The names of some individuals are inextricably linked with a particular brand of high-performance classic. Mention the name Carroll Shelby and thoughts turn to desirable Mustangs. Chevrolet had its own hero in the form of Don Yenko. A former racer and Chevrolet dealer, Yenko devised a scheme to produce some of the most potent and desirable First Generation Camaros to grace our roads. His creations are held in such high esteem that a solid six-figure sale price is guaranteed when one comes onto the market. This 1969 Yenko Super Camaro is a stunning vehicle that needs nothing. It looks as beautiful today as it did when it rolled off Don’s showroom floor in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. It will cross the auction blocks on Friday, January 13th, 2023. It is listed here at Mecum Auctions in Kissimmee, Florida, as one of the star vehicles for that auction. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this fantastic classic.

It was virtually inevitable that Don Yenko would turn his hand to producing performance variants of Bow-Tie vehicles. A successful racing driver, his family owned a Chevrolet dealership in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. He established a performance shop at the dealership in 1957, eventually producing an upgraded version of the company’s Corvair called the Stinger. The release of the First Generation Camaro grabbed his attention, and he would weave his brand of magic to produce the first Yenko Super Camaro in 1967. He continued the process for the following two model years, with production peaking at 199 cars in 1969. Our feature car hails from that year, and its presentation is superb. Its laser-straight panels wear Rally Green paint that looks flawless. It shines beautifully and is complemented by a Black vinyl top and the trademark Yenko stripes in White. The car features the correct front and rear spoilers, Rally wheels, and cowl induction hood. The trim and chrome are spotless, and the glass is crystal clear, with the overall impression that this Camaro wouldn’t look out of place if it were back on the Yenko Chevrolet showroom floor.

Lifting the hood reveals why the Yenko Camaro is the stuff of legends. When Chevrolet released the Camaro in 1967, the company decreed that it should not receive an engine with a capacity greater than 400ci. That limited buyers to the 396ci big-block pumping out 325hp. That figure would climb during the following two years, but Yenko saw scope to transform a pony car into a genuine muscle car. He commenced the process by ordering Camaros equipped with the 396, with his shop swapping out the 396 for the L72 version of the 427ci V8 from the company’s Corvette. By 1969, GM assisted by introducing COPO 9561, allowing Yenko Chevrolet to order the Camaro with the L72 already installed. Yenko also utilized COPO 9737, which added a 140mph speedometer, a larger 13/16″ front stabilizer bar, and 15″ x 7″ Rally wheels. Chevrolet’s support ensured that each car arrived at the dealership equipped with power front disc brakes and a Posi rear end. The dealership added unique stripes, badges, and distinctive front seat headrests with “SYC” lettering. The official line was that the L72 produced 425hp, but that figure emerged during a period when manufacturers were less than honest to avoid insurance hassles. The conventional wisdom places the figure at close to 500hp, and several independent tests on ’69 Super Camaros support that belief. The original owner was 1-of-171 to order their car equipped with the M21 four-speed manual transmission, but helping it stand apart is their decision also to specify power steering. The fruit of this creative thinking was there for all to see. While the most potent ’69 Camaro SS 396 could storm the ¼-mile in 14.4 seconds before winding its way to 145mph, the Yenko “officially” slashed the ET to 13.8 seconds while boosting the top speed to 148mph. Even those figures don’t tell the whole story, with contemporary road tests repeatedly achieving sub-12-second passes. The engine bay of this Camaro presents as immaculately as you would expect from a vehicle of this caliber, and it would undoubtedly draw a crowd the moment the new owner lifts the hood.

When ordering the candidates for their upgrades, Yenko selected standard Black vinyl upholstery for all vehicles produced in 1969. His shop added unique headrest covers and a pedestal-mount Stewart Warner tachometer. The under-dash gauges in this car remain an unknown quantity because the original owner may have asked Yenko to install them to monitor the brute under the hood. Otherwise, little separates a Yenko from a garden-variety Camaro. The car retains its factory 140mph speedometer and also features its original AM radio. The interior condition is as faultless as the rest of the vehicle, with no wear, damage, or other issues. It would suit a meticulous new owner, and you can be sure that a few will attend the auction with their eye on this prize. The new owner might even consider taking their new toy on a road trip to 575 West Pike Street in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. The original building for Yenko Chevrolet remains intact on that site, allowing someone to make a spiritual homecoming with this classic. I’m sure the late Don Yenko would smile down on them in approval if they do.

When confronted with a classic like this 1969 Yenko Super Camaro, it is hard to find words that do it justice. A Yenko won’t have the poise and handling of a Z28 due to the extra weight of the big-block over its nose. However, that motor offers brutal performance that would satisfy all but the most hardened individual. Don Yenko rolled 199 examples of the Super Camaro out of his dealership in 1969, and it is believed that only around half of those survive. Cars produced in 1967 and 1968 tend to achieve the highest sale price due mainly to low production totals. The outright record is $632,500 for a 1967 Yenko that sold in January. The record for a ’69 model occurred a year earlier at $308,000. The overall condition of our feature car suggests it should surpass that figure before the hammer falls. Adding to its potential is the inclusion of the original Order Form, Invoices, previous Titles, COPO Connection Report and Certificate, and vintage photos. Purchasing any vehicle of this caliber is a significant investment, but if you’re interested, you have time to get your finances in order. Are you tempted, or will you join me as an interested spectator?