Chevrolet Camaro production for 1979 rose slightly to 282,571 units, as the attractively named Camaro Berlinetta replaced the Type LT. The Berlinetta was basically a stylish trim package, but proved quite popular, with 67,236 sold. Camaro production was divided between 21,913 six-cylinder cars and 260,658 V-8 models. Prices ranged from $4,676 for a base six-cylinder Sport Coupe to $6,115 for the Z28, of which 84,877 were built. The models were simplified, with a Sport Coupe, Rally Sport Coupe, Berlinetta and Z28.

The 250 cid six-cylinder engine continued to generate 105hp, though it had gained an alloy intake, while the base V-8 was a 145hp 305 cid unit. A total of 138,197 buyers paid $235 for that engine, while another 122,461 shelled out $360 for the 170hp 350 V-8. Both V-8s lost 10hp in California tune.

The 1979 Camaro Z28 took care of performance, with a 175hp 350 V-8, heavy duty suspension with sway bars, dual exhausts, and a close-ratio 4-speed that was ordered by 18,987 buyers at no extra charge. The front air dam now wrapped around the fenders, flat black paint was included in the hood scoop, and there were new front fender louvers. A 4-speed manual gearbox was not available on any Camaro in California.

Some performance items were returning across the line: 38,604 buyers paid $64 for a Positraction axle, 20,714 bought sport suspension for $41, and 10,796 paid $135 for the wide-ratio 4-speed manual gearbox. In addition 21,015 owners spent $112 for the instrument package, which included a tachometer, voltmeter, temp gauge, and clock. These items were included in the 1979 Camaro Z28 and Berlinetta.

Comfort and luxury items remained strong sellers, as 249,012 cars were fitted with automatic transmissions for $335, air-conditioning on 221,062 cars for $562, power windows on 81,481 cars at $132, power door locks on 53,309 cars at $86, and removable T-Tops on 33,584 cars for $565. The rear window de-fogger was now electric instead of fan operated and 127,711 buyers paid $99 for that.

Trim packages were rife, including color-keyed seatbelts (128,378), tinted glass (247,484), colored floor mats (152,931), roof, side and door moldings (116,158, 124,166, 96,541) and the almost standard center console (278,407) for $80. The style trim group attracted 116,340 buyers who paid $73 for brightwork, and 32,551 drivers spent $64 for the quiet package. AM/FM stereo with cassette player was now the favored choice, with 37,713 paying $335 for that. A few die-hards bought CB radios for their ’79 Camaro.

Once again 14 colors were offered and fairly evenly divided. Top seller was Dark Blue (36,026) followed by White (35,516), Black (34,115), Light Blue (27,449), Silver (25,949), Dark Brown (22,170), Bright Blue (20,926), Carmine (20,185), Red, 15,593), Camel (14052), Bright Yellow (11,875), Beige (11,370), Medium Green (3,894) and Light Green (3,450).