1969 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko Tribute

1969 Chevrolet Camaro- 427ci V8- 4 Speed Manual Transmission - New Clutch and Throwout Bearing - 3.73 Gears- New Ceramic Coated Headers- New 4 Core Radiator- Green Over Black...

1969 Chevrolet Camaro

- 427ci V8
- 4 Speed Manual Transmission
- New Clutch and Throwout Bearing
- 3.73 Gears
- New Ceramic Coated Headers
- New 4 Core Radiator
- Green Over Black Interior

During the 1960's, creative and intuitive dealerships began making performance related modifications on new cars or cars that customers would bring back to the dealerships for proven upgrades. One of the most famous was Yenko Chevrolet, located in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Don Yenko managed the company in 1950 and entered the performance car market with a series of race-prepared Corvettes and worked into full conversion jobs they based on other Chevrolet models. Yenko worked closely with Chevrolet engineers and was Chevrolet's answer to Ford and their relationship with Carrol Shelby and Shelby America. The first Yenko model was the 1965 Corvair Stinger. It had more power, a better suspension and sharper handling and a success on the racetracks, drawing attention of the performance car public. With Chevy's introduction of the Camaro in 1967, Yenko started converting them to 427 V8 power. They sold the Camaros as Yenko Super Cars. Modified with more power, wild graphics and a long list of options. It made Yenko Camaros a popular choice for a custom 427 V8 conversion on a SS Camaro. Besides Camaros, Yenko produced Chevelles, Novas and Vegas that all came with the signature stripes and crazy visual packages. One of Yenko's crowning achievements came in 1969 when Yenko, who was tired of selling Camaros with limited warranties because of his modifications had convinced Chevy to add a 427-equipped Camaro to its special equipment ordering system, known as COPO. This addition of the 427-equipped Camaro to COPO made it possible for Yenko to sell these cars with the GM-standard 5-year or 50,000-mile warranty and heavily marketed these cars nationwide. The total number of COPO Camaros produced and sold is unknown, but has been rumored as anywhere from 500 to 1,000 and of these Yenko ordered a grand total of 198 of the Camaro 427s available through the COPO program. Naturally with the rarity and desirability of these cars the prices have soared for these Yenko prepped COPO Camaros with the Hagerty Valuation Tool valuing these cars from $233,000 - $469,000 depending on condition. Featured here for sale is a very well prepped Tribute to the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko, which is far more affordable solution to owning one of these rare cars and feel comfortable driving.

This car has been repainted in Fathom Green with the correct Yenko SYC graphics, Yenko emblems, cowl induction hood and rear spoiler. The paint has been well applied and shines with a nice luster. The body is clean with no indications of any rust or accident repair. The stainless trim and molding are all present and nicely restored with what appears to be replacement bumpers which presents with a nice shine.

Inside the cabin the door panels present as original with new seat upholstery free of any rips or tears and the Yenko specific SYC logos on the front seat head rests. Options include the factory gauges, including the dash mounted tachometer and correct for COPO/Yenko 140 mph speedometer and console mounted voltmeter, oil pressure, temperature and fuel gauges. Other options include factory wood wheel, tilt steering and glove box mounted remote trunk release. The factory sound system has been upgraded to a Pioneer Super Tuner with AM/FM/Cassette Tape/Mutil-CD player (CD player mounted in the trunk) with a pair of rear mounted 6X9 MTX speakers and additional high-power amp. The trunk is clean and well detailed with correct vinyl houndstooth rubber mat.
Under the hood sits the Yenko-era correct 427cid big block V8 and the engine compartment is nicely detailed and presents well. The V8 is topped with a Holley carburetor, Edelbrock Performer intake, and correct “427” Mickey Thompson finned aluminum valve covers. The ignition has been upgraded to a billit electronic unit to light the air/fuel mixture, (the points style unit is included in the sale) and the exhaust flows through high flow headers and dual exhaust. The big block conversion looks factory correct with big block specific heater core and heater box. The big block is cooled with a brass/copper radiator and factory clutch fan. Cooling and heater hoses all feature correct factory part numbers and markings.

Underneath the floorboards and subframe are clean with no indication of accident or rust repair and the unibody structure has been further strengthened with sub-frame connectors. The suspension has been upgraded with Hotchkis lowering kit featuring tubular front A-arms and front and rear springs and front and rear stabilizer bars. The suspension also includes power front disc brakes and rear drums which appear well maintained with recently replaced brake lines. The big block power is transferred through a Muncie four speed transmission shifted by a Hurst shifter. The bellhousing has been upgraded to a steel competition unit and the clutch, pressure plate and throw-out bearing have been recently replaced. Out back the factory 12 bolt posi-traction differential has been upgraded to 3.73:1 rear gears. This combination rolls on a set of era and Yenko correct American Racing Torq Thrust 15” wheels wrapped in Firehawk Indy 500 raised white letter radial tires.

This car as mentioned presents the opportunity to own and drive a vehicle that accurately represents a rare piece of automotive history. The key term in that statement is “drive”! The suspension upgrades on this car make it a blast to drive and row through the gears. It also would be a great candidate for a little weekend performance competition, such as the Pure Stock Muscle Car Nationals. Please call if interested or e-mail with specific questions. Thank you for looking.