Cool Cars in Movies: Transformers Bumblebee updates from 1977 Z28 to a 2010 Chevy Camaro

Perhaps the best known Transformer from the 2007 blockbuster hit was Bumblebee. He had been Sam Witwicky's (played by Shia LaBeouf) personal bodyguard throughout the confrontation with the Decepticons. He also helped Sam get the girl (Mikaela Banes played by Megan Fox).

Curiously enough, Bumblebee began as a 1977 Chevy Camaro Z28, yellow with racing stripes. He was a bit dusty with worn out colors. But I thought he was pretty cool. I've always liked Camaros. I think it's one of the best sports cars ever made.

In the 80's Transformers cartoons, Bumblebee was a VW bug. So turning him into a Camaro was, at least to me, an already great move. He was sold to Sam by Bernie Mac (R.I.P.) in a cameo for $4000 (brought down from $5000).

Sometime after hooking up with Sam and after saving his life from Barricade (the Saleen 281 Mustang police squad car), Bumblebee switched from a 1977 Camaro Z28 to a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro which was a concept car at the time (on sale March 2009). The new Camaro was pretty cool, too. Maybe it's just the way the movie shot it, but the new Camaro looked wider than the 1977 model.

Which Bumblebee Camaro is better?

The 1977 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 has a standard 350-cid V8 rated for 185 hp, except in California. The new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS comes standard with a 6.2L V8 Engine with 420 hp. Models with 3.6L V6 Engine with 304 HP are also available. Sounds like Camaros remain true to form.

Now, check out this video of a yellow and black stripes 1977 Camaro in a burnout exercise at some guy's driveway: