The "Christening" -- happy birthday, Camaro! - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

fbodfather · 06-29-2016, 04:45 PM

June 29, is an important date in Camaro history – it’s the date that the Camaro was actually “Christened”………….

The other important date would be September 29, the day that Camaro was shown to the public at large in Chevrolet Dealerships nationwide and was finally offered for sale.

I’ve posted this story before to several sites – but I’m gonna dust it off and send it again to celebrate Camaro’s 50th ‘Christening’………..

— enjoy the story…………..
The day the Panther Died………

June 29, 1966 was a day of firsts. It was a day where 200 journalists were inducted into SEPAW (more about that in a minute)

That day, the first and LAST meeting of SEPAW took place.

It was the first time in history that 14 cities were hooked up ‘real time’ for a press conference via telephone lines. (Something that seems so very simple today, but so very complicated back then……)

And it was the first time that the world found out that a new Chevrolet would be called “Camaro” – rather than “Panther.”

On June 21, 1966, approximately 200 journalists from around North America received the following Telegram:

“……….Please save noon of June 29 for important SEPAW meeting. Hope you can be on hand to help scratch a cat. Details will follow……………….(signed) John L. Cutter – Chevrolet Public Relations – SEPAW Secretary.”

……….as you can imagine, there were many befuddled looks upon receiving such a telegram.

The next day, (June 22) – the same journalists received this telegram:

“………..Society for the Eradication of Panthers from the Automotive World will hold first and last meeting on June 29. (Insert city here) chapter will meet at (insert hotel name here) and join national 14 city telephone hookup with meeting in Detroit at which national president E. M. Estes will preside. Please telephone acceptance to Frank Faraone, (Telephone # ) Delaware 7-4601……….. (signed) John L. Cutter – Chevrolet Public Relations SEPAW Secretary………”

Well………that certainly gave the journalists something to think about…..and the best part is that they would not have to travel around the country to attend this “SEPAW Meeting” – rather, they only needed to travel to one of 14 cities.

This was truly a technological undertaking…..

The Bell System (the only telephone system back then for those of you who are under 40 years of age….) call arrangement included 14 cities and originated from Detroit’s Statler-Hilton Hotel (sadly demolished a few years ago after sitting in ruin for nearly 25 years) where Chevrolet General Manager E. M. “Pete” Estes made some announcements.

There were more than 100 persons involved in providing the two-way communication system over 13,715 miles of telephone circuits, including 9,259 miles of microwave radio and 4,446 miles of coaxial cable.

The announcement over the wires was heard by approximately 150 of 200+ journalists in the cities of: Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, St. Louis, San Francisco, New York, and Washington.

Amplifiers and microphones were installed in each of the 14 meeting rooms across the country so that newspersons could hear Mr. Estes’ remarks and direct questions to him. The questions and answers were heard simultaneously in all cities on the circuit.

GM was insistent that the system be tested – so a test call was made on Tuesday and was further backed up by an auxiliary circuit in case difficulty developed anywhere within the system.

It’s interesting to note that we think nothing of linking friends on a conference call at will from our homes or offices – without any real forethought. It was a different world 45 years ago…..and as you can see by the above figures – it was quite an accomplishment.

The REAL story, however, was in what Mr. Estes was about to tell the journalists.

Looking through notes that survived 45 years within Chevrolet files, I’ve managed to put together some of what Mr. Estes talked about that day.
SEPAW Meeting

Mr. Estes started the press conference with:

“……..SEPAW stands for the S ociety for the E limination of P anthers from the
A utomotive W orld – and by your presence, you are automatically charter members…………July 1 marks my first anniversary (As General Manager of) Chevrolet. It’s been a fast and highly competitive year……..’

He went on to mention the many travels he made to dealers and plants – and mentioned milestones such as the 3 millionth Los Angeles produced Chevrolet passenger car—and the first passenger car to roll off the newly opened Lordstown, Ohio assembly plant.

Mr. Estes continued with: “………..it is also a year in which Chevrolet has gotten into the hottest sales race since 1959……”

He gave a brief review of sales, model-year-to-date sales lead, and talked about his optimism for great June sales figures. He made it very clear that Chevrolet intended to remain America’s number one selling cars and trucks.

“………one of the reasons we’re going to stay number 1 is also a reason for this meeting. Chevrolet is definitely going to have a new car included in the new models for the 1967 model year – and this car will be introduced on September 29, 1966………….This is NOT news to many of you! As far back as April 8, 1965, A Detroit newspaper had page-one headlines proclaiming that Chevrolet had a “Panther” car to answer the horsy offering of a competitor. The question of who was answering who has been discussed frequently, since the four-footed competitor really answered the Corvair. And the Corvair actually followed up the Corvette which was the real pioneer of the sporty-personalized car in this country…..”

“…..in the two years since then, you gentlemen of the press, radio, and television have literally designed, built, and marketed the Chevrolet “Panther” to the point were we get irate letters from customers plus phone calls demanding all specifications and price so they can place orders!”

Mr. Estes continued: “………We have frequently said ‘what Panther?’ and there have been many other names suggested ….citing Chevrolet’s preference for names starting with the letter ‘C’…………..”

“………….the personal sized car market is big …..” He went on to give current market figures and projected figures. “…….Corvair will remain in this market …….handing the family-type small car business……..” “…….with the 1967 line, Chevrolet will offer what we feel is the last word in personal sized cars……” He went on to describe the size of this new car in terms of comparison to both Corvair and Mustang – and some general details.

He announced that this new Chevrolet would be built in two assembly plants – one in Los Angeles (Van Nuys) and one in the suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio (Norwood.) He also mentioned that Chevy II production would be switched to Willow Run (Ypsilanti) Michigan where they would be built alongside Corvairs.
He then invited all news people to drive this new Chevrolet – and in fact all of the new Chevrolets at a Press Preview in Detroit on September 12 and in Los Angeles on September 19.

Mr. Estes then said: “………..Oh yes! I almost forgot! The purpose of this meeting! Gentlemen: much as we appreciate the tremendous publicity given “Panther” we ask you to help scratch the cat once and forever. And as such, this will be both the FIRST and LAST meeting of SEPAW.

“…………Chevrolet has chosen a name which is lithe, graceful, and in keeping with our other car names beginning with the letter C ……..Above all, it is the name of our new car line to be introduced on September 29……..and to us, the name means just what we think the car will do: GO! ….and here it is!……..”

At that moment, five very pretty girls came onto stage – each holding a letter……Mr. Estes held the sixth letter – and while a narrator described to out-of-towners what was going on, Mr. Estes placed each girl in order and then lined up with them for all to see the word “CAMARO.”
CAMARO – what does it mean?

Once again, Mr. Estes repeated some of his earlier remarks:

“….the name CAMARO means ‘friend’ – ‘pal’ – or ‘comrade.’ Thus, it suggests the real mission of our new automobile – to be a close companion to its owner – tailored to reflect his or her individual tastes and at the same time provide exciting personal transportation. Chevrolet has chosen a name which is lithe, and graceful – and in keeping with our other names beginning with ‘C.’………..thus, it suggests the comradeship of good friends……as a personal car should be to its owner.”

………and that was the day the Panther died.

Now – many of you may have heard me talk about this day at various Camaro and Firebird shows. For those of you who have not heard this story, I believe it merits repeating: I often wonder, as Mr. Estes picked the name “Camaro” from a list of over 2,000 words – a name that means “Friend, Pal, or Comrade” — I just wonder: Did he EVER imagine that this wonderful car – would bring so many ‘friends’ together all because of the love of the Camaro?

When asked a year later how he came up with the name “Camaro” – Mr. Estes laughed that he locked himself in a closet and he came back out with Camaro! His son Bill – our Chevrolet Dealer in Indianapolis tells me that he and his father discussed four different names with the rest of the family at dinner one evening….and Mr. Estes chose Camaro that very evening – because the name meant ‘friend.’

Happy Birthday, Camaro!

Scott "The Fbodfather" Settlemire

Spec · 06-29-2016, 05:00 PM

Best. Car. Ever. Happy Birthday!!

Moto-Mojo · 06-29-2016, 10:53 PM

GREAT story! "Friend" and "Pal" - the car has certainly been that to a lot of people. I'm a self-proclaimed late comer to the Camaro world but a LONG time fan of the 'Chevy SS.' And am glad the "Pal" got to wear the SS badge too. It fulfilled a dream of old driving my 2015.

But knowing 'the rest of the story', I'm a little surprised that Mr. Estes didn't continue the "Cor" theme...CORvette, CORvair...maybe because things like the 'Coronet' were already taken and he wanted to start anew. I can't even think of a good name beginning with 'Cor.' Camaro works fine for me! Thanks, fbodfather.

*SSE 4 2SS* · 06-29-2016, 10:55 PM

Thanks for posting this Scott, Great read...

maroonponyina1LE · 06-29-2016, 11:26 PM

Thanks very much for posting this story. I am basically the same age/vintage as the Camaro itself. It is great to finally be an owner - have had mine less than a year. Those who have contributed to these cars in any way, throughout the years, are commended tremendously. The world has changed so much since the time of that call. Yet time and again GM finds and refines a formula that people respond to with these cars.

A note: while this is a performance car without question, there are still personal expectations for reliability and economy. Our last GM car in the family was an '82 Buick. The repair experience/nightmare caused us to veer far away for decades worth of autos. So I am hoping we can buy these cars in the future with confidence; that they will be reliable, and when they do need repair and maintenance, it can be handled in a good and reasonable manner.

...but for today, it is CELEBRATION!

THANK YOU!!!

5thGenOwner · 06-30-2016, 12:49 AM

Thank you, sir!

Quote:

Originally Posted by fbodfather

Did he EVER imagine that this wonderful car – would bring so many ‘friends’ together all because of the love of the Camaro?

Not to get all Shakespear, but... What makes a name? I believe it is the physical car and the passion behind it. The people like you... that's what makes a car that has brought so many friends together.

I love the name; love the script on the 1st gen and the lettering on my 5th gen... but it's the metal, the motor, and the brilliant designers/engineers/artists behind it all that decide what the name CAMARO really means.

In the end, Mr. Estes was right... it is a car which brings friends together. Well said, and well done Mr. Estes! Thank you.

And, Happy Birthday!! (west coast here, not belated)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spec

Best. Car. Ever. Happy Birthday!!

i2disturbedSS · 06-30-2016, 03:48 AM

I just read this to from another post/link.

Happy Birthday Camaro.

*mlee* · 06-30-2016, 04:59 AM

Really enjoyed that story. Thanks for posting it.

102SS · 06-30-2016, 06:19 AM

Thanks Scott.

And Happy Birthday Camaro

vinman · 06-30-2016, 06:52 AM

Thanks for the interesting story Scott! Long live the camaro!!!!

06-29-2016, 04:45 PM	#1
fbodfather Drives: Camaros................ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Seven Fields, PA (Pittsburgh) Posts: 4,523	The "Christening" -- happy birthday, Camaro! June 29, is an important date in Camaro history – it’s the date that the Camaro was actually “Christened”…………. The other important date would be September 29, the day that Camaro was shown to the public at large in Chevrolet Dealerships nationwide and was finally offered for sale. I’ve posted this story before to several sites – but I’m gonna dust it off and send it again to celebrate Camaro’s 50th ‘Christening’……….. — enjoy the story………….. The day the Panther Died……… June 29, 1966 was a day of firsts. It was a day where 200 journalists were inducted into SEPAW (more about that in a minute) That day, the first and LAST meeting of SEPAW took place. It was the first time in history that 14 cities were hooked up ‘real time’ for a press conference via telephone lines. (Something that seems so very simple today, but so very complicated back then……) And it was the first time that the world found out that a new Chevrolet would be called “Camaro” – rather than “Panther.” On June 21, 1966, approximately 200 journalists from around North America received the following Telegram: “……….Please save noon of June 29 for important SEPAW meeting. Hope you can be on hand to help scratch a cat. Details will follow……………….(signed) John L. Cutter – Chevrolet Public Relations – SEPAW Secretary.” ……….as you can imagine, there were many befuddled looks upon receiving such a telegram. The next day, (June 22) – the same journalists received this telegram: “………..Society for the Eradication of Panthers from the Automotive World will hold first and last meeting on June 29. (Insert city here) chapter will meet at (insert hotel name here) and join national 14 city telephone hookup with meeting in Detroit at which national president E. M. Estes will preside. Please telephone acceptance to Frank Faraone, (Telephone # ) Delaware 7-4601……….. (signed) John L. Cutter – Chevrolet Public Relations SEPAW Secretary………” Well………that certainly gave the journalists something to think about…..and the best part is that they would not have to travel around the country to attend this “SEPAW Meeting” – rather, they only needed to travel to one of 14 cities. This was truly a technological undertaking….. The Bell System (the only telephone system back then for those of you who are under 40 years of age….) call arrangement included 14 cities and originated from Detroit’s Statler-Hilton Hotel (sadly demolished a few years ago after sitting in ruin for nearly 25 years) where Chevrolet General Manager E. M. “Pete” Estes made some announcements. There were more than 100 persons involved in providing the two-way communication system over 13,715 miles of telephone circuits, including 9,259 miles of microwave radio and 4,446 miles of coaxial cable. The announcement over the wires was heard by approximately 150 of 200+ journalists in the cities of: Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, St. Louis, San Francisco, New York, and Washington. Amplifiers and microphones were installed in each of the 14 meeting rooms across the country so that newspersons could hear Mr. Estes’ remarks and direct questions to him. The questions and answers were heard simultaneously in all cities on the circuit. GM was insistent that the system be tested – so a test call was made on Tuesday and was further backed up by an auxiliary circuit in case difficulty developed anywhere within the system. It’s interesting to note that we think nothing of linking friends on a conference call at will from our homes or offices – without any real forethought. It was a different world 45 years ago…..and as you can see by the above figures – it was quite an accomplishment. The REAL story, however, was in what Mr. Estes was about to tell the journalists. Looking through notes that survived 45 years within Chevrolet files, I’ve managed to put together some of what Mr. Estes talked about that day. SEPAW Meeting Mr. Estes started the press conference with: “……..SEPAW stands for the S ociety for the E limination of P anthers from the A utomotive W orld – and by your presence, you are automatically charter members…………July 1 marks my first anniversary (As General Manager of) Chevrolet. It’s been a fast and highly competitive year……..’ He went on to mention the many travels he made to dealers and plants – and mentioned milestones such as the 3 millionth Los Angeles produced Chevrolet passenger car—and the first passenger car to roll off the newly opened Lordstown, Ohio assembly plant. Mr. Estes continued with: “………..it is also a year in which Chevrolet has gotten into the hottest sales race since 1959……” He gave a brief review of sales, model-year-to-date sales lead, and talked about his optimism for great June sales figures. He made it very clear that Chevrolet intended to remain America’s number one selling cars and trucks. “………one of the reasons we’re going to stay number 1 is also a reason for this meeting. Chevrolet is definitely going to have a new car included in the new models for the 1967 model year – and this car will be introduced on September 29, 1966………….This is NOT news to many of you! As far back as April 8, 1965, A Detroit newspaper had page-one headlines proclaiming that Chevrolet had a “Panther” car to answer the horsy offering of a competitor. The question of who was answering who has been discussed frequently, since the four-footed competitor really answered the Corvair. And the Corvair actually followed up the Corvette which was the real pioneer of the sporty-personalized car in this country…..” “…..in the two years since then, you gentlemen of the press, radio, and television have literally designed, built, and marketed the Chevrolet “Panther” to the point were we get irate letters from customers plus phone calls demanding all specifications and price so they can place orders!” Mr. Estes continued: “………We have frequently said ‘what Panther?’ and there have been many other names suggested ….citing Chevrolet’s preference for names starting with the letter ‘C’…………..” “………….the personal sized car market is big …..” He went on to give current market figures and projected figures. “…….Corvair will remain in this market …….handing the family-type small car business……..” “…….with the 1967 line, Chevrolet will offer what we feel is the last word in personal sized cars……” He went on to describe the size of this new car in terms of comparison to both Corvair and Mustang – and some general details. He announced that this new Chevrolet would be built in two assembly plants – one in Los Angeles (Van Nuys) and one in the suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio (Norwood.) He also mentioned that Chevy II production would be switched to Willow Run (Ypsilanti) Michigan where they would be built alongside Corvairs. He then invited all news people to drive this new Chevrolet – and in fact all of the new Chevrolets at a Press Preview in Detroit on September 12 and in Los Angeles on September 19. Mr. Estes then said: “………..Oh yes! I almost forgot! The purpose of this meeting! Gentlemen: much as we appreciate the tremendous publicity given “Panther” we ask you to help scratch the cat once and forever. And as such, this will be both the FIRST and LAST meeting of SEPAW. “…………Chevrolet has chosen a name which is lithe, graceful, and in keeping with our other car names beginning with the letter C ……..Above all, it is the name of our new car line to be introduced on September 29……..and to us, the name means just what we think the car will do: GO! ….and here it is!……..” At that moment, five very pretty girls came onto stage – each holding a letter……Mr. Estes held the sixth letter – and while a narrator described to out-of-towners what was going on, Mr. Estes placed each girl in order and then lined up with them for all to see the word “CAMARO.” CAMARO – what does it mean? Once again, Mr. Estes repeated some of his earlier remarks: “….the name CAMARO means ‘friend’ – ‘pal’ – or ‘comrade.’ Thus, it suggests the real mission of our new automobile – to be a close companion to its owner – tailored to reflect his or her individual tastes and at the same time provide exciting personal transportation. Chevrolet has chosen a name which is lithe, and graceful – and in keeping with our other names beginning with ‘C.’………..thus, it suggests the comradeship of good friends……as a personal car should be to its owner.” ………and that was the day the Panther died. Now – many of you may have heard me talk about this day at various Camaro and Firebird shows. For those of you who have not heard this story, I believe it merits repeating: I often wonder, as Mr. Estes picked the name “Camaro” from a list of over 2,000 words – a name that means “Friend, Pal, or Comrade” — I just wonder: Did he EVER imagine that this wonderful car – would bring so many ‘friends’ together all because of the love of the Camaro? When asked a year later how he came up with the name “Camaro” – Mr. Estes laughed that he locked himself in a closet and he came back out with Camaro! His son Bill – our Chevrolet Dealer in Indianapolis tells me that he and his father discussed four different names with the rest of the family at dinner one evening….and Mr. Estes chose Camaro that very evening – because the name meant ‘friend.’ Happy Birthday, Camaro! Scott "The Fbodfather" Settlemire __________________

06-29-2016, 10:53 PM	#3
Moto-Mojo Fast Cars and Old Guitars Drives: 2015 2SS RS (L99, baby!) Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: N. CA Posts: 3,973	GREAT story! "Friend" and "Pal" - the car has certainly been that to a lot of people. I'm a self-proclaimed late comer to the Camaro world but a LONG time fan of the 'Chevy SS.' And am glad the "Pal" got to wear the SS badge too. It fulfilled a dream of old driving my 2015. But knowing 'the rest of the story', I'm a little surprised that Mr. Estes didn't continue the "Cor" theme...CORvette, CORvair...maybe because things like the 'Coronet' were already taken and he wanted to start anew. I can't even think of a good name beginning with 'Cor.' Camaro works fine for me! Thanks, fbodfather. __________________ “I don’t want to belong to any club that would have me as a member.” - Groucho Marx

06-29-2016, 10:55 PM	#4
SSE 4 2SS Boosted Moderator Drives: Bone Stock LS3 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Marion Tx Posts: 15,491	Thanks for posting this Scott, Great read... __________________ If the car feels like it is on rails, you are probably driving too slow. -Ross Bentley Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall. Torque is how far you take the wall with you. “If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough.” Mario Andretti If you can turn, you ain't going fast enough...

06-29-2016, 11:26 PM	#5
maroonponyina1LE Drives: 2015 1LE Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 92	Happy Birthday indeed! Thanks very much for posting this story. I am basically the same age/vintage as the Camaro itself. It is great to finally be an owner - have had mine less than a year. Those who have contributed to these cars in any way, throughout the years, are commended tremendously. The world has changed so much since the time of that call. Yet time and again GM finds and refines a formula that people respond to with these cars. A note: while this is a performance car without question, there are still personal expectations for reliability and economy. Our last GM car in the family was an '82 Buick. The repair experience/nightmare caused us to veer far away for decades worth of autos. So I am hoping we can buy these cars in the future with confidence; that they will be reliable, and when they do need repair and maintenance, it can be handled in a good and reasonable manner. ...but for today, it is CELEBRATION! THANK YOU!!!

06-30-2016, 03:48 AM	#7
i2disturbedSS Drives: 2010 SS L99 IOM Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: CA Posts: 1,924	I just read this to from another post/link. Happy Birthday Camaro. __________________ 369rwhp/392rwtq "Spending money I don't have, to buy parts I don't need, to impress people I don't know!" -Jenkins

06-29-2016, 05:00 PM	#2
Spec Account Suspended Drives: 2010 Camaro 1SS LS3 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Riverside, CA Posts: 4,018	Best. Car. Ever. Happy Birthday!!

06-30-2016, 04:59 AM	#8
mlee CamaroFans.com Drives: ZLE & ZR2 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Conroe, TX Posts: 37,497 View My Garage	Really enjoyed that story. Thanks for posting it. __________________

06-30-2016, 06:19 AM	#9
102SS waiting at the tree Drives: SIM 2010 2SS/RS A6 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Niagara Falls Posts: 3,134	Thanks Scott. And Happy Birthday Camaro __________________ 2010 2SS/RS A6 ZL1 Rims 60ft 2.03 13.08 at 107.82 (4/28) 2009 Pontiac G8 3.6L the DD

06-30-2016, 06:52 AM	#10
vinman The BBOMG fill-in husband Drives: 2015 2SS/RS 1LE AKA V1LE Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Elmira, NY Posts: 4,458 View My Garage	Thanks for the interesting story Scott! Long live the camaro!!!! __________________ UPSTATE C5 MEMBER