Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America's Auburn Fall event,
August 31-3, 2017.
Chassis No.
136379B406668
Estimate:
$175,000 - $225,000 US
Don Yenko had established an early reputation for being a fast and
very determined driver at the wheel of Corvettes in the early
1960s. Yenko went on to win many races and two National
Championships with his Corvettes, but by the end of 1965 his car
was out-classed by the lighter, Ford-powered products of Shelby
American. Yenko was a Chevrolet dealer in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania;
he tried to persuade General Motors for something more competitive.
Officially out of racing by then, GM turned down his requests and
he began preparing his own performance-based Chevrolets with
results of legendary status.
Chevrolet offered some amazingly robust engine packages by 1969;
this included the largest displacement engine available since the
Chevelle's introduction, the L72 425-horsepower, 427-cubic inch,
V-8 engine. However, only a small number of customers knew about
this rare option. Chevrolet would install this exceptional
big-block power in stripped down Chevelles that shrewd buyers knew
were available only as Central Office Production Orders (COPO).
Don Yenko is thought to be the originator of the COPO option.
Putting numbers together, Yenko felt that the corporate COPO
structure would be of great benefit in 1969. He had begun using
this system in 1967 for Chevy Camaros with success in 1967 and
1968. This enabled him the opportunity for his SYC promotion to
prepare what he thought would be a winning car on the Chevelle
platform. He and his Canonsburg dealership could eliminate arduous
and expensive engine changes.
Yenko took a COPO car and added (distinctive to his machines)
custom side and hood stripes, along with 427 and custom Yenko
identifiers and badging. Basically, ordering COPO 9562 (this is a
COPO option code 9562 car) or 9566 deleted the impressive L78, a
375-horsepower, 396-cubic inch V-8 engine and added the amazingly
stout L72 427. A Harrison three-core radiator and dual exhaust also
were part of the COPO option. These Chevelles could, in stock trim,
cover the quarter mile in 13.3 seconds at 108 miles per hour. The
COPO Chevelle could be ordered in a number of different COPO
combinations.
According to reliable sources, Chevrolet built 86,307 SS Chevelles
in 1969. From that total, only 323 were COPO cars. Of those
exclusive 323; the scant number of 99 were sent to Yenko to be
transformed into a Yenko S/C Chevelle at his Pennsylvania,
dealership. This is one of those rare, fully documented Yenko
machines and one of 19 to be finished in Butternut Yellow.
Offered by a prominent collection; this immaculate Yenko Chevelle
features the L72 engine which is paired up to one of the four
transmission choices for the COPO Chevelles. In this case, it is
the code MQ, Muncie M21 four-speed manual. The 12-bolt
differentials had "anvil-like" durability and have been stated to
be some of the strongest rear ends ever put in a production car to
withstand the 460-pounds feet of torque. The only rear axle
available was with 4.10:1 gearing with a special heavy-duty
Posi-traction case and unique parts that were not interchangeable
with other 12-bolt cases and had a special heat-treated gear
ring.
Other features on this very special muscle machine includes code KQ
heavy-duty suspension, power brakes with front discs, 7- x17-inch
Rally wheels (with Yenko center caps), Strato bucket seats,
Goodyear Polyglas tires, oval-shaped exhaust exits, a factory AM
radio, and a vinyl roof.
One of the most desirable of all muscle cars, this Yenko Chevelle
is documented in the Yenko Registry, plus it has its
Protect-O-Plate and delivery schedule. Seeing one is an uncommon
occurrence. The Yenko machines are renowned for their rarity and
tremendous power outputs; this presents an ideal opportunity to add
one of the great ones to your stable.
