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Show ip3iaa3j3nxi3nKiit3iiniHMMEEininiD KOUSSI n A a fined-tune- growl, hinting d speed, follows Doug Harden through Main Street as walkers watdi die smattering of befght ted car's passage. He rides with the window down, one elbow cocked. on low-slun- Casual flips of his wrist acknowledge the glances of pacing motorists. In his hometown, the tourist village of Nashville, Ind., the painstakingly customized 1994 Z28 Carnaio draws attention. Harden relishes around town. Camaro, for him, means family gazhef-o-f iqgs, hours spent discussing restoration, and die fond memories of youth. It's a legacy, he says. The Camatn was bom in die foil of 1966, kigcfy to allow Chevrolet to compete with cars such as the Ford Mustang, and it found a distinct niche in the consciousness of the American public. model meant m offer sporty Whether a looks, or thoroughbreds with near-rac- e ed big-engi- ne car performance, Camaras proved a Jasr-ibranch on the automotive tree known as pony cats. Chevrolet has produced more than ng retelling stories ofenvious teenageo and envi- ...I think they symbolize the freedom of the open road and the individuality of having a really nice car that performs. Pag 4 American Profile men. ous middle-age-d Even in a rime when spores utility vehicles practically own the toad, he believes neatly every driver feels a twitch of passion summed in one wood: Camaro. The csr represents youthful abandon and long summer drives. Even for teenagers today the cats still have that says Harden, 43. Its hand to quantify but I think they symbolize the freedom of the open road and the individuality rfhaving a really nice car thar performs." last year; Chevrolet chose to suspend Camara production for the rime being at least, leaving uncertain the future of what many drivers mnaidrr an American classic. The 2002 model is the last planned. Harden, admittedly saddened by die dwkinn, hold, to a passion for a car thats for more than a way to mil mag-neris- 4S million Camaras. Designs changed, beginning with sharp contoured eady models that evolved into modem swept stupes, but the cars stayed true to their heritage. No other car looked or performed quite like a Camara. Its a legacy responsible for flaming emotions, says a Chevrolet spokesman in Detroit. Camaro owners are very pasrionatr, and the only ocher BcbTripalsky; group I know that may be more posrionace is Corvette owners." And while Chevrolet may resign the Camaro to automotive history, people such as Harden intend to keep the cars very much alive on both the toads and .in peoples minds. |
