Vehicle Description
1967 Chevrolet Yenko Super Camaro 450
VIN: 124377N229158
When the Camaro debuted in 1967, a General Motors corporate edict
prevented it from carrying an engine larger than 400 cubic inches,
but thankfully the decree didn't confine dealers from making their
own "Super Cars." The Yenko built Super Camaro turned the small
block ponycar into a true muscle car with addition of a big block
427 borrowed from the Chevrolet Corvette.
Of the 54 Yenko Super Camaros built in 1967, approximately 10 are
known to survive today. Of those, few compare to this richly
documented, expertly restored, and highly optioned 450 - a car that
many regard as one of the most important Yenko Camaros in
existence.
Unlike the Yenko Camaros of subsequent years, the 1967s were
modified by Dick Harrell's Performance Center in St. Louis,
Missouri while under contract with Yenko Chevrolet. This Yenko
Camaro was originally delivered as a factory Ermine White L78
Camaro SS/RS and was immediately shipped to Dick Harrell. From
there, the stock Camaro SS/RS was transformed into a Super Camaro
450, the most powerful Yenko model offered during the first year of
production.
During the six day process, the original 396 SS V8 engine was
replaced with a 450 bhp L72 mechanical-lifter 427 that boasted 11:1
compression, a 780 cfm Holley four-barrel, an aluminum dual-plane
intake, and free-flowing dual exhausts. To cope with the
extraordinary power of the big-block V-8, Harrell installed a
Muncie M21 close-ratio gearbox, heavy-duty clutch, larger-capacity
radiator, custom-designed suspension, metallic brakes, and a
12-bolt Posi-Traction rear end with a 3.73:1 axle ratio.
In addition to these impressive features, this particular Super
Camaro 450 was further optioned with front disc brakes, tuned
exhaust headers, traction bars, lightweight 15" steel wheels, and
an NHRA-approved scatter shield. Not only was this Yenko Super
Camaro specified with notable performance features, it is also one
of the few examples that incorporated the desirable Rally Sport
trim, which included the trademark concealed headlights. Other
options included a center console, walnut grained steering wheel,
and push-button AM radio.
To most passersby, the only outward sign that this $5,000 Yenko
Camaro was any different from a showroom stock 396 SS/RS was its
fiberglass Corvette-style "stinger" hood and Chevrolet 427
badging.
On August 1, 1967, the completed Super Camaro 450 was sold in a
group of six Yenko Camaros to Jay Kline Chevrolet of Minneapolis,
Minnesota.
Over the past two decades, this first-year Yenko Camaro has
benefitted from caretakers whose collective efforts have helped
preserve this important car for future generations. Kevin Suyadam,
whose renowned collection includes the finest factory and
dealer-prepared muscle cars, once owned this Super Camaro, as did
noted Yenko collectors Gary Holub and Wayne Schmeeckle. Historic
Trans-Am driver, Bill Ockerlund, was so fond of this Camaro that he
has owned it twice.
This car's outstanding appearance is a credit to the meticulous
restoration performed by Dave Tinnell of Dave's Auto Service in
Edmonton, Kentucky. Widely regarded as a leading expert on Camaros
and Yenko supercars, Mr. Tinnell has restored some of the most
significant American performance cars and his work has been
recognized with countless awards and accolades. In keeping with his
esteemed reputation, this early-production Yenko Camaro was
prepared to the highest standards of cosmetic and mechanical
excellence while remaining faithful to the original as-delivered
specifications.
Since being restored, this ultra-rare Super Camaro 450 has been
invited to many exclusive Camaro and Yenko gatherings and was
prominently featured in Bob McClurg's Yenko: The Man, the Machines,
the Legend.
An impressive file of original paperwork accompanies this car and
includes the Yenko Sportscars Inc. retail invoice, Dick Harrell
Automotive invoice, and Yenko dealer invoice, work order, and
shipping order, as well as the Chevrolet owner's manual. In
addition to these important documents, this Super Camaro is offered
with a letter of authenticity from Yenko historian Vincent Emme and
the Authentication Letter and Original Certificate from COPO
Connection.
