The newly launched Netflix Transformers anime series once again features the heroic Bumblebee Autobot character. In a matter of hours, the series-inspired Deluxe Bumblebee toy—based on a classic Volkswagen Beetle—was sold out. Meanwhile, the buzz about the latest incarnation of Bumblebee reminds us how cool a powerful Chevy Camaro looks in bright yellow with thick black stripes.
Best of all, the Bumblebee style and powertrain can be easily achieved with some help from eBay Motors. Is it worth the effort? Let’s remember that a set of four Bumblebee yellow Camaros sold early last year in auction for a cool $500,000.
Chevy’s Limited Edition Bumblebee Car
Chevrolet had offered a limited-edition Transformer Edition option in 2010 and 2012. The package was purely cosmetic, with Autobot shields appearing on the center caps and fenders and an embossed version on the center armrest. You’ll find the Transformer logo stamped onto the door sill plates and rally stripes.
What kind of car is Bumblebee? The Bumblebee Transformer car has taken many forms over the years, starting with the humble Volkswagen Beetle. But he earned the most recognition as a Chevrolet Camaro in the Transformers series through numerous variations.
The Complete Bumblebee Camaro Lineup
Bumblebees by year and installment:
- First-generation 1967 Camaro in Transformers: Age of Extinction.
- Second-generation 1976-1977 Camaros in the original Transformers and Bumblebee.
- Pre-production fifth-generation Camaro in the original Transformers and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
- 2010 Camaro in Transformers: Dark of the Moon.
- 2013 Camaro in Transformers: Age of Extinction.
- Sixth-generation 2016 Camaro in Transformers: The Last Knight.
Bright Yellow Color and Black Stripes Are Essential
Of all the incarnations, the 1976 Camaro Bumblebee is the most iconic. Let’s use that as our recipe, although feel free to substitute ingredients.
You would be fortunate to land a Bright Yellow 1976 Camaro with solid underpinnings. (Literally, the color’s name is “Bright Yellow.”) So you’ll most likely respray a car that rolled from the factory in a more mundane shade.
Before you spray the sunshine, you’ll need to find some fancy parts. The aftermarket riveted cowl-induction scoop and black rally stripes are accented by what looks to be a Z/28 front spoiler and wheel arch flairs in the front—but not at the rears. (Chevrolet did not offer a Z/28 in 1976 or 1978.) You can spray the stripes or go with vinyl Bumblebee stripes.
Interior Features of a Bumblebee Transformer Car
Bumblebee’s interior features an array of products, some commonly available, some not so much. You’ll need to shop for:
- B&M shifter and boot with T-Grip handle
- Grant steering wheel
- Autometer Cobalt gauges
- Covan’s Classic instrument panel
- 1965 Chevelle seats from Glide
- Custom yellow-and-black upholstery and door panels.
Let’s not forget a mirror ball, moon decal, and 8-track tape player.
The Go-Fast Parts
The Mikaela character, played by Megan Fox in the 2007 Transformers (directed by Michael Bay), said the engine has “a high-rise double-pump carburetor” that “squirts the fuel in so you can go faster.” But the ever-so-brief under-hood shot doesn’t back up her appraisal—although the set of actual side-drafts and intake manifold are killer.
While the 1976 Camaro’s original small-block 350 cubic-inch engine was topped with a four-barrel carburetor and had the bones to pump out 280 pound-feet of torque, it struggled to produce 185 horsepower. The movie cars improved on that and you should too.
The wheel and tire combo is staggered, with Cragar S/S wheels up front and Eric Vaughn “Real Wheels” in the rear, wrapped with B.F. Goodrich Radial T/A tires providing plenty of good old-fashioned sidewall. You’ll likely substitute a more common slotted rear wheel, as authentic Vaughns are not common. A custom suspension provides the nose-down/tail-up stance with enough clearance in the rear wheel wells.
It would be tough to build a Batmobile, an Eleanor, a Bandit, or a Milner Deuce Coupe tribute on a tight budget. But a gently used Camaro, and a little ingenuity, makes for an accessible blockbuster Bumblebee Tribute Car.
