• The 1973 Camaro belongs to the second generation of Camaros created by Chevrolet. The name Camaro may have come from a French slang work for "friend" or "companion." However, the website Top Speed reports that Chevrolet production managers joking told the press that Camaro stood for "a small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs," a not-quite vague reference to the Camaro's competition.
  
  

Engine and Transmission

• There were five engine options available for the 1973 Camaro. The Sport Coupe base trim offered a 250-cubic-inch, six-cylinder with 100 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, or a 307-cubic-inch V-8 with 115 horsepower and 205 pound-feet of torque. The LT and Z28 trims were only available with V-8 engines -- all 350 cubic-inch -- and available in 145, 175 and (for the Z28), 245 horsepower. Four transmission options included a three-speed automatic, four-speed wide-ratio manual, four-speed close-ratio manual (required on all Z28s) and the Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.
  
  

Bumper Upgrade

• In 1972 the United States Congress issued the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act. This act was designed to protect consumers by providing for crash safety and reparability of cars sold in the U.S. In response to this legislation, the National Highway and Transportation administration issued regulations stating that all new vehicles must withstand and front-end crash of 5 miles per hour and a rear-end crash of 2.5 mph. As a result, the 1973 Camaro featured additional rubber bumperettes on the front-end to provide better shock absorption without affecting the sleek appearance of the Camaro.
  
  

Rally Sport Option Package

• The Rally Sport option package was an available upgrade on all trim. This package included a blacked-out grille with silver accents, hide-away windshield wipers and a split front bumper.
  
  

LT Package Upgrade

• The LT or "Luxury Touring" trim was introduced in 1973 to replace the Super Sport trim. The LT was intentionally aimed at the female buyer and included luxury upgrades such as simulated wood grain interior, deluxe seats and power steering.
  
  

Z28 Special Performance Package

• The Z28 saw a much anticipated upgrade with air conditioning standard for the first time. Additional performance options in this package included sport suspension, 15-by-7-inch tires with white lettering, larger radiator, dual exhaust and a Holley carburetor with an aluminum intake manifold. Appearance upgrades included a black grille, rear deck spoiler and paint striping on the front and rear of the car.