveal of the Collector’s Edition follows Chevrolet’s announcement back in March that Camaro production will come to an end in early 2024. While the nameplate is expected to return sometime in the future, it won’t be on a petrol-engined muscle car. Instead, the next Camaro is likely to be an EV of some sort.
Panther Revival
Available on LT/RS, LT1, SS and ZL1 variants of the current Camaro, as well as coupe and convertible bodies, the Collector’s Edition will acknowledge a name that was used internally at Chevrolet ahead of the Camaro’s release in late 1966 as a 1967 model.
When they were developing the first-generation Camaro to combat the runaway success of Ford’s Mustang, Chevrolet used the code name of ’Panther’. It’s this name that the team at Chevrolet Performance Design Studio drew upon when developing the 2024 special edition to mark the sixth-generation Camaro’s farewell.
“We found it fitting for this Collector’s Edition Camaro to officially recognise the significance of the original code name and share it with Camaro enthusiasts,” said Rich Scheer, design director, Chevrolet Performance.
“Of course, the name ‘Panther’ influenced the colours used, Panther Black Metallic for SS and Panther Matte Black for ZL1.”
For the Camaro Collector’s Edition in LT/RS, LT1 and SS trim, new Panther Black Metallic tintcoat paint is complemented with a central accent stripe in Satin Black and 20-inch Satin Black alloy wheels (or optional polished forged wheels). Additionally, the LT/RS, LT1 and SS Collector’s Edition gains the front splitter from the 1LE performance package, while coupes also receive the rear spoiler from the ZL1 package.
Limited ZL1
Separating itself from the other Collector’s Editions, the Camaro ZL1 Collector’s Edition gets its own paint finish, with Panther Black Matte being not only exclusive to the ZL1, but also a model first, as matte paint has never been offered on any Camaro from the factory. This is complemented with a Black Metallic ZL1 central stripe, visible carbon fibre detailing on the coupes, red brake calipers and 20-inch Dark graphite premium wheels with black wheel nuts. The ZL1 Collector’s Edition will also feature the front splitter from the ZL1 1LE track performance package and the rear wing from the ZL1 1LE on coupe bodies.
The ZL1’s powerplant remains unchanged for the Collector’s Edition, using the same supercharged LT4 6.2-litre V8, producing 484kW (650hp) and 880Nm (650lb/ft). This compares to 339kW (455hp) and 617Nm (455lb/ft) for the naturally-aspirated version of the 6.2 V8 that’s used in the Camaro SS. With the previously available 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine discontinued for the 2024 model year, entry-level LT and LT1 Camaros will run a 3.6-litre V6 producing 250kW (335hp).
Unlike the other trim levels on the Camaro Collector’s Edition, the ZL1 will be limited to just 350 units, with each receiving a serialised badge on the steering wheel, representing its build number in the final Camaro production sequence
Common Extras
Keeping the panther theme going, all Camaro Collector’s Edition trim levels (including ZL1) will include unique CAMARO badges on the front guards that integrate a panther silhouette into the “R”. A panther motif is added to the steering wheel badge, too.
All Camaro Collector’s Editions will also feature special floor mats with a laser-etched aluminium ‘Collector’s Edition’ logo and unique black interior treatments.
Posters – and Watches
Purchasers of the Camaro Collector’s Edition will receive a welcome kit that contains two posters commemorating Camaro generations and the Collector’s Edition, while Camaro ZL1 Collector’s Edition buyers will also receive a bespoke Canfield Sport 45mm watch from Shinola.
These watches carry the same ebonised finish as the 2024 Camaro ZL1 Collector’s Edition, with a Camaro logo on the face and the panther motif engraved onto the band. Additionally, each Canfield Sport watch for Camaro ZL1 Collector’s Edition buyers will feature an inscribed serial number that matches the number on their vehicle’s steering wheel badge.
Pricing
For the final 2024 Camaro, pricing starts at US$32,495 for the entry-level LT coupe and US$38,495 for the LT convertible. The Collector’s Edition package adds US$4,995 to the LT, US$5,495 to the LT1 and US$5,995 to the SS trim level.
The limited production total for the ZL1 Collector’s Edition means it’s pricier again, adding US$14,995 for a US$89,990 starting price.
Orders for the 2024 Camaro Collector’s Edition opened in June ahead of delivery to the North American market later this year.
For Australia, GMSV (nee HSV) stopped importing and converting SS and ZL1 Camaros for the local market in 2020, so any reversal of that decision to bring a handful of Camaro Collector’s Editions here would be unlikely. GMSV currently offer Chevrolet Silverado pickups and the Corvette Stingray, with the Stingray Z06 to come.
That means Aussie enthusiasts who want a piece of Camaro history will have to rely on private imports and local conversion specialists (like Crossover Car Conversions in Melbourne) to get their hands on a Camaro Collector’s Edition.
