Letters to Oshawa

[Hylton]

Hey Ladies & Gentlemen,
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My wife and I are very Grateful for this piece of History for us, since we own a 1969 SS Camaro our favorite car of all time. They both are just alike in most aspects, We have Truly enjoyed our 2SS/RS Black with white stripes and 6spd.
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We absolutely LOVE this car and THANKFUL for your commitment and dedication to this ICON of this industry. All of my vehicles wear BOWTIES! I know ya'll have had some opportunity's with this car but Thanks again to your Commitment and Loyalty to this Brand you have created so much excitement not just for us the Proud owners but all the millions of people that stop us to take pictures and want to find out more about this amazing ride.
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Keep up the Good work and God Bless each one of you! Thank You from the Bottom of Our Hearts, Wayne & Tena Atlanta, Ga.
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Tena W.
McDonough, GA

[Hylton]

Dear Oshawa Employees,
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A sincere thank you to you and the Camaro Build Team at the Oshawa plant. You have truly made a girls’ dream come true!
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I received a package on September 2nd that was a very pleasant surprise. My husband had written a letter on my behalf requesting a signed litho/print. Words cannot express the gratitude to all of you involved. The time and effort taken by all of you to make such a treasured gift is greatly appreciated.
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My true love of the Camaro began when I was 17. I had saved up money for my first car, and my parents had agreed to match what I had saved. My parents had made many suggestions as to what I should save towards, including a Volkswagen, or a Mustang. As I was told, “those are girls’ cars”. But I wanted much more than that. I wanted a ’67 Camaro. That was the first year, and even though at the time was not the most popular year, but it meant something to me. Being raised in the Midwest, we searched through our monthly “Wheeler Dealer” that showcased classic and street rods for sale. My parents and I called and drove to seek out what I thought was the “perfect car”. After a few months searching, we thought that we had found just that car. My Dad drove to northern Iowa to a dealer who bought and sold Camaros he had purchased in California. I was working that day not knowing if by days’ end I would have my dream car or not. Dad had two in particular that he was carefully looking over. One was a ’68 manual shift and the other a red ’67 automatic. Aside from the fact that I didn’t know how to drive a manual shift and my sites were set on a ’67, he chose the ’67 and drove it home. What a day to remember! My first car was everything I thought it would be. It was a beautiful red/black SS/RS.
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Over the course of time I would ask for car parts to improve the appearance. Even though it was perfect in my eye, time had taken its toll on some of the original beauty. One year for Christmas I got a new front bumper. Another year, new window moldings, chrome and carpet. I even found the original build sheet underneath the carpet, and to this day I still have it. While in school, I paid another girl to provide transportation during the winter months so it wouldn’t be subject to all the salt on the roads, and paid rent on a garage for storage. It was truly my pride and joy.
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A few years later I met the man of my dreams. When we married the Camaro became OUR pride and joy. We both worked for the same factory in Iowa, and when the plant closed down we found ourselves uprooting from where we had both been born and raised and moving out of state. We were unable to take the Camaro with us, so made arrangements for a place for it to stay. My Dad built a large garage on his spare lot that later come to serve as a resting place for his and my brothers’ street rods. Over time the car was in need of some attention. The brakes needed to be redone; the tires were getting old and deteriorating from non-use, and the rubber was cracking from age. We sent my Dad some money to try to keep it in running order, and it gave him something to do.
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When GM unveiled the re-birth of the Camaro, I decided it was time to let go of my “dream car” and find someone who would give it the time and attention it deserved to make it shine once again. My Dad was approached by a gentleman who had driven past the garage on numerous occasions, and had seen the car from the street. He and his son already had restored a ’68, and ’69, and were looking for a ’67 to do the same. An offer was made and accepted. It was a bittersweet time, but I then knew what I would be saving towards. A new 2010 Camaro.
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We did some research, and found out when the early orders were going to be accepted and was eagerly awaiting that day. Everything came to a halt when my husband lost his job of eleven years due the fall of the economy. Life had a new meaning, and as a result luxuries were not in the picture and my dream needed to be put on hold.
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My Dad, who had owned a Gen 3 Camaro, called in January to announce that he had placed an early order for the “new” Camaro. Even though I was happy for him, the reality of my dream had been crushed, and was a true look at how sometimes life isn’t fair.
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I continued to work, and six months later my husband found full time work. As soon as the relief had set in I started on my quest to build my “dream car”. After calling numerous dealers, and running across a web-site called Camaro5, I found a dealer who was willing to sell at MSRP. Maybe my dream should be left on hold for awhile before committing to a large financial commitment, but it seemed that the timing was right, and so on April 4th we ordered my new “dream car”.
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Every day I would search on the Camaro5 web site to catch up on the new information posted by people who also share the same passion for the car as I. My husband said I was consumed/obsessed with this car, but to me it was going to be everything to me. We went through the ups and downs of waiting and learned the true meaning of “well worth the wait”. I was also informing my parents back in Iowa of the info that I would find. Our dealer was as excited for us as well, and would actually thank us for keeping him informed on what we were finding. As of August 1st we were informed that the car had been built and ready for shipping. And ironically enough, my parents’ car was built exactly one week before ours. All of us were waiting with anticipation for the next step. As soon as they received their car, they were making the journey from Iowa to Idaho for a celebration and reunion of both family and passion for the car.
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August 14th we get the call from our dealer that a black Camaro was being unloaded from the transport. Once again I am at work, and the anticipation is so great it’s hard to describe. We had asked the dealer to respect our wishes, and save every piece of paper, and leave the plastic on the interior so that we could “unveil” OUR new “dream car”. That was the longest day of my life. But would also be one of my happiest. Words cannot describe the first time I saw it. At times, I see my ol’ 67’ looking back at me. To have my parents here to share in the joy made it complete. We had a great time catching up, and even more fun driving both of our cars and seeing the reaction from all of the people.
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Which brings me to say thank-you to all of you for building one of the most sought after cars in a long time. Your dedication and devotion to making this car everything that it could be is truly evident in the final product. The car that we received is flawless. The fit and finish exceeds any vehicle we have ever owned. We plan on having many years with OUR “dream car” and making some new memories, and maybe some new friends along the way. I especially want to thank my husband for requesting the signed litho/print, and telling a little about my history and passion for this car. It truly was another memorable day when he handed me the envelope that contained the signed litho/print. We are having it framed along with the letter, and will be hung in our home for all to admire.
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A sincere thank-you for making a girls’ dream complete!

Need name and addy please!

[Hylton]

OSHAWA CAMARO GUYS AND GALES You ROCK!!

On June 5th, 2008 I bought a silver 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid. I sold my 1992 V6 5M Camry LE for 2000$ to a guy at work.

Privately, I sold my toy, a 1997 Porsche Boxster to the Toyota salesman who I was buying the '09 Hybrid. The months went by and I was enjoying the OH Nine Camry.
Come October 2008 I realized that General Motors was honestly and truly building the CAMARO as a 2010 model and to boot building the fifth Gen. in Oshawa the best plant in North America!

I was in disbelief and saddened, 'cause I was committed to my new purchase for the next five years and winter was at my doorsteps. In January 2009 my friend sent some pictures of the new Camaro while he and his family were visiting in Orlando Florida.
The 5x3 pictures were of Imperial Blue Metallic LT Fifth Gen. (to this date I still have the pictures on my fridge door).

During the long days of hibernation, I got a hold of a couple websites: "Camaro Z28.com" and "Camaro5.com" and starting researching the 2010 Camaro. I went subscribed to the Camaro Z28.com podcasts and started listening to a couple of gears by the name of Jason & Chris, by the way both ordered their own Camaros in October '08. I started teasing myself with different builds on GM's Chevy Camaro website page, crunching all sorts of numbers. So the long days of winter turned to spring; spring turned to the beginning of summer.

By the third week of June, I could not take it any more, fore resistance was futile and I threw caution to the wind, I drove on over to nearest Chevrolet dealership (Parkway Motors) and asked about the 2010 Camaro!

Of course not to my surprise, there wasn't any Camaros on the show room floor but the salesman said they did have one being prepped for a customer. Well I went around back and saw her, she was a Victory Red 8 2SSRS 6M and gosh she was gorgeous!!
The sales guy gave me the keys and I briefly started her up! I left the dealer so HIGH, that, I did not remember the drive home!

Well of course I knew I was done for!!! ever since that fateful day of Wednesday June 17th, 2009 730PM fore not even a week passed and Monday afternoon, June 22nd, 2009 I placed my order for a Silver Ice Metallic, 2SS/RS, Cyber Grey Rally Stripes sunroof 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. Shortly there after I sold my 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid July the ninth and have been waiting on my new arrivial !

I wanted to let you know of a couple of my thoughts while anxiously await my new Camaro:

1. This my first brand new American car EVER!!! and when I took the illogical step of selling my Green 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid (with only nine thousand kilometers on her) and buy a 2010 Camaro SS/RS 6.2 V8 I had faith that General Motors would reclaim its former glory and lead the automotive industry once again. The new Camaro is that new direction that is bring in people to the showroom. But thats not why I bought the 2010 Camaro because I am following my heart and not my head. It might be unsettling and illogical but it is what makes us alive! Right?

2. When the news was announced that the Camaro would be built in Oshawa Ontario, the best car plant in North America, I knew the Fifth Gen. would be light years better in quality than the Fourth Gen. Quebec Camaro! The reviews are nothing but nothing but spectacular with absolute 100% positive from all corners of the automotive world.

In summary, sorry to be so long winded and I hope this here note makes sense. I would very much like to take this time to thank each and every one of you in advance for building my 2010 Silver Ice Metallic - Cyber Grey Stripe - Six Speed Manual - Sunroof SS RS Camaro (broadcast/scheduled to be built on August 24 to September 9). I am not being too presuming but to some this maybe only a pay check (be it a hard but good living) but to me you are making me a very happy guy.

Sincerely,

William C. H.
KIRKLAND QC CANADA


PS Late breaking news, I received a telephone voice mail from Mary GM's Customer Service, that was my Camaro was born on August 31st and I should be getting her in a couple of weeks. That should bring my baby home around the 14th-to-the-18th of September

[Hylton]

August 27, 2009

To: All Camaro Builders @ GM in Oshawa
From: Jim Newcomb (jlnX2 LS3)

Subject: My 2010 Camaro.

I want to take a moment to thank all the team that built my beautiful Camaro. I will give you a little background on me and I also want you to get a feel for the build and wait that I experienced.
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I am not the youngest driver of one of these fine machines. I started my relationship with the Bowtie products in 1960 (YES 1960!) driving a blue flame 6 cyl ’54 Chevy. Moved to a 1956 2 door chev hardtop with built (307 ci) V8. Then a 1959 Impala 348 3 speed on the column, then a 1962 300 hp Corvette. Then the army….sold my prize corvette. After service moved to a 1966 Pontiac GTO. Then marriage (1969) 1st married car was a family truckster 1966 Biscayne wagon, then moved to the real machine 1969 Kingswood with a 427 (335 hp) serious family truckster, In 1982 purchased a used 1974 Corvette, built to a 383, competition cam, shift kit, edlebrock.…..various others between included and not limited to some foreign vehicles.
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Til the following:
Pre production order on October 29, 2008 of 2010 Camaro.
Build complete June 2009
Railed on 8/7/09
Delivered/picked up 8/22/09
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Black on Black 2SS with LS3 M6 manual. RS option.
(option B7X Arctic White Stripe Package).

BOTTOM LINE:
WORTH THE WAIT, FANTASTIC CAR, THANKS FOR MAKING SURE MY MACHINE WAS PERFECT.

IT IS A BLAST TO DRIVE AND GET STARES OF MANY. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND SKILLS TO PUT THE ‘BOWTIE’ BACK ON THE MAP.

YOU FOLKS ARE JUST AWESOME!!

Jim N.
Cedar Falls, Iowa

[Hylton]

Dear Oshawa workers,
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Last night I was bemoaning the fact that I was going to have to drive my 2010 Camaro to my grandson's flag football game. I love him and his games, it was just that I might expose my "baby", the red jewel, to unwanted dust, and small and wreckless children! Well I got there and found a wonderful place to park. Someone stopped in the middle of the road and said; "Hey, nice car." I get that everywhere I go.
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After the game a guy walked over, stuck his head in the car and said; "Is it as fabulous as they say it is?" I said "Absolutely!" In the drive through the sports park to leave, every eye was on me, I sometimes liken it to living inside a supermodel's body! Little boys jumped up on the benches and shouted; "Look! There's the new Camaro!" I was over whelmed by this scene, this is what's right, this is what's right about America, and I'm one of the luckiest people in the world to have this perfect car that makes people want to care about a car again.
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When my husband and I found out that this American hero would be reborn, he had read an article that if you wanted to buy a GM car, it should be made at the Oshawa plant in Canada, because they are tops in quality. We could not believe our luck when we found out that our new 2010 RJT 2LT/RS Camaro would be built at the flagship of the GM line!
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Thank you does not seem like a big enough word to express my gratitude for all that has been done to deliver this car to us. She has in fact, already won a trophy for best in class at a recent car show! I will think of, and bless you all, every time we go for a ride in the new American dream! Thank you, thank you!
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Renee M.
Clinical Quality Analyst
Clinical Quality Improvement

[Hylton]

I’d like to address this letter to all the GM employee’s that had a role in producing this incredible automobile.
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I first saw the concept surfing the internet and thought to myself there was little chance that if the Camaro came back it would resemble this masterpiece. It intrigued me so much that I started searching for any information I could find that supported the return of Camaro. During this search I found Camaro5.com and knew right away that this car was going to be a reality one day soon.
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I want to express my gratitude to you all for the pride and workmanship that goes into your work every day. Every time I drive this car the quality shines as much as the beautiful Victory Red paint that she wears so proudly. So thank you all very much!
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Sincerely,
Rick C.
Vancleave, Mississippi

[Hylton]

To all of the Oshawa Employees:
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I can’t begin to thank you all enough for you hard work and dedication. You can certainly pat your selves on the back for helping GM rise out of their darkest hour in history. Every time I get in my 2010 Camaro and start it up I know I’m not alone, I have the Oshawa Employee’s at my back.
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Taking pride in your work shows in this car. The attention I get driving down the road is amazing; I have had truck drivers applauding and young men with thumbs up yelling sweet. And people turning their heads so much I now call it rubber necking. The car will not be out in the rain nor will it be out in the winter. This car is to be my legacy to my only grandson. And to the workers that were at the plant back in 1997; I still have my Lumina and not a thing is wrong with it.
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Your loyal customer and Camaro5 member: Barking Tires
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Sincerely,
Larry and Susan L.

city and state please!
2SS/RS
Inferno Orange
Inferno Orange Trim
Sunroof
Ground Effects

[Hylton]

Good morning Oshawa!!!
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I so wish I wasn’t way down south in Houston, TX, as I would love to make it to this event. I have always loved the “muscle” car, which of course included the Camaro. I had never owned a Camaro before my 2010, though I always liked them. I owned two Trans Am’s, the 1999 which I loved, and then got a WS6 2002 when I knew the models were no longer going to be made because I loved the looks and the power. Unfortunately I had some problems with the rotors on that car which couldn’t seem to be fixed properly, so I had to get rid of my “dream” car. But there was nothing left in the muscle line that I wanted. I test drove a Mustang once, and couldn’t get out of it fast enough.
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Fast forward to 2006 (I think) when I went to the Houston Auto Show. There was the most beautiful muscle car I had ever seen, the concept Camaro in Red. I still have the pictures. The Chevrolet peeps said to let them know if we wanted it to be built, so I got online and made my small voice heard. Then low and behold it was announced that they would really make it, so the real waiting began. What seemed like forever, I finally got an email on 10-13-08 saying I could order the new Camaro. I left work early, and went straight to the dealer that was nearest my home, and placed my order. At this time I still had never heard of Camaro 5.
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When I was at the Auto Show in January, looking (they wouldn’t let anyone touch or sit in the displays while I was there) at the beautiful car I would soon have, there was a fellow there that had all kinds of information on the Camaro. He too had ordered, but he mentioned the production date had been pushed out to March 16, and I wondered how he seemed to know so much. I look back now and figure that he must have been part of this site already .
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I really didn’t get good info from my dealer, so I started searching the internet. I came across Camaro 5. This helped me realize how much more personal this experience was going to be, but I still had no idea how much so.
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At first I didn’t realize that many of the people on the site were actually with GM/Chevrolet, and more of them Oshawa plant workers. That meant that some of the guys and gals actually touched and built my beautiful car.
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Because of you, I own this car.
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Because of you, this car is possible.
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Because of you, I am a part of history.
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Because of you, this has been the BEST new car buying experience I have ever had. I bow down humbly, in complete appreciation and honor to them and their dedication of making the best car possible. I truly wish I didn’t have to use it as a daily driver, only because I put so many miles on it doing that. But even if I do have to trade it in one day, I will just get the newer version of this beautiful car.
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So, to not make this any longer than it already is, I will close for now. I want to thank all of the people that put in the hard work to make this awesome car. You all have my most sincere and heartfelt thanks, and I really wish I could be there to see the plant, and meet some or all of you in person.
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THANK YOU OSHAWA!!!!! YOU GUYS ARE THE BOMB!!!
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Sharon N.
Houston, TX 77086

[camaro99]

This Gen5 edition has created a Camaro Gen5 cult thanks to GM from start to finish..... in Oshawa,Ontario, CANADA.We now need to have Camaro Gen5 temples across North america for our meet, greet and pray that the Camaro will thrive forever.

With this kind of new beginning , it' a natural.


Chris R., Hawkesbury, Ont., Canada

[Hylton]

To All The Oshawa Employees and GM:
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Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you!!
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I am 58 years old and have been an avid Camaro fan since 1967 which was the year I got my driver's license. I've owned more than five Camaros over the years and currently own a 1967 Camaro Convertible 327/275hp in mint condition. Marina Blue with black deluxe interior…….with 41,000 original miles.
In addition to my '67, I now own a 2010 2LT/RS Red Jewel Tint, beige interior, automatic with the sunroof.
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Let me just say that this car has exceeded any expectations I had. The paint, fit and finish is of the highest quality. The interior is beautiful. I haven't been this excited about any car in many many years. You guys and gals have outdone yourselves! To have an American/Canadian car with this level of quality is unheard of nowadays. I am using my new Camaro as a daily driver, and I can't wait to get into it every morning and drive to work. The car is by far the most fun to drive of ANY car I've ever owned.
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I was the first in my town to have the new Camaro. I still have to add an extra 10 minutes to every trip I make because of the gawkers and talkers. I was cutting my grass a few weeks ago and the Camaro was in the driveway. A police car pulls into my driveway and I think to myself uh oh, what did I do now? The police officer called me over and said "Do you mind if I check out your new Camaro? I love these things!" We chatted for about 20 minutes. It's like that where ever I go. I feel like a celebrity!!
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I want you to know how much I appreciate the new Camaro. I also want you to know how much I appreciate the employees of Oshawa, for their hard work and dedication in making such a high quality automobile. I've had my car for 2 months now and have had ZERO problems. It runs and drives like a dream. I have you Oshawa employees to thank for that!
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Give yourselves a pat on the back from me….you deserve it!
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YOU GUYS AND GALS ARE THE BEST!!!!!! I CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH!!!!
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Steve P.
Hudson, MA

[Hylton]

Dear Oshawa Plant Team Members,

I would love to thank you all for this beautiful car you all built for me I love it so much. Its not my first camaro but its my first brand new camaro. I just love how beautiful it is and all the attention it gets is amazing. So hold your heads high that you have built a gorgeous piece of
muscle car. Even my dad went with me to pick it up on delivery day and went on the test drive with me and was like you did good kid. I recently had an accident with mine and its currently getting fixed up as good as it left the plant. I have talked to a couple of you on camaro5 over the last year or so and I greatly appreciate all the time you have taken answering my questions when possible. And a couple great moments so far really quickly.

1. driving down the road some guy in a blue mustang gt comes flying up beside me (he had to catch up) and looks over and says nice F'ing car man.

2. Family picnic - my brother is a car salesmen (sells fords) and says to me “why not buy a mustang from me instead of a camaro”? I then replied “cause my camaro is better than any mustang”. He proceeds to dog my camaro out and as I go to give my niece a ride he comes over and starts taking several pics of my camaro. So I looked at him I said if my car is that bad why are you taking enough pics for a calendar.

Thank you all for everything you did to get me this beautiful dream machine of mine that I have been saving for 3 years. I am truly grateful from the bottom of my chevy loving heart.


Sincerely,
Mike B.
city/state please!

[Hylton]

I would like to thank all employees responsible for making my 2010 camaro dreams come to fruition on the day VIN# 15862 was born.
From the first time I laid eyes on the red concept camaro at the Houston auto show back in January 2006 I knew the car would one day be mine. I waited and waited and kept the faith that one day my dream would come to life. I had my doubts that it would be approved by GM, but as I had hoped it was put into the pipeline.
Fast forward many sleepless nights and time spent daydreaming about my car. It now sits in my driveway. Feels like 1993 all over again when my red car was first introduced. I had to have one back then but I was way too young and my lack of funds prevented me from getting one. Eventually, I purchased that exact dream ride and to this day I still own it. I have preserved it and kept it in better than showroom condition.
Now I also have my 2010 SS to compliment it. Not to mention my 1972 SS camaro that gets to share a garage with either car. To say the least, this has been the best built GM vehicle I have ever owned and the craftsmanship shows.
Once again Oshawa employees I am extremely grateful to have people who are dedicated in pouring their heart into the build of my camaro and making sure it was built to the best of their abilities.


Sincerely,
Joseph C.
city/state please!

[King Mouse]

Oshawa
I was mindset on having this car the first time I laid eyes on the concept in a magazine. Rumor mills and spy shots kept my interest peaked till October 13th when an order could be placed. I ordered my car without ever having seen one. Not knowing what the interior looked like, what options were like, what the stripe packages looked like. With other believers, I waited and waited, holding onto hope given by this website, more spy shots and constant calls to my dealer.
Day of Delivery: WOW! What a beautiful car! I can’t believe it is actually here and MINE! This car has no age limits. There are no generation gaps. Everybody but the competition loves this car. (you know secretly they like it too)
Thank you for building one of the finest cars on the road! I love it!

David M.
Mercer, PA

[Hylton]

Dear Oshawa,

Like a lot of other new Camaro owners I would like everyone there at the plant
to know that all of your hard work has not gone unnoticed. Everyone who ordered
a new Camaro may have wanted 24 hour a day 7 days a week production so that they could get their car but may have forgot about the people on the assembly line.

You need days off like everyone else does. You may have heard complaints about GM dragging out this new car process too long. I am employed at a Chevrolet dealership and had to wait in line after placing my order like everyone else.

I got my SIM 2SS two weeks ago and just love it. I find myself looking for any excuse to drive the car. I only get that same feeling from driving my 1957
Chevrolet Nomad with factory fuel injection. The quality control is great because mine has no problems and any glitches with earlier cars were handled quickly by GM when they were aware of them.

Thanks for taking pride in building the best car that I have ever had or driven.

Sincerely,

Jim Z.
city/state please!