Lost 1969 Yenko Nova [Archive] - The Supercar Registry

Dbalogh

04-26-2021, 12:18 AM

Hello all. In 1969 or 1970 my father bought a cranberry red yenko with a black vinyl top. The dealership was in Youngstown Ohio or near it. Long story short the car was sold when I was born. Sold in Youngstown Ohio. 427 was removed by new owner and nova sold. Im looking for that car
Dad took stickers off because people were trying to steal it. Emblems would have been off also yenko stickers. Someone unknowingly has a yenko. Did dealership keep sales records back then im looking for the vin any help is good. Thanks Den

JRSully

04-26-2021, 10:46 AM

If you have a VIN, the known Yenko Nova delivery list may have it.?

PeteLeathersac

04-26-2021, 11:34 AM

'

Wow Yenko Nova story and welcome aboard!
The Youngstown dealer would likely be Marve Minneman, did your father buy it new or used?
What year did he sell it also what was your phone # then as it may help finding any old ads?
There's a bunch of Nova ads in these two threads you can cruise including the two below that likely aren't it but worth going through also the registry here may offer clues too.

https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=148069&page=5

https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=135780&page=4

A lot of years have gone by but best of luck backtracking and hope you find it!
:beers:
~ Pete

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Dbalogh

04-26-2021, 10:38 PM

Guys thank you. I am going to try to find it or build one like it. I want to Cruz with dad. He is 74 now and time is precious thanks. Also he bought it new. Also for sure it was a yenko. White stripes which he took off. To avoid theft. Man I just want to see the expression on his face. Its not the money it is the memories

Dbalogh

04-26-2021, 10:44 PM

I know who he sold the car to. George Getsey. Most likely spelled it wrong. George was a drag racer and took the 427 out but the trail stops cold there. I dont know who he sold the body to. I know dad put a Hurst shifter in it. Said the Muncie was crap and he felt it was to thin and may break. Said the car was fast as hell light to light

Dbalogh

04-26-2021, 11:06 PM

Here are pics of the car

AnthonyS

04-26-2021, 11:11 PM

^ WOW!

Kool and The Gang!

Dbalogh

04-26-2021, 11:15 PM

Pic193343

Dbalogh

04-26-2021, 11:20 PM

If anyone recognizes this car out of youngstown ohio please let me know. I just want to know what happened to it and of course would be interested in it. Thanks Den

carnut4life

04-26-2021, 11:30 PM

Wow, what a first post! Welcome to the site Den and best of luck finding out what happened to your Dad's car.

Dbalogh

04-26-2021, 11:35 PM

Thanks man. Every time I see the pics of that car I tear up. The last pic is of mom and dad. I lost mom in 2013. The car means alot to my dad

Dbalogh

04-26-2021, 11:45 PM

Just want to say thanks for all the help. Also can I still get the cranberry red paint....most likely going to have to build a replica. Not of a yenko. But my dads car the one in the pictures.. thats my goal.any help is great

R68GTO

04-27-2021, 12:00 AM

Yep, you can still get paint from the original codes. Welcome to the site, I'm sure many on here are "pulling for you", I know I am! Finding the VIN number in any old paperwork would aid in the search. If your parents auto insurance company is still around, they may have the old records.

Drew Papsun

04-27-2021, 12:08 AM

Thanks man. Every time I see the pics of that car I tear up. The last pic is of mom and dad. I lost mom in 2013. The car means alot to my dad

Hello,
The Chevrolet dealer in the area is Marve Minnemans Chevrolet, Youngstown, Ohio.
Best Regards,
Drew Papsun

PeteLeathersac

04-27-2021, 12:35 AM

'

W:eek2:W stuff Den also totally understandable why you're here!
Is the Plate # known or legible in pics also any chance it could help gain the Vin from your State Vehicle licensing group?
Long shot too but it may also be worth inquiring w/ them about past vehicles registered in your father's name?
Please share anything more you can as there's lots of great eyes/ears here who'd love to help.
If you're up for some reading, here's a great thread w/ member looking for another Minnimen sold Supercar, a '69 Yenko Camaro...
https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=139907
:beers:
~ Pete

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luzl78

04-27-2021, 12:43 AM

If anyone, which I know you’re looking, finds this car,please do the right thing and let den acquire it.

EZ Nova

04-27-2021, 01:51 AM

First of all, welcome to the site. Second, do you have the means to buy a 69 Yenko Nova?

Now not sure if anyone else looked, but under the 1969 Nova supercars, there is a Noca that looks just like these pictures? Red blk vinyl top no stickers.

Pro Stock John

04-27-2021, 01:51 AM

Good luck, maybe your dad saved some old papers, financing, payment book, something that would have the VIN.

Dbalogh

04-27-2021, 02:51 AM

Lol...no I cannot afford to buy this car as a yenko nova. I am aware how much these cars are and how rare they are
The car im looking g for was pieced out the Power plant was gone. Most likely the car is gone. Dad was 19 when he had the car. There was no way he new like everyone else the car would be worth so much. I love cars and have done alot already to find this car. This was a shot in the dark talking about it on this forum . If I wanted it for money I would not have come on here. I most likely will find a 68 or 69. Tail lights match model years are the same. and build a replica. All good thanks dudes

Dbalogh

04-27-2021, 03:12 AM

Interesting fact is I ran the plate. To old nothing comes up. I do not know the vin. Dad said when he was at the dealership back then they sol yenko camaros and chevelles too.

tom406

04-27-2021, 03:37 AM

Thanks for coming here and sharing those pictures:). Good luck with whatever you do.

chevelleheart

04-27-2021, 04:18 AM

Good luck ! What a story this could be ! I’m really hoping you get some leads.

firstgenaddict

04-27-2021, 12:20 PM

Welcome to the SITE & KILLER STORY!
I have been trying to buy a local cranberry red over black 69 L78 Nova for the last 10 years at least... it may take another 10 to pry it loose from the current who bought it in 1970.

I would buy my parents old 68 442 white over blue in a heart beat as well, which provided the first ride for me home from the hospital. - My 68 GTO is the opposite combo... light blue over parchment.

MosportGreen66

04-27-2021, 12:42 PM

Wonderful story and I hope you find the car or at least another piece of the story. There are lots of knowledgeable members here. You'll be in good hands.

Dbalogh

04-27-2021, 03:23 PM

Does anyone know how many 1969 cranberry red with black vinyl top yenko novas were built and how many are accounted for. Thanks Den

firstgenaddict

04-27-2021, 04:10 PM

Does anyone know how many 1969 cranberry red with black vinyl top yenko novas were built and how many are accounted for. Thanks Den

Not mnay....

Dbalogh

04-27-2021, 04:13 PM

Trying to find out actual number. Thanks all

PeteLeathersac

04-27-2021, 10:00 PM

'

Have you seen this YouTube clip Den or watched it w/ your Dad yet, next one up's good too...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XdR2bDRuMrw
:3gears:
~ Pete
:beers:

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Dbalogh

04-27-2021, 10:55 PM

Lol yes he sent that to me via text last year. Great intro to what yenko was all about. Great footage

Mr.Nickey Nova

04-27-2021, 11:06 PM

I thought Garnet Red was the only red color for 69?? Cranberry Red didn't come out till 1970. Are you sure it's not Garnet Red??

Bill Pritchard

04-27-2021, 11:32 PM

Correct, if it is a 69 Nova the factory color would be Garnet red. Put a Garnet red 69 alongside a Cranberry red 70 and you'll notice the difference in the two colors.

Dbalogh

04-28-2021, 12:39 AM

Dbalogh

04-28-2021, 12:44 AM

Funny dad told me dont worry about the engine its beat to hell piece of shit. Lol he does not care about the money as fare as what it is. Said buy a new one meaning engine

luzl78

04-28-2021, 01:36 AM

Shit your right. I just learned something. It musthave been garnet..... but how many had the black vinyl top. Lol. To get somewhere i need a Vin. However crazy enough i think I know who has the 427 yenko actual engine.
Get that motor. If you need extra money, I’ll start the donations.

AnthonyS

04-28-2021, 01:58 AM

^ I would donate to that cause too!

mockingbird812

04-28-2021, 03:10 AM

Wonderful story. Where in the Youngstown area did your Dad live?

Pro Stock John

04-28-2021, 03:18 AM

I'd donate

firstgenaddict

04-28-2021, 08:13 AM

My fault - the 69 L78 I have been after is Garnet and Black.

R68GTO

04-28-2021, 09:23 AM

Shit your right. I just learned something. It musthave been garnet..... but how many had the black vinyl top. Lol. To get somewhere i need a Vin. However crazy enough i think I know who has the 427 yenko actual engine.

Definitely go get the motor. Even if you never find the car, you can say your running the same engine as your Dad.

Dbalogh

04-28-2021, 10:37 AM

Lol guys heres the deal. The guy who has the original Don Yenko 427 knows what he has. He is the one who sold the body or as I like to call it the rest of the car. He is looking for it also. So that tells me the car was sold at lest three times in the 70s.....he is note parting with the engine if he indeed hs it. Im trying to get the vin from bmv...or dad is. Thanks all for sharing in this. I feel like Mike and Frank on American pickers

firstgenaddict

04-28-2021, 03:34 PM

FWIW don't let someone hold you hostage over the engine... it is not coded for a your dad's NOVA nor should it have a NOVA VIN on the block, it should be a 512 casting CE 4 bolt short block. with the L78 top end on it - if the engine is NOT hurt and is COMPLETE to the distributor alternator and carb it is worth maybe a little bit more than any other 512 CE engine - BUT THIS WOULD BE THE CASE ONLY if you have some paperwork from the short block swap performed at YENKO which shows the CE number on it.

You can run a NCRS Vin trace but they are all going to show Yenko as the original dealership not the selling dealership it was transferred to after Yenko did the 427 conversion.

BTW personally this is where I would begin my search.
TWO Garnet Black Roof Black Interior Yenko Nova's.

https://www.yenko.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=181504&stc=1&d=1608430124

PeteLeathersac

04-28-2021, 07:10 PM

'

Only one car's noted as a Yenko and other below it must be coincidence but either way, the Date mixed w/ location may negate any possibility of being the subject Yenko?
There may be more ads w/ better possibilities in the two threads linked on Page #1...or yet to be found?
Otherwise, there's a couple Unknown Red 4-Speed VINS in the Registry here, no VT noted but may be worth looking deeper at these two first?

Great thread and hope it leads somewhere for the OP!
Anyone here near him and his Dad that can drop by w/ some HP?
:beers:
~ Pete

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luzl78

04-28-2021, 09:05 PM

The real needle in the haystack is finding the original 396-375hp engine with the vin that yenko took out.

Dbalogh

04-29-2021, 02:40 AM

Right now searching for vin....pointed in the right difection now its a waiting game.....but hate to say it but most likely its been destroyed.

Tracker1

04-29-2021, 01:35 PM

Right now searching for vin....pointed in the right difection now its a waiting game.....but hate to say it but most likely its been destroyed.

It's early yet, don't lose hope...much, much stranger and more far-fetched reunions have happened on this site - it would blow your mind.

Dbalogh

04-29-2021, 01:43 PM

Thanks man.... I have hope

Dbalogh

04-29-2021, 01:46 PM

Dbalogh

04-29-2021, 01:53 PM

Hey everyone any help would be great. Again just want to say thank you to you all for your time and for helping me out. Many thanks...Den

PeteLeathersac

04-29-2021, 03:01 PM

'

The Registry here has these 2x Vins as Red Yenko Nova 4-Speeds w/ NO Delivering Dealer info also Unknown today.
Unless more info has come to light since, they may be worth considering as possibilities until proven otherwise?:hmmm:
114279W467157
114279W467169

Keep up the good effort and best of luck w/ everything!
:beers:
~ Pete

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luzl78

04-29-2021, 08:05 PM

Den, can your father remember how long the car sat on the lot. Did it just come and he saw it and bought it or did he see it and later on bought it? Does he remember the day he bought it? If it just came in and he bought it you could kinda narrow down the vin by the build/ delivery date.

69hurstSC

04-29-2021, 08:23 PM

69hurstSC

04-29-2021, 08:26 PM

Shared on Lost Muscle Cars! I've given your car chase before too. I have 5 other '69 Yenko Novas I've been hunting as well.
https://www.facebook.com/lostmusclecars/posts/3936941953080430

PeteLeathersac

04-29-2021, 11:17 PM

'

Wisconsin ads are likely the Yenko 427 Nova from the 11/69 Hult Chevrolet ad below?
Being Ohio, there may be more of a chance the subject 427 Nova is the Yenko in the 07/72 ad posted previously also here again further below w/ another Cinncinati ad from 04/73 which is likely the same car but different phone #'s/owners?
What seems questionable w/ the cars in most of these ads is how they all sound too complete to be the OP's Dad's car, even if subsequent owners recognized/knew what it was after Yenko added L72/Stripes/Badging removed?:hmmm:
Great thread also good to hear word about this car is spreading!
:beers:
~ Pete

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PeteLeathersac

04-29-2021, 11:18 PM

'

:beers:

,

firstgenaddict

05-01-2021, 11:39 AM

At this point it has become a family effort. My uncles and aunts are talking to friends at Ohio DMV.... My brother and I are searching . Dads youngest brother is looking girlfriend works at car dealerships. Guys its on man ..:headbang:

IF you can get anything out of the OHIO DMV I would love to know... I am missing the original owner on my 71 LT1 survivor - the car was traded in after 18 months & a marathon of 27k miles ---
Built the last day of 1971 Production - and built 18 cars from the end -it is the last known 71 LT1 built.
Jack Maxton sold it new - August -September of 1971 but purged records after 7 years.
in March of 1973 Atzlan Chrysler in Cinci sold the car to the man I bought it from - I have the registrations and title from 1973 - and it has the PREVIOUS TITLE NUMBER on it's face. but I have not been able to find out anything further.
I posted some ads on Craigs list in Cinci and near Jack Maxton in Worthington with photos of the car - if someone drove 27k miles in a Brandshatch Green 71 LT1 within 18 months - THEY WOULD REMEMBER!

Dbalogh

05-02-2021, 09:49 PM

I have not heard anything yet. I will let you know

ban617

05-03-2021, 09:15 AM

Interesting search, if you do end up building a Nova I would personally stay with the 69 the dashes in the 68’s are totally different than the 69’s on the 70 up externally would be the tail lights , marker lights & front bumper , but the inside is pretty much the same except the door panels have wood grain ....Good Luck in your search ... Did you try checking with the insurance agent for the Vin ?

PeteLeathersac

05-03-2021, 04:37 PM

'

Being Ohio also a '69, it may be worth considering this 08/73 ad w/ the other possibilities?
This one's Xenia also others mostly Cinci, where was your Dad back then Den?
:beers:
~ Pete

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olredalert

05-03-2021, 05:45 PM

mockingbird812

05-03-2021, 08:24 PM

----Can't remember the name of the Chevy dealership in Xenia, but it was a serious high perf dealer. Saw my 1st 375 hp 67 Camaro there. Very plain jane car with headers and tall gearset in the trunk as delivered. I was looking for a 67 435 Corvette of which they had (I think) three so wasn't all that interested, but looked it over.....Bill S

Hey Bill. I believe that is Lang Chevrolet and I also think that is the dealership that Mike Angelo’s black L 78 Camaro was sold from. I’m pretty sure they had a performance reputation.

Drew Papsun

05-03-2021, 08:34 PM

Hey Bill. I believe that is Lang Chevrolet and I also think that is the dealership that Mike Angelo’s black L 78 Camaro was sold from. I’m pretty sure they had a performance reputation.

Hello Bill and Sam,
Lang Chevrolet Company
Xenia, Ohio
Dealer Zone = 09
Dealer Number = 367
They sold the last of the one of 20 built 1967 Corvette L-88 coupe black on black with a 4.56 rear axle.
Best Regards,
Drew Papsun

olredalert

05-03-2021, 08:42 PM

----Yup, Lang is 100% correct! Didn't know an L88 came out of there but not surprised. Guarantee it wasn't there the day I was there or I might have forgotten about a measily 435,,,LOL! The 435 was a Lyndale Blue/blue gut roadster. I wanted to trade off my 66 425 but couldn't make the numbers work.....Bill S

1967Z28

05-03-2021, 11:36 PM

Dick Lang had a Chevy dealership in both Xenia and Fairborn, OH. He was a very good Corvette and Camaro road racer. He had a '63 Z06 that he raced that is still around. He often teamed up with Tony DeLorenzo and Jerry Thompson in their Corvettes for the longer endurance races. He was well connected in the world of Chevy high performance and a lot of good stuff got sold through there.

firstgenaddict

05-04-2021, 01:45 PM

No sidelights... is that a 67 Z converted to 68 grille and without the vent windows?

1967Z28

05-04-2021, 09:39 PM

No, it's a real '68 Z that just happened to have the side marker light holes filled.

69z2x4

05-05-2021, 03:04 AM

My 69 L78 Camaro came from Langs. He sold several L78 Camaro's and Nova's..He also sold a few COPO's.
I saw a restored black 67 z28 for sale a while back that sold at Lang's. My 70 SS454 Monte Carlo was Dick's demo for a while.

Dbalogh

05-05-2021, 04:35 PM

Well guys.....again thanks for the help looking for that nova.. I have tried most everything. Ran possible VINS with police and DMV nothing.....Did find a site that told me that my possible leads were in fact 1969 Novas but nothing more. The car was sold at Marve Minnermans in Youngstown Ohio for sure. Just cant find the damn car.

chevyman0429

05-05-2021, 04:59 PM

Don’t give up!

Dbalogh

05-10-2021, 01:09 PM

Trail gone dry in Texas. Had a police buddy run vin. I had did a paid search. It came up in Texas. My buddy ran vin in Texas did not come up.....sucks

Dbalogh

05-10-2021, 01:11 PM

Guys how much would you pay for a nova....350 SS... 4 speed real supers port. Thanks again....

WILMASBOYL78

05-10-2021, 02:00 PM

Guys how much would you pay for a nova....350 SS... 4 speed real supers port. Thanks again....

Need more info...year, color, condition, originality, paperwork, and so forth. Photos are key...

Dbalogh

05-10-2021, 02:05 PM

1969 Nova ss

Dbalogh

05-10-2021, 02:07 PM

red ...black vinyl top...4 speed 350 match block with cam ....

Dbalogh

05-10-2021, 02:11 PM

194303

Dbalogh

05-10-2021, 02:12 PM

Clean basic car

WILMASBOYL78

05-10-2021, 05:04 PM

Still lots of variables...but, I'll take a shot.

Low-mid 20's to mid 30's depending on fit, finish, originality...a survivor car with original paint would command a premium...paperwork adds to the value as well.

Red is a good color, always adds a few bucks to the package.

Detailed photos; engine bay, inside and underneath will help dial it in.

hope this helps...

-wilma

Dbalogh

05-10-2021, 05:52 PM

Thanks man

firstgenaddict

05-10-2021, 07:38 PM

There was a nice 69 Nova SS 350 4 spd survivor Cortez silver for sale for under 30k in the last 2 years IIRC.
I know of a lemans Blue 69 SS 350 survivor nova 3 spd manual which sold in the last 8 months for approx 30k

PeteLeathersac

05-10-2021, 09:47 PM

'

Wow if the '69 SS350 car is near you Den as Red w/ Black Hat surely worth paying extra for.
Hard to tell much without an eyeballs inspection, are there more pics also the one looks questionable...note where quarter/bumper meets the white van shadow etc?:hmmm:
Best of luck if seriously in the market also keep in mind members here are spread across the country and may be able to help if you find something worthy far from home.
:beers:
~ Pete

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R68GTO

05-10-2021, 10:48 PM

Agree with Pete.....if you're looking to replicate your Dad's car, starting with the right color combo saves you thousands in paint.

65blackcoupe

05-11-2021, 05:25 AM

Such a great story that really hits home. So many parallels to my early childhood.
My dad had a 69 garnet red/ black top Nova. Bought new at White Allen in Dayton OH. 4 speed. NOT a Yenko. His was a SS 350. First things he did was trash the muncie shifter that always hung up, air shocks and Cragars. I was brought home, as a baby, from the hospital in that car, more than likely conceived in it lol. I have a few pics of his Nova, car is a twin to OPs family Nova. Obviously not the cool factor of a Yenko.
I've always wanted to find dads old car but more than likely its long gone. Dad sold it shortly after I was born to his friend whom was notorious at beating the hell out of everything he drove.

Dbalogh

05-11-2021, 12:55 PM

Dbalogh

05-11-2021, 12:57 PM

Thank you all for your time, help and interest in my story and Journey with this....Many thanks for real.

WILMASBOYL78

05-11-2021, 01:11 PM

I agree....but here are things Ive been thinking about. 1. I dont want to destroy the worth of a survivor. so has to be same color or not a survivor but a modified 69. Now there s the question of engine a 427 is 7-12 grand depending on variables. It may cost less to paint and to change minor things like putting the vinyl top. on.....what do you all think... Den

There are lots of other costs with the big block conversion like; heater core, front suspension, exhaust, cooling, hd clutch, etc. Not sure you have to pay $12k for a 427...a well built 454 with a 427 decal on the air cleaner will work just fine. The SB to BB conversion is a well known process...lots of help available here among our members.

Let's get started :3gears:

big gear head

05-11-2021, 01:27 PM

A 454 block with a 396 crank and 427 pistons makes a 427 a lot cheaper than an original 427.

luzl78

05-12-2021, 01:43 AM

A 454 block with a 396 crank and 427 pistons makes a 427 a lot cheaper than an original 427.

A 454 with a stroker crank you can have a 496!

69hurstSC

06-09-2021, 03:59 PM

Trail gone dry in Texas. Had a police buddy run vin. I had did a paid search. It came up in Texas. My buddy ran vin in Texas did not come up.....sucks

So you have the confirmed VIN now?

PLATINUM6BBL

06-09-2021, 05:28 PM

Did you try form VTR-275 to request any info from TX? They sent what they had to me back in 2014 and 3 days after receiving the packet I was talking to the original owner of my RR.
https://www.txdmv.gov/sites/default/files/form_files/VTR-275.pdf

cook_dw

06-10-2021, 04:59 PM

Ditto as PLAT. Did the same thing but like the OP all I got was the last known registered owner on my 68 Z back around same time too.. 2013/14.

Last known reg was 1972/73.

TMagda

06-11-2021, 02:35 PM

I was able to locate the VIN of my Z/28 from property tax records. Not sure if that is an option to you. This was in CT and a good buddy was the tax collector for my town.

njsteve

06-11-2021, 09:16 PM

Oh yeah, I remember CT has a town property tax on any vehicles you own and you have to pay the tax each year. I remember going through all sorts of BS with the local tax department when my Dad gifted me both my Grandfather's Lincoln and my Grandmother's Firebird. I had to go through a process to prove they were in NJ and show registration docs to prove it or my Dad was going to have to pay the taxes til I proved it.