Back in 1967, former race car driver and performance car entrepreneur Don Yenko sought to meet a burgeoning demand in the muscle car market - upping the horsepower ante on the already powerful factory-equipped Camaro by dropping in a larger and much more powerful Corvette engine, and adding several other performance upgrades to create an absolute monster of a still street legal Chevy. Yenko's production capacity was limited - only about 300 Camaros received his attention during the initial three-year span they were offered, rendering them nearly impossible to obtain. Carrying on the legacy of that almost mythical breed of Camaro, this 1969 is as skillful a re-creation as you could ever imagine and, due to a handful of well-chosen add-ons, even exceeds the lofty standards set by the original.
It doesn't take long to realize you're in the presence of something truly special when you view this car. Its curb appeal is off the charts. The Dover White paint is in stellar shape - accented by the signature Yenko striping, which themselves show razor sharp edges and, with the distinct "Yenko Super Car" lettering on the "twin snorkel" hood, they mirror the pattern on its inspiration perfectly. From the windshield back, all the glass is crystal clear and the chrome on the bumpers and trim are looking their best. Just as you'd likely expect from a veritable museum piece like this, the body panels have been installed with care, resulting in perfect gaps and doors that open and shut very smoothly.
Suffice to say, the magic doesn't end when you open the door and climb inside. The black and white houndstooth check upholstery on the bucket seats in front and the bench seat in back has an undeniable era-appropriate "cool" factor and shows almost no perceptible wear at all. Just beyond the stock Camaro steering wheel, the dash area is an impressive merger of new and original technology, with the standard-issue Camaro gauges working alongside a set of aftermarket, white-faced gauges seamlessly installed in the center console, just in front of that distinctive horseshoe shifter. Just to the side, a retro-looking AM/FM radio sits at the ready, bearing the signature Chevy bowtie. In back, the trunk area is in great shape, lined with fabric matching the interior, and a full-sized spare securely resting inside.
The core of Yenko's intent was to create otherworldly performance in an already potent, V8 equipped Camaro and the evidence of that intent is on full display here. Mirroring Yenko's original creations, a powerful 427 cubic inch V8 sits under the hood. How powerful? Considering its predecessors were tested at 450 horsepower, and an Edelbrock intake, MSD ignition and a few other upgrades enter into the equation here . . . VERY powerful. A generously sized aluminum radiator, paired with a large electric fan, sits up front to keep your temperatures in check. Matched with a TH400 3-speed transmission and sporting 4.11 gears in back, the off the line capability here is incredible! Despite all that muscle under the hood, this is also a very navigable car in everyday settings, with power disc brakes on all four corners and very responsive power steering. This category-killing muscle car tribute sits with a great, slightly inclined stance on a set of 18" polished aluminum rims, outfitted with BF Goodrich G-Force T/As.
Looking for that rare muscle car tribute that actually exceeds the abilities of its inspiration? You have to check out this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko Tribute. Call today!