It was seven years ago today........

[ClaymoreZ28]

Brilliant post - thank you .

I have been truly impressed with how the Camaro design and marketing team has truly worked to build up a sense of community around the rebirth of the Camaro and how you have done the most dangerous and risky of things imaginable - i.e. share real insight and knowledge on what is going on behind the scenes with the community. This is one of the aspects of the experience leading up to owning a new Camaro that I will never forget.

Many thanks to all involved and congratulations on demonstrating what can be achieved with vision, commitment and excellent execution

[29er]

Originally Posted by fbodfather

It was seven years ago this very morning that the last Firebird and 4th Gen Camaro made their way down the assembly line at Ste. Therese, Quebec.
I remember this day because it was a day for mourning the loss of two of North America’s performance Icons.
In fact the time was shortly after 9am eastern…….. my cell phone rang……and my friend Art Spong, our Camaro/Firebird Quality Manager at the time quietly said to me: “Well – it’s done……” – and I don’t remember much else of what we talked about because I was that upset……..and I know many of you were, too.

I'm still haunted by the memories of hundreds of thousands of Camaros and Firebirds 'roaring to life' within the walls of Ste. Therese Assembly -- and of the memory of the proud men and women who built cars that still turn heads and shame cars costing much more in terms of overall performance.

Frankly, had anyone told me that morning in 2002 that GM and Chrysler would find themselves in Chapter 11 – and that Pontiac Division would be going away – and that the Camaro would never be reborn, I’d have questioned their sanity and/or motive. I wish I could say that the Firebird is going to return next year. Unfortunately I can’t tell you that it is.
The World has changed – perhaps not all for the better – but we CAN celebrate that the Camaro has once again roared to life. As the billboard on Woodward Avenue put it: “Heaven just couldn’t handle all of the noise.”
It’s being embraced by most enthusiasts as well as the general public. One look at sites such as Z28.com, 5thgen.org, Chirpthird.com, CamaroZ28.com or Camaro5.com (to name a few) will show that even when customers had to (unfortunately) wait for an extended period of time for their new Camaro to be built, most feel the wait was well worth it -- and that their new Camaro meets, or exceeds, or greatly exceeds -- their expectations.

And speaking of websites: I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank every Website Owner and every Moderator on those sites for the thousands upon thousands of hours that each of them has spent over the last seven years – allowing us to have a forum in which to meet and make friends and talk about all things Camaro and Firebird.
For anyone who’s had the opportunity to drive the new Camaro: I believe they might tell you that the car is unquestionably a superstar no matter where you drive it or park it. From personal experience, I can honestly say that in 32 years with GM (and hundreds of company cars later, including some early pilot models) I have NEVER had a car create such commotion and stir so much emotion. From a mini-van full of 5 year olds screaming “IT’S BUMBLEBEE!” to a “young lady” in Ohio who purchased a Victory Red LT/RS to celebrate her 89th Birthday – the new Camaro simply delights nearly everyone.
No – not everyone is quite this enthusiastic – there are those who wish it were lighter. There are those who wish it had 600 horsepower. There are those that wish it were smaller. There are those who wish it were larger. But overall – people are loving it and they aren’t bashful to say so.

Sooooooo…….I guess I want to thank each of you individually and very personally – for “Keeping the Faith.” I’m quite certain it was not easy for most of you, but I’m grateful that you did and I know that the entire Camaro Team feels this way as well.
If you haven’t had a chance to drive one – how ‘bout considering a quick trip to the Northeast Ohio Camaro Club’s “Camaro/Firebird Fall Summit” on September 12? John and Cheryl and I along with Al Oppenheiser (Chief Engineer and Camaro Enthusiast to boot) and several other members of “Team Camaro” will be bringing several Camaros to that show so that YOU (provided that you are over 21 and have a license…) can get behind the wheel and go for a test-drive. (…not to mention that it gives you the perfect opportunity to ‘hang out’ with the best people in the world: Camaro and Firebird Enthusiasts! ) Go here for more info: http://NEOCC.homestead.com

Thanks for “Keeping the Faith!”

very well said. Thank you. from a guy who his father worked for 30 years at the st-therese plant. he worked on my 97 ws6 .still the front neighbour worked on my 2002 ws6 when it was made in january of that same year. when in 2001 they announced that the plant would shut down. i went up there. and when i saw some workers very deceived couldn't understand why them?i was sad, at that time it was the most productive and had the best quality in all the gm plants.. still they shut it down. i just wish it doesn't happen to the guys in oshawa, in a couple of years.. after some time the new car fever will pass and they will sell a few less.. i'll keep my fingers cross for them that the plant runs hammer down!!

[fbodfather]

Originally Posted by SWHCPA

I hope that all the users/readers of this forum understand that we have had unprecidented access to information about this car, its production, the status of your individual order, the shipping status and location like no other car in US production history. In short, a huge round of applause to FBodFather, Super60, The Mole, Hylton and everyone else that made this possible.

Here's a peek of my 2010 next to a 1967 at a show last night.

It's my pleasure to be able to share and talk with everyone -- but thank you for your kind words!

I'm looking at your stripes and smiling to myself.

Flash back to Pahrump, NV last August -- (when we shot video and stills of the Silver Camaro..)

While we were waiting around, I had the Silver SS in one of the garages -- and several of us sat and tried out several 'stripes' and 'accents' using BLUE masking tape..........and the scary part? I did a stripe JUST LIKE YOURS -- including the tail panel treatment!

Very nice-- very unique!

[fbodfather]

Originally Posted by Hurst equipped

very well said. Thank you. from a guy who his father worked for 30 years at the st-therese plant. he worked on my 97 ws6 .still the front neighbour worked on my 2002 ws6 when it was made in january of that same year. when in 2001 they announced that the plant would shut down. i went up there. and when i saw some workers very deceived couldn't understand why them?i was sad, at that time it was the most productive and had the best quality in all the gm plants.. still they shut it down. i just wish it doesn't happen to the guys in oshawa, in a couple of years.. after some time the new car fever will pass and they will sell a few less.. i'll keep my fingers cross for them that the plant runs hammer down!!

Tell your father that I said "Thank you" for his years of service and for all he did for Camaro and Firebird.

Actually, Oshawa has led all North American plants for many years both in terms of quality and productivity.

I will say this: The 4th gen Fcar was not an easy car to build - esp. with the various panels made out of various materials.

And -- the Men and Women of Ste. Therese were hard workers. Interestingly: once we announced that 'the end was near' - the quality actually went UP! (...you'd expect it to go down....) but the fact is: The 2002 Fcars were the best F-cars built over the 35 year model run......our warranty data and audit data showed this very clearly.

As I said -- I'm still haunted by the images of the last days......


Go here: http://videos.camaroz28.com/search/f...6e01673aef.htm


.......for a video I had created for the Camaro/Firebird Gathering at the National Corvette Museum in September of 2002.

[29er]

Originally Posted by fbodfather

Tell your father that I said "Thank you" for his years of service and for all he did for Camaro and Firebird.

Actually, Oshawa has led all North American plants for many years both in terms of quality and productivity.

I will say this: The 4th gen Fcar was not an easy car to build - esp. with the various panels made out of various materials.

And -- the Men and Women of Ste. Therese were hard workers. Interestingly: once we announced that 'the end was near' - the quality actually went UP! (...you'd expect it to go down....) but the fact is: The 2002 Fcars were the best F-cars built over the 35 year model run......our warranty data and audit data showed this very clearly.

As I said -- I'm still haunted by the images of the last days......


Go here: http://videos.camaroz28.com/search/f...6e01673aef.htm


.......for a video I had created for the Camaro/Firebird Gathering at the National Corvette Museum in September of 2002.

Thanks again Mr.Scott very appreciated. i will tell him. --- i was kind of very surprised that an american remembered the workers of the st-therese plant.. i haven't looked who wrote it..now i know!!

["prima"Donna]

Originally Posted by shnomac77

You are always "The Man"..... I will be "Keeping the faith" as long as it takes!

Originally Posted by Elvisuperman

Nice write up... and its great that the Camaro is back!

Originally Posted by firstmate

I in turn... thank YOU, for making all of this possible for us!!!

Originally Posted by Dakota Kid

FBOD- thank YOU for realizing the dream and bringing us a car that takes many of us back to a simpler time.

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

Great post F Bod....thanks!

Originally Posted by Iwantone2

It was definately worth the wait!!! Thanks for always sharing information with us and encouraging us to "Keep the Faith"!!!

Originally Posted by Hoddi

Oh it has definitely roared back to life and I thank all of you immensely for that!

Originally Posted by CamaroSkooter

Here's one extremely happy Camaro owner that will never lose the faith, ever.

Originally Posted by tribone

That was great!! And thank you and everyone at GM for building a Bad Ass Car!! Greatly exceeding my expectations is an understatement

Originally Posted by bono83

It's so true about the emotion and excitement for the new Camaro. There truly is nothing like it out there any more. I've never seen a brand new car garner more attention than the restored classics that we all love so much. I hope that with this "changed world" there is much, much more of the Camaro type cars to come from GM long into the future.

Thanks Fbod and the entire Camaro Team!

Originally Posted by Stang_Killer

Great write up and thanks for keeping us informed and not giving up. I would have to say greatly exceeds expectations would be my impression on my new 2010 Camaro!!

Originally Posted by ClaymoreZ28

Brilliant post - thank you .

I have been truly impressed with how the Camaro design and marketing team has truly worked to build up a sense of community around the rebirth of the Camaro and how you have done the most dangerous and risky of things imaginable - i.e. share real insight and knowledge on what is going on behind the scenes with the community. This is one of the aspects of the experience leading up to owning a new Camaro that I will never forget.

Many thanks to all involved and congratulations on demonstrating what can be achieved with vision, commitment and excellent execution

[anthonybyram]

First let me say, Thanks for the new Camaro, it has exceeded my expectation! I remember as a young kid getting a ride in a "new" 1969 Camaro in Illinois. The Camaro was a all aluminum 427 Z-L1 COPO, and the man giving me the ride was none other than Fred Gibb himself! I was working at a now closed dealership in Vandalia, Mo. when word came out that they were thinking of stopping Camaro production in 1972 due to astrike and the starting of the Arab oil embargo. But thankfully, it never happened. Then in 2002 when they killed the Camaro and firebirds, the last of the F-bodies, I thought to myself guys (GM) youre screwing up, you may wish you had that car back one day.... Congratulations to ALL the fine people at Oshawa! You folks are building the best Camaro Ever! And Ive owned a "few". Funny how the love of a car started with one little ride...... but what a ride and what a car! Thanks! Tony and Glenda Byram

[Buckbo]

What actually motivated the GM brass to bring back this car?
They were so willing to kill it off earlier this decade and didn't want to spend any money retooling to update it at that time. How were they convinced to try something so totally different from the way they were thinking? Was it due to the retro Mustang success or did someone with this idea move up in the ranks? Just curious.

[djm96z28]

Originally Posted by fbodfather

Tell your father that I said "Thank you" for his years of service and for all he did for Camaro and Firebird.

Actually, Oshawa has led all North American plants for many years both in terms of quality and productivity.

I will say this: The 4th gen Fcar was not an easy car to build - esp. with the various panels made out of various materials.

And -- the Men and Women of Ste. Therese were hard workers. Interestingly: once we announced that 'the end was near' - the quality actually went UP! (...you'd expect it to go down....) but the fact is: The 2002 Fcars were the best F-cars built over the 35 year model run......our warranty data and audit data showed this very clearly.

As I said -- I'm still haunted by the images of the last days......


Go here: http://videos.camaroz28.com/search/f...6e01673aef.htm


.......for a video I had created for the Camaro/Firebird Gathering at the National Corvette Museum in September of 2002.

But what a job you did with it! I'm still enjoying my 4th gen as much as when I bought it new in '96.

[speedster]

Words cannot express how we all feel that the Camaro is back. But thanks to you - it is !!!

50 years from now, people will look back at this moment as the very best of times !!

[Tantalizer43]

Oh yeah, it was worth it!

This car is everything I dreamed it could be, and more!

Thanks for being here for us Scott, and at times, thanks for being our collective voice...

Thanks GM!

[SWHCPA]

Originally Posted by fbodfather

It's my pleasure to be able to share and talk with everyone -- but thank you for your kind words!

I'm looking at your stripes and smiling to myself.

Flash back to Pahrump, NV last August -- (when we shot video and stills of the Silver Camaro..)

While we were waiting around, I had the Silver SS in one of the garages -- and several of us sat and tried out several 'stripes' and 'accents' using BLUE masking tape..........and the scary part? I did a stripe JUST LIKE YOURS -- including the tail panel treatment!

Very nice-- very unique!

Thanks. I guess great minds think alike. I'm very pleased with my choice of graphics and the car never ceases to stop turning heads. My thanks to AutoTrimGraphics.net and to my trim shop for the install...as well as everyone that brought this beast to life.

[Revo1]

All good things are worth waiting for! We are all grateful to you and the team for resurrecting our old friend! I know everyone wants something slightly different out the Camaro, but we can all agree on one thing: WE WANT IT BACK AGAIN FOR 2011! (Especially those of us that couldn't get their hands on a 2010...) We're all behind this project, regardless of what the diplomats say! Keep up the good work Fbodfather!

PS, I did finally get to drive a 5th-gen Camaro!
Read about it here, if you're so inclined http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39383

[superdave99]

Amen!