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Since the introduction of the first Chevrolet Camaro back in 1967, the pony car has become an iconic piece of automotive history, and helped shape a design legacy that is about to enter its sixth generation. In honor of this event, Chevrolet asked five designers to reflect on what has made the Camaro such an icon.

The first generation of the Chevrolet Camaro only lasted three years from 1967 to 1969, but according to Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design, "The 1969 model is the iconic Camaro to me. From the dual-plane grille design and speed lines stamped into the fenders and doors, it was original and distinctive. It didn't borrow from any other design and all these years later, it still looks fresh."

What made the first generation of the Camaro stand out from the rest of the offerings of that time in terms of styling were character lines running behind the wheels, a pulled out rear fender, dual-plane grille which later became a Camaro trademark, wide taillights, and Chevrolet's signature "cowl induction" power bulge hood.

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As we entered the 1970s, the second generation of the Camaro came out, and over its 12-year run, the styling continued to evolve. "The second-gen car is pure Camaro, with a dramatic proportion and lean, muscular form. You won't confuse it with the first generation, but it is unmistakably a Camaro from every angle," said Ken Parkinson, executive director of design, Chevrolet Trucks and Global Architecture.

And while there were significant changes made over the life of the second generation, Parkinson believes the most notable occurred between 1970 and 1973. The RS model features a split-bumper design, giving the model a more contemporary design. The body of the Camaro tucked in below the horizontal crease running the length of the body to expose the tires in a more muscular appearance, while the complex sail panel flows into the rear of the car for a more sophisticated look.