Hundreds of Chevrolet Camaro owners and enthusiasts gathered outside General Motor's Grand River Assembly Plant in downtown Lansing kicking of the celebration as the Camaro turns 50 years old.
"They're beautiful cars to own," said Dwayne Wallace, an employee at the Grand River Assembly Plant.
A Camaro car show kicked off the 50th year anniversary. Owners who drove their Camaro to the show received special VIP parking.
"Its a phenomenal vehicle and it keeps getting better," said Steve Notar Donato, manager of General Motor's Grand River Assembly Plant. "It's an evolutionary style and design."
Like the Camaro's transformation over the past 50 years, GM's Grand River Plant has transformed as well.
It's now open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the first time in it's history. With three shift operations, the plant employ's almost 2,800 people.
"To have the Camaro here in Lansing is a statement to our capability, the productivity of our workforce," said Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero.
"GM is not in Lansing because of the goodness of their heart, they’re here because of the reputation and the capability of this workforce," said Bernero.
The Camaro has been built in Lansing for over a year.
In 50 years, the Camaro has come a long way.
"With all the advancements in technology we're able to create cars that meet all the safety requirements but yet still have fun in great style cars like the Camaro," said Al Oppenheiser, the Camaro's engineer.
Mayor Virg Bernero himself couldn't keep his eyes of the muscle car.
“I want one desperately, you know Camaro rhymes with Bernero,” said Bernero.
“I'm trying to talk my wife into it she says the mayor doesn't need a Camaro, I say the mayor definitely needs a Camaro,” said Bernero.
With 50 years in the books, the focus now remains on the next 50 years of an american icon.
"I can't even fathom what it would be like in 50 more years, heck it might be flying," said Notar Donato.
The 50 year celebration continues Friday morning with "Camaro's and Coffee" outside the Joe Louis Arena in downtown Detroit.
