A United Auto Workers strike went on so long that GM had to scrap 1972 Camaro bodies that had been left on the assembly line. By the time the workers went back into the factory after 117 days, Federal safety regulations had changed and the bodies were no longer street-legal. More than 1,000 unsold Camaros and Pontiac Firebirds were ground up for scrap metal.

Rising insurance rates and gas prices also made it difficult to sell the Camaros that GM did make. Horsepower numbers were declining in response.

Sources: "The story of Camaro" by John Gunnell and Jerry Heasely and "Standard Guide to American Muscle Cars" by John Gunnell. (Krause Publications)