All Gen Camaro Club Celebrates Six Generations of Camaros

Apparently it's Camaro Month here at Car Club Spotlight. This time, we're showcasing Georgia's All Gen Camaro Club, host of the All Generations Camaro and Firebird Show at Summit Racing's Retail Super Store in McDonough, Georgia.

Long before Rod Harris could reach the gas pedal or swap an engine, he had already decided what his first car would be. Like many gearheads, he caught Camaro fever early and never recovered.

“When the Camaro came out in ’67, I was seven years old and already a car nut,” said Harris, president of the All Gen Camaros Club (AGCC). “I absolutely fell in love with them when I was a boy. I always said that when I got old enough, I was going to buy a Camaro.”

That’s precisely what he did—big time. Harris estimates that he has owned more than 40 Camaros since 1975. Today, he shares his passion with 50 other diehards of the AGCC, a nonprofit club of Camaro owners based in north Georgia.

True to the AGCC’s name, club members own Camaros representing all six generations. While first- and second-gens are more common, they also display an array of IROC-Zs, Berlinettas, fourth-gens, and late models. The group, which formed in 2009, holds meetings several times a year, and members gather monthly for cruise-ins in Fayetteville.

The club will be hosting its 3rd Annual All Generations Camaro and Firebird Show on Saturday, September 24 at Summit Racing in McDonough, GA. Harris expects around 100 restored and customized Camaros and Firebirds to turn out for the event, which runs from 9 am to 3 pm. There will be food, door prizes, music, a 50/50 raffle, and awards in multiple categories. Registration is $10.

Proceeds from the September event benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Harris said some AGCC members have children with diabetes, so raising money to find a cure holds personal significance to the club. The group also donates funds to support breast cancer awareness, the Children’s Miracle Network, and local causes.

As the Camaro celebrates its 50th anniversary this month, Harris reflected on his enduring interest in this American muscle icon.

“My buddy had a ’73 Z28. I just thought that was the coolest car,” he said. “And everybody had ’69 Camaros. I knew that’s what I wanted.”

Just short of his 16th birthday, Harris purchased a 1974 Z28 that had 11,000 miles on it. Before he turned 17 he was the proud owner of a 1970 Z28. Harris called it the fastest car in high school. “It could outrun every car they had there,” he said.

Harris’ current collection includes a ’69 RS/SS and an NHRA Stock class ’71 SS equipped with a 572 cubic inch big block. He said every Camaro generation, even those less coveted by aficionados, offers something to brag about. For his money, nothing beats the look and drivability of early second-gens (1970-1973), although he acknowledges that many would argue that ’69 Camaros reign supreme.

Harris doesn’t see the public’s fascination with Chevy’s legendary ponycar fading anytime soon. He’s pleased to point out that his daughters’ first cars were also Camaros.

“They’re just a good-looking, fun car to own, and they’re easy to get parts for and modify,” Harris said. “I think that’s what it’s all about. Fix the car up, get it on the drag strip, go on a road course, take them to a car show, or just drive them. The Camaro is made to drive.”

For more information about the 3rd Annual All Generations Camaro and Firebird Show or for details on joining the All Gen Camaros Club, call Rod Harris at 404-295-5643 or visit AllGenCamaros.com.