Truth be told, I’ve always been a MoPar guy. You’ll have that growing up in a household where your father is a 20-year employee of Chrysler Corporation. In my world, Camaros, Mustangs and all other incarnations of Detroit ‘Pony Car’ iron always ran a distant second to Chargers, Cudas, Challengers and Road Runners.
That said, in later years, I’ve come to appreciate those other nameplates, especially the Camaro after securing a 1979 model for my then teenage son six years ago. Getting a close up look at the car – from the driver’s seat and from my son’s love of the car – gave me a whole new perspective on the legendary Chevy.
It’s with that backdrop that I eagerly read Darwin Holmstrom’s latest work – Camaro Forty Years. Published by Motorbooks, this exquisitely crafted volume is an engaging read and a visual treat for anyone interested in the history of the Camaro.
A striking, oversize hardcover book, Camaro Forty Years opens with an overview of the ‘Pony Car’ era and how the segment of the automotive market came to pass. Holmstrom’s text throughout is crafted in an informative, easy to read style that has you wanting to read the next chapter even though you may not have time to do so at that moment.
There’s more than enough statistical data and behind the scenes detail about the four decade history of the Camaro to satisfy even the most avid Bowtie backer. Meanwhile, Holmstrom presents the information in a conversational manner that is pleasing to read for someone less initiated in the brand such as this reviewer.
Normally, Holmstrom’s all-inclusive text would alone make this $50 retail (US) book a must read for any Camaro aficionado. In this case, however, it’s only half of the package as Camaro Forty Years is one of the most beautifully illustrated automotive volumes to hit the shelves in several years thanks to the brilliant photography of David Newhardt.
Newhardt captures all the nuisances of the Camaro – from the early models to current versions – in more than 300 images (290 in color). Each photo is a work of art as the veteran of multiple muscle car books captures every model presented for review.
The multiplicity of cars presented in these images is staggering. Model after model of pristine Camaros, from the most pedestrian to the latest concept car, are pictured making this book a virtual visual reference of all things Camaro.
Newhardt’s images give the reader an inside-out perspective of the Camaro with photos of all aspects of the car. Full image and partial close ups of classic and current Camaro exteriors, interiors, engine bays, suspensions, tires, etc. are presented to the reader with Holmstrom illustrating each photo with concise and revealing captions.
The end result – thanks to superb layout, graphic design and final volume execution by Motorbooks - 
is a 348-page comprehensive history that would be a premium addition to any car buff’s library , not just fans of the Camaro.
I’m still, and always will be, a MoPar man first and foremost, but after reading Camaro Forty Years, I’m also a fan of Chevy’s iconic nameplate. It’s hard not to be after reading what certain ranks as 'must have' book for Chevy and Camaro enthusiasts as well as ‘Pony Car’ buffs everywhere.
John Close
