Just as Carroll Shelby’s name will forever be linked with the Ford Mustang, the same is true of Don Yenko and the Chevrolet Camaro. Yenko identified a niche market for potential Camaro buyers seeking performance beyond what was available off the showroom floor. Today, a genuine Yenko Super Camaro will command a very healthy six-figure sum in the market, but this 1969 Tribute offers a similar motoring experience for a fraction of the price. That may partially explain why this tidy classic has generated significant interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Huntington Station, New York. The bidding has raced past the reserve, sitting at $35,100.

The history of this Camaro is unclear, but it appears that it received the Yenko treatment at the hands of a previous owner. The seller describes the paint as a “good 10-footer,” indicating that a close inspection will reveal minor chips and imperfections. However, it is extremely presentable, and with no panel or known rust issues, the winning bidder won’t face cosmetic repairs if they are happy to retain the car as a driver-grade classic. The Camaro features the iconic Yenko/SC stripes and graphics that look crisp and clean. The spoilers add a sense of purpose, the trim and glass are in good order, and the Camaro rolls on American Racing Torq Thrust wheels that are period-appropriate.

The stripes are only the tip of the iceberg when we examine a Yenko Super Camaro. Chevrolet issued a directive indicating that the Camaro was not to be produced with an engine with a capacity larger than 400ci. That was fine for most buyers because the 396ci big-block provided enough power and torque to satisfy most tastes. However, some enthusiasts craved more, and Don Yenko was happy to accommodate their needs for a price. He commenced his transformation by ordering new Camaros with the 396 under the hood. Swapping this engine out for the L72 version of the 427ci V8 was easy, boosting available power from 325hp to 425hp. The result was a car that would pin occupants in their seats when the driver hit the “loud” pedal. The seller provides no information on the heritage of this car’s engine, although they confirm that it is a 454 that has been bored to 468ci. Internally, it features upgrades to the camshaft, conrods, and other components. The builder bolted on an Edelbrock 750cfm carburetor atop an aluminum intake, with spent gases exiting via headers and a dual Flowmaster exhaust. The ponies feed to a Ford 9″ rear end via a three-speed TH350 transmission fitted with a shift kit. The Camaro also features power steering, but I believe that it retains its unassisted four-wheel drum brakes. The seller identifies a few minor mechanical tasks for the buyer to perform, but none should be difficult or expensive. The tires are old and cracked and should be replaced before attempting any high-speed journeys. Otherwise, the seller supplies this YouTube video that shows the Camaro in action. The big-block sounds as sweet as a nut, and the transmission shifts cleanly.

This Camaro features an interior trimmed in Black vinyl, loaded with aftermarket additions that include a range of gauges and a modern CD player. The overall presentation is tidy and clean, with no major rips or other problems. The seller confirms that it recently received new door trims and a headliner to improve the appearance. The carpet is clean, but there are operational faults for the buyer to tackle. These include the stereo, speedometer, and horn because none of these items currently work. However, they won’t prevent the winning bidder from hitting the road for a spot of rapid motoring fun.

The building that once housed Yenko Chevrolet in West Pike Street, Canonburg, Pennsylvania, remains standing, according to the latest street view provided by Google Maps. I have heard of many owners of Yenko Super Camaros making the pilgrimage to this location to photograph their pride and joy in the spot where Don Yenko performed his magic. Give this 1969 Tribute a few tweaks, and you could do the same. It has attracted plenty of auction interest, but it will never achieve the same price that you might expect for the real deal. Is that enough motivation to tempt you to pursue it further?