1967 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko 450

OVERVIEW

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.