Swiss Camaro, Explanations

[Tom76]

Hello,

I come from Switzerland and have been on the search for clues of General Motors of Switzerland for 5 years.
So far, I've talked to 5 former GM Suisse employees and gained so much information.
In addition, I was able to visit 2 of the 3 GM archives.
The homologation center in Switzerland for GM is the DTC ( Dynamic Test Center ) in Vauffelin, Canton Bern.
Here the cars were checked and so the "type certificates" created.

In 1967 the Camaro was assembled in Biel as the only year *.
These were available from 01.01.1967.
And only in 3 versions:

- 12637 with MJ (2-speed automatic transmission) 283-Cui. V-8 (Deluxe)
- 12637 with MD (4-speed manual) 283-Cui. V-8 (Deluxe)
- 12537 with 4-speed manual transmission 230-Cui. L-6 (Deluxe)

The total number created is unknown, but will only exceed the 200 mark by a few.

There were 4 Camaros available:
- 12637 283-Cui. V-8 automatic or manual CH version 22'500 CHF
- 12637 283-Cui. V-8 automatic or manual control normal execution CHF 17'500
- 12337 230-Cui. L-6 manual transmission CH version 19'950 CHF
- 12537 230-Cui. L-6 manual transmission normal execution 16'500 CHF

And on special request:
- 12337 250-Cui. L-6 US version manual and automatic
- 12437 350-Cui. V8 SS US version manual and automatic
- 12437 327-Cui. V-8 US version manual and automatic
- 12437 327-Cui. V-8 RS US version manual and automatic
- 12437 396-Cui. V-8 SS US version manual and automatic

The difference between normal and CH execution was due to the standard options offered.

CH version includes:

- Slice shower
- Windscreen wiper 2 levels
- Rear windows defroster
- reversing lights
- Engine and trunk lighting
- Reduction Rear Axle  3.08: 1
- Limited Slip Diff.
- Disc brakes in front
- Power Brake
- Power steering

Grtz Tom


* In 1968 Camaro's were also assembled in Biel. These came not as SUP (Single Unit Pack) but as CKD to Switzerland.
The same chassis were used as in 1967! These were available from 27.10.1967.
Here the number is also unknown. But it will be less than the 67er models.

[Tom76]

An Example of the Swiss TAG "GENERAL MOTORS SUISSE S.A. BIENNE" .
I have that decoding. The color and the interior is and remains a secret ...

[HOT3O2]

Thanks Tom, Appreciate you post this information.

[Tom76]

Another information about the additional headlamps under the bumper.
A law in Switzerland states that a fog lamp must be installed, at least 100mm above the ground.
That got ONLY for Switzerland! No export car that came to Italy, France or Austria had that.

The GM plant in Biel built a few models of the GM range for the three countries.

That Pre-Assembling USA, Final Assembling in Switzerland and delivery to the other country (Italy, France and Austria).

If someone wants the Swiss registration information "Typenschen" (comparable with AMA-Spec) of the 67-69 Camaro, just send a PM.

Grtz Tom

[Tom76]

The Post 3 is hard to read.
I Make this a little bid bigger :-)

[Tom76]

I Have found This Production Program from Switzerland of the 1967 !
It's really Cool Stuff and not not easy to get!
It is from one of the many archives of GM-Suisse, and NOT for the public.

Shit happens ...

 

[Tom76]

Hello everybody,
a little update in between ....

Known numbers:

1960 Corvair 536, Impala 138, unknown 198 pieces
1961 Impala 268, unknown 814
1962 Corvair 360, Impala 538, unknown 804
1963 Corvair 81, Impala 259, Chevy-ll 649, unknown 648
1964 Corvair 54, Chevelle 422, unknown 1488
1965 Corvair 7, unknown 820
1966 Corvair 30, Chevy-ll 7, Chevelle 335, unknown 584
1967 Camaro 199, Chevy-ll 87, Corvair 19, Impala 22, unknown 145
1968 Camaro 163, Chevy-ll 173, unknown 7

I know that I'm least of the Camaro's, the REL. at the 67er models (chassis!) from 01.01.1967 counts.
The 68er models from 21.09.1967.
It is also clear that the Camaro has succeeded in tranches and so in production.
That a number of Camaro's were put on the assembly line next.

I have 2 plaques of 68 Camaro's lie in front of me (photo of course) with the following numbers of the REL.:

J-666-6 and J-666-8 the chassis number S9-685XXX is also different around the 2.
This supports my statement.

Moreover, the theoretical date of construction is July 4, 1969. They are redeemed exactly one month later.
This fits in with GM Suisse's delivery strategy during this time.

Grtz Tom

[bcmiller]

Thanks Tom.

[Tom76]

The information is just flying :-)

1967 Camaro old: 199, New 214.

Grtz Tom

[Tom76]

Hi all,

Today I was able to watch the only known 67er Camaro with L-6 engine!
Thus, the type certificate 5667 is also clear as with the model number 12337, respectively 12537 is meant.

12337 Import, not assembled in Switzerland
12537 CKD, assembly in Switzerland.

In addition, the Swiss-Camaro 2 rear lights were mounted under the rear bumper.

[MO]

Very cool!

[ZLP955]

Was that a supplementary brake light, turn signal, or ? for the Swiss homologation?

[Tom76]

This is just a reflector, without electrical function.
In Switzerland, a vehicle had to be clearly visible and, according to the EJPD (Federal Department of Justice and Police), also recognized as such!

That means in plain text: The Reflected surface must be proportional to the vehicle. For the 67 Camaro the 39.2cm2 (= 15.43307 inches).

The type certificate 5667 also states:
Modified by the importer; Stand lights are combined with flashing lights, reflectors are mounted separately.

The Swiss take it exactly ;-)

Grtz Tom

[ZLP955]

Ok thanks for the explanation Tom! Very interesting

[KurtS]

Tom,
Thanks for the info. I did not know what countries that Biel shipped cars to. Just for reference, a lot of Swiss production info is already on the site at http://www.camaros.org/foreign.shtml#swiss

I don't mean to be negative, but there are some conflicts in your information and some errors.
All the 67 and 68's assembled there came in as CKD's. If they got a Swiss VIN, they were Swiss assembled.
That tag is decoded on the CRG page.  Los Angeles had nothing to do with Camaro exports.
MD and MJ were Camaro specific engines, not Impala. Impala engines have the wrong manifolds on them.
The release number is not the date, but the XCO (666th day of the year?).
The decode says that X308 is black. It is actually white exterior.

Any records of how many SUPs (complete assembled units from Norwood) were imported for any year?
During 68, the tag changes from TS/BT for the Type Certificate to CH with a number in a different format (CH 333-03). What does CH mean?
Btw, I know of two Swiss 67 L6 cars. What I haven't seen is any 68 L6 cars.

Thanks!