Don Yenko's story is the stuff of legends, and prices on authentic Yenko Chevrolets bear out his amazing legacy of high performance, factory-built horsepower. Of his creations, the Yenko Camaro is perhaps the most famous, setting the stage for the mighty COPO 427 and establishing the first generation F-body as one of the most vicious street-going pony cars ever created. But, in a market where investment grade metal and hobby cars are becoming increasingly polar, most enthusiasts don't care to drop six figures on something that's fit for red ropes and a climate controlled museum. Instead, the smart hobbyist who likes to actually drive and enjoy his classic, buys a well-done tribute like this freshly restored Tuxedo Black S/C. With a fully detailed big block under its hood, a correct Ivory interior, and exceptional attention to detail, it's the ultimate combination of heritage and fun. So, if you're one of the growing number of enthusiasts who's ready for a really well done Yenko tribute that's ready to rock, this '69 Camaro is exactly what you've been waiting for!
Beginning life as an authentic X44 striper which was covered in a tepid coat of GM code 65 Olympic Gold lacquer, this awesome F1 Camaro recently underwent a complete frame-off restoration that rebuilt or replaced every one of its parts. The car presently wears a slick coat of GM code 10 Tuxedo Black urethane that's accented by fresh white Yenko decals; and when you take one look down its sinister panels, you'll understand why virtually NO ONE misses its bland, original pigment. The restoration album that's included with the sale shows an extensive disassembly down to a bare body. From there, every panel was straightened, sanded, and then sanded some more until it was flat enough to calibrate scientific instruments. And finally, those panels were fully prepped and detailed for their spectacular finish. There's a ton of time wrapped up in putting it all back together properly, too, with excellent gaps all around and doors that open and close with no more than your fingertips. And the overall result is an exceptional muscle car which combines the best fundamentals of a classic style with an acute attention to detail.
As most of you already know, Yenko Camaros were not traditional Super Sport or Rally Sport cars. Instead, they were base model F1s that Don Yenko ordered in batches with various cosmetic trim and appearance upgrades. The exterior of this highly detailed tribute is most similar to the first batch of 50 COPO cars delivered to Yenko Chevrolet in mid-January 1969. At the front of the car, a stainless trimmed and gray painted grille hangs a blue bowtie emblem and modern halogen headlights above a showroom fresh chrome bumper, crystal clear parking lights and an optional D80 chin spoiler. At the top of that grille, a familiar "Camaro by Chevrolet" emblem fronts a functional ZL2 cowl induction hood which wears bright chrome "427" emblems. And a the sides of that grille, sculpted front fenders carry factory "Camaro" scripts above stylish red, white and blue "Yenko" emblems. At the top of the car, like-new glass is cleared by matte finished wipers, topped by fresh chrome drip rails and framed by dent-free stainless trim. And at the sides of the car, standard stainless rocker moldings and straight stainless wheel well trim perfectly complement traditional chrome door handles, a correct chrome driver's side mirror and Yenko optioned Rally Sport rear fender louvers. At the back of the car, an option D80 rear decklid spoiler aligns perfectly with fresh, professionally applied Yenko side stripes. And clear '69 Camaro exclusive tail lights illuminate a second showroom fresh chrome bumper which hangs below correctly placed "Yenko" and "427" emblems.
For many muscle car enthusiasts, nothing matches the mountainous torque of a stout big block V8; and there's no arguing that the lighter the car, the more entertaining the drive. Lift this well-done Yenko tribute's glossy black hood and you'll find a 454 cubic inch monster block which has been cleverly disguised to fool all but the most enlightened bowtie fans. At the top of the engine, air flows from a correct open element air cleaner which is adorned with a new 427 cross-flag decal, into a big Holley 4-barrel carburetor and a modern aluminum intake manifold. At the sides of that intake, spectacular chrome valve covers hang bright "Yenko S/C 427" decals above fully restored cast iron exhaust manifolds. And at the back of that intake, a rebuilt points distributor sends fire through fresh United Delphi Packard plug wires. Cooling is provided by a heavy duty radiator which sends water through reproduction GM hoses and fresh tower clamps. Compression comes courtesy of a 427 crankshaft which helps the big engine top out at 450 horsepower. And, during its highly detailed restoration, the car was equipped with power front disc brakes which are fed by a correctly detailed brake booster that's bolted to the left side of the firewall. Aesthetically, the satin black engine compartment is exceptionally clean, and thus far, hasn't even had the time to build up more than a thin layer of dust on its Chevy Orange block. All the car's correct paint daubs, chalk marks and decals are present and accounted for. And details like a correct smog pump, a reproduction Delco Energizer battery, a factory equipped windshield washer tank and a GM thermostat housing add the kind of finishing touches that'll make you want to pop the lid every time you park the car.
Not only does this cool Yenko tribute have a high power big block engine, it's also properly equipped with a Muncie M-20 4-speed manual transmission which spins a fresh 12 bolt Posi-traction rear end that packs stout 3.73 gears behind a trick, finned differential cover. That rear end hangs on restored leaf springs and brand new shocks which help give the car its crouching stance; and that transmission rides just behind a restored double A-arm front suspension which features authentic manual steering and upfitted power disc brakes. At the center of the car, a thrill inducing soundtrack roars through a fresh mandrel bent exhaust system which includes welded, dual chamber mufflers. And at the corners of the car, era correct 15 inch American Racing Torque Thrust D wheels wear a fresh set of 215/65 BF Goodrich Radial T/As. Even though the bottom of this Camaro has been professionally detailed to include a full set of factory accurate paint daubs, chalk marks and inspection stickers, its fully restored chassis is completely sorted and ready to hit the road. You know, we've had quite a few Yenko Camaro tributes come through our showroom, but few have been executed to this level of detail. Most guys just want the look and the 427, but whoever restored this car really went the extra mile!
Inside this awesome black F1 you'll find one of those rare instances where a car's interior perfectly mimics its exterior. As with its basecoat/clearcoat paint, the car's correct GM code 727 trim highlights a solid black base color with clean Ivory accents and bright finished details. On the floor, freshly installed black carpet anchors a full set of black lap belts, a full set of black rubber mats and a chrome Hurst shifter that's complete with a white cue ball knob. At the edges of that black carpet, Ivory seat covers appear to be brand new; and standard Ivory door panels hang clean armrests and pit-free chrome handles inside of pristine stainless trim and correct black "Camaro" emblems. At the top of the car, a tight black headliner stretches around a chrome trimmed dome lamp. And at the front of the car, a 1969 Camaro exclusive dash props a smooth and crack-free black pad above a rebuilt speedometer and a correct AM/FM radio. In so many of these restorations a Rosewood rimmed GM Rally wheel becomes standard equipment, so it's nice to see this car's rebuilt steering column proudly displaying its correct factory two spoke and bowtie branded horn button. And at the back of the cockpit, a fully restored trunk hangs correct decals over a full-size spare tire and a fresh houndstooth mat.
Included with the sale of this top-notch tribute is a small stack of restoration photos.
There's simply nothing like keying up a legendary muscle car. The sound, the feeling of the big engine's idle, and the relentless surge of torque as you power through every gear. With minimal modifications, big block Camaros were legitimate 12-second cars; and even in today's world of 600 horsepower Corvettes, they're performance is STILL impressive. If you're looking for a highly correct Yenko Camaro that's not too valuable to drive now and then, here's your chance!
Year: 1980 or older
Miles: 20 000 - 24 999
Transmission: Manual
