Concept cars is what the auto industry uses to tempt us to auto shows. Seeing these beautiful vehicles on their pedestals with their shining paint makes every car lover drool with envy. But, behind ropes or metal barricades, concepts are off limits. Get too close, and a security guard is likely to take a step in your direction. Stick your cell phone camera as far as you can reach and you’ll likely hear “Sir!”.
That’s why when you are given the chance to drive a concept car you should cherish it and remember it and then of course brag about it later. Matt Nauman was one such lucky man who was able to test drive the Chevy Camaro convertible. He was only allowed to drive it in the parking lot because it is not yet licensed for on-road travel. But that doesn’t take away his experience.
Nauman described the Camaro as nostalgic. The Painted Hugger Orange with dark gray sport stripes, the Camaro convertible looked fresh and powerful. The light seats, leather and suede-like Alcantara inserts, with black seat-backs set a bold tone. The cockpit features deep conical gauges with silver-white faces, an oddly chunky three-spoke steering wheel and a huge shifter shaped like a bottle of Pierre Cardin cologne. Four gauges in front of the shifter are a bit hard to see.
Under the hood is a big V-8. Large wheels, 21-inchers up front and 22-inchers in back, complete the muscular profile. It’s a low, wide, sleek car. Not overdone, certainly, but bold in its color and its head-turning quotient. Door handles are subtle afterthoughts, but the dual exhaust and chrome gas-tank lid are exclamation points.
Nauman stated that, “It was easy to imagine getting into that first Camaro back in September ‘66 as I stepped inside the convertible concept. I was driving Hot Wheels during the heyday of the muscle cars, but I’ve now been in the Camaro convertible and Dodge Challenger concepts as well as the new Mustangs, including the Shelby GT500, so I feel like I’m almost part of it all over again.”
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