On a campus where practicality dominates, Tanner Driscoll’s car does not blend in. It announces itself.
The low rumble of a V8 engine cuts through the rhythm of students heading to class, a sound out of place among commuter sedans and campus shuttles. For Driscoll, a senior social work major, that sound represents more than transportation. It represents identity, history and a long-held dream realized.
“I knew I wanted an American V8 muscle car,” Driscoll says.
That decision led him to purchase a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro SS Fiftieth Edition, a car at the intersection of legacy and modern engineering.
For decades, the Camaro has been one of the defining names in American performance vehicles. Introduced in 1966 as Chevrolet’s answer to the Ford Mustang, the Camaro became a symbol of speed, style and competition.
The Fiftieth Edition, released in 2017, commemorates that legacy with unique styling details and performance features that honor its heritage.
In recent years, Chevrolet confirmed that production of the Camaro would end, closing a nearly six-decade run. For enthusiasts like Driscoll, that reality makes owning a Camaro more significant.
“I have a respect for history while embracing the future by getting a newer model to celebrate 50 years of Camaro,” he says.
Driscoll’s path to the Camaro was not immediate. Before purchasing it in November 2024, he drove a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado, a midsize pickup that fell short in nearly every category.
“I was unhappy with it as it did nothing perfectly,” he says. “It was not the fastest, best on gas, most spacious, coolest, or comfortable.”
That dissatisfaction pushed him to seek a vehicle that excelled in a specific area.
“I knew I wanted a car that did something the best, and well. I had always wanted a Camaro, so here I am,” he says.
The Camaro delivers exactly that. Built for performance, the SS model features a powerful V8 engine designed for acceleration and control. For Driscoll, the appeal is not just straight-line speed, but balance.
“I decided on the Camaro as I wanted something that has fast acceleration but also can handle turns, and this was the perfect balance between the two. Plus I am a Chevy guy,” he says.
That balance becomes most apparent behind the wheel.
“It drives beautifully,” Driscoll says. “Nothing feels the same the way this car hugs the road in a turn.”
Despite its performance, Driscoll keeps his Camaro close to its original form.
“I have not made any modifications to the car; however, I did buy it with an aftermarket exhaust and intake,” he says.
Its personality is unmistakable. Black and orange accents set it apart visually and tie directly into something personal for Driscoll.
“I love the orange and black accents around the car,” he says. “It plays into the name of my car, which is Michelle.”
The name draws from his favorite holiday and a well-known horror icon.
“The colors black and orange represent my favorite holiday Halloween,” he says. “Halloween is also my favorite horror movie, so it seemed natural to spin Michael Myers into Michelle.”
For Driscoll, the Camaro is not just a car. It is a companion shaped by his interests and identity.
“This is my dream car,” he says.
Owning a high-performance muscle car comes with challenges, especially for a college student. Practical concerns like space, cost, and daily usability shape his experience.
“It is sometimes tough, especially when moving in and out of college as I have limited space,” Driscoll says. “I have learned to maximize the space I have and minimize what I need to bring.”
Financially, the commitment is significant. Insurance and maintenance costs are higher than average.
“The price is on the expensive side to ensure; however, going from a truck to a Camaro, it is the same price,” he says. “Maintenance is definitely expensive for certain things such as tires.”
Still, Driscoll does not view the car as a burden. He sees it as something he worked to afford and maintain.
“I am fortunate to have an amazing job that not only pays me well but allows me to work flexible hours,” he says.
When conditions are right, the experience changes completely.
“My favorite place to drive is on any highway entrance where I can let this V8 roar,” he says.
On campus, the car draws attention, subtle or direct.
“I sometimes get thumbs up and smiles and people pointing at my car, but it is rare on campus,” Driscoll says. “Outside campus, kids point, smile, and take in the view.”
Beyond attention, the Camaro introduces Driscoll to a broader community through car meets and enthusiast gatherings.
“Getting the car has definitely made me a lot of connections,” he says.
For Driscoll, owning a Camaro at this moment carries added meaning. As one of the last generations of a discontinued model, it represents both an ending and a continuation, a piece of history alive on the road.
It is loud. It is impractical. It demands attention and care.
But when the road opens up, even briefly, it transforms. It becomes freedom, excitement, and a reminder of why he chose it. And every time he drives, he knows the dream is real and fully his own.
