If you’re reading the title and “1LE” sounds familiar, that’s because it was a special options package from way back in 1988. And if you do remember the old 1LE, you probably may very well want to forget about it like the rest of the world has and move on to this newer, much more exciting version. Today’s 1LE is a performance package added onto the SS, and it fits neatly in the lineup between the aforementioned and already fast Camaro SS and the ludicrous Camaro ZL1. In fact, the 1LE is basically a mash-up of those two Camaros. While it’s a package tacked onto an SS, many parts in that package are either inspired by or taken directly from the ZL1, Chevrolet’s contender against the Shelby GT500. The 1LE’s direct competition, meanwhile, is the outgoing Boss 302 Mustang.While I wish I had both rival pony cars to compare, I certainly had more than enough American muscle to play with. And with the long, flat stretches of Houston ahead of me, I had more than enough playground as well. Traffic permitting.
The 1LE package gets you a lot both inside and out, and it only sets you back an extra $3,500, keeping it around forty grand. It’s also a pretty serious bundle of goods. GM seems pretty proud of the fact that this package was put together with road racing in mind, and it’s not just talk. 1LE’s are getting after it and apparently doing pretty well in the SCCA’s Touring 2 Class. Now, though, back to the road car. First up are the looks. The alien green and highlighter orange you saw on a lot of Camaros during those first couple of years weren’t doing the car any favors. In a more grown up color like white (don’t worry, you can still get the 1LE in bright yellow or red), it looks quite nice. Still bulging and powerful and a bit hooligan-ish, but nice. It has attractive creases that curve up and run down either end of the hood and back to the tail, a simple but well-executed front fascia, wide hips at the back and cool quad taillights. It also strikes a good balance in its styling, being able to resemble the first generation Camaros of the late ‘60s without being a shameless copy at the same time.
