What a Shame!

[T Billigen]

I just returned from a trip to look at the Yenko Camaro here in Wisconsin that is rotting away in a back yard! This car has the original paint and interior. The car has red oxide primer under the Fathom Green paint. The stripes on the hood are angled like on the Chevelle that was recently posted on the site. The tach is a black face. The car will never be for sale! It still sits outside rotting away! It is still restorable but getting in bad shape. Has been sitting in the same spot since 1984!The owner would not let me look under the hood or open the doors. 60K original miles and am assuming that it has the original motor, trans (auto), and rear. I did get the vin number N615794 Will attach some pics.

[T Billigen]

More pics

[T Billigen]

More....

[T Billigen]

Again

[T Billigen]

Another

[T Billigen]

Another pic

[T Billigen]

Again...

[T Billigen]

Two more

[T Billigen]

Finally..... /ubbthreads/images/icons/confused.gif

Whats the deal? Is there a reason they won't sell? There must be a valid reason. Seems senseless to leave it sit, especially outside! Have heard about this car for years. Can't beleive noone can break them into selling.

[copo9566aa]

The owner is probably /ubbthreads/images/icons/confused.gif /ubbthreads/images/icons/confused.gif or /ubbthreads/images/icons/crazy.gif .

[Jeff Murphy]

What's the most they've been offered? The number has to have moved around a lot since '84?

[Mr70]

Tom
I'll bet that Camaro is the most expensive piece of realestate around there.
Lets cut to the chase...Is the owner a Packers Fan,and were you bothering him during the Game/Slaughter today. /ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif

[William]

Many people have bugged him over the years, several brought cash. Some of the names are familiar to you.

Car has power steering, original drivetrain. I know of underhood photos taken about a year ago.

[T Billigen]

Rick, you are right! It is the most expensive piece property in the area! The owner would not even come out of the house, he sent one of his relations out to talk to me. They claim they are going to start a resto on it but I think that is a bunch of BS. He was supposed to put it in a garage yesterday but did not feel like it. I think this car will still be in the same spot until it rots away!

[copolocater]

You guys all offered cash.Maybe offer him a house in a better neighborhood?

[Chris396]

That car gives him a feeling of power. He doesn't have much money but he has something that people with money want. And he can tell them to stuff it. I'd imagine he is a bitter guy. He may even think he will actually restore it one day. I know of a guy like that here in Missouri with a '68 Shelby GT 500 KR convertible. He has been offered big money for it but won't sell. At least it sits in a garage though.

[Don_Lightfoot]

I think Chris is on the right track here. People like this just love having something that a lot of other people want, a sense of 'power' if you will. He will never restore it and the grass will probably be above the car in a couple of years. A real shame.

[robber6910]

Anyone get a snapshot of the trim tag when they took the photos of the engine compartment?

[GMH454]

In these cases it is often fueled by a huge difference between their expectations and reality. To face the reality means a massive adjustment in value placed on the object, and on the individuals feelings of wealth, unless some crisis intervenes for friends or family, where money can be put in perspective it will probably sit where it is.

Hey does anyone know what he has been offered, any guesses as to cost of restoration ??

[shor]

Hey, I say if the guy wants to keep it in his front yard, more power to him. /ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif
If one of us buys and restores it it will just sit in a garage, and maybe attend a show now and then.
When is the last time you got to see a Yenko parked on the street, or in a driveway, or in the yard!
Besides, in and around his town he will be known as that "Yenko" guy. Not a bad thing.

[T Billigen]

I think it would be an expensive resto! I'm sure the floor boards and frame are junk! quarters look like they are soft also. Probably talking 40to50K for resto?

[68l30]

I say invite him to next years reunion.After all he does love his supercar...... /ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif

Steve

[AutoInsane]

I say pay his neighbors 50 bucks each to complain to the town about the car then he will have to move it. That might give him some incentive to sell it!!! Amazing that he wouldnt respond to cash....what is this world coming to????

It is a shame that such a rare car is just rotting away.... /ubbthreads/images/icons/frown.gif

[hvychev]

That is by far the best lawn ornament that I have ever seen!! /ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif This is the same car that was featured in the decaying muscle car of the month section in the late Muscle Car Review right? I am curious of the history of the car. Is he the original owner? What selling dealer etc?

[Chevy454]

I was thinking the one in MCR was a Rally Green car? But I may be mistaken.

[hvychev]

Rob I recognize it by the wheels/tires, and vinal top.

[Jeff Murphy]

If someone were truly enterprising, they could try to contstruct a contract consisting of an offer to build the guy some kind of shelter for the car or pay to have it put in storage in exchange for a right of first offer or matching offer on the car when he or his estate eventually sells it. Maybe the car would have a chance of outlasting the owner. Might be a low cost option on a cheap Yenko.

[mc25t190]

i believe that the guy is a packers fan and someone did bother him on game day, see him after the superbowl! is the car in green bay? a green bay packer fan here! what is this guys occupation?

[bkhpah]

We gave the photos of this car taken by Dru Diesner to Tom Shaw to use. I thought he should use the pictures in the forward of the MCR magazine. That was the begining of the very popular "decaying musclecar of the month". I do believe that that will continue in the new Musclecar Power magazine...BKH

[elcamino]

There are people who just won't sell anthing they have to anybody. A friend has been trying to buy a tractor that has sat in the same spot for over 20 yrs from a farmer. They guy won't sell, he don't need the money. Someday the owner will die and then whomever ends up with the estate will just junk it.

I used to have a restorable 1970 SS396 El Camino at my shop up untill about 2 yrs back. It sat there for over 5 yrs and a least 100 people stopped to look at it. 99 out of the 100 would ask if its for sale, when I would say "yes" and I wanted this much. All I would get it is an arguement, "its was not worth that much" and "I'll give you this much". I often heard the comment that I did not want to sell it, but hell they people looking did not want to buy unless they could set the price, or should I say get it dirt cheap so they could turn around and make a $. Then one day 2 guys stop by and ask, How much? I told them a price and the car was gone that day. No insults, no hard time, just cash and thanks.

[GMH454]

And that leads us back to the question of how much has he been offered....40-50K for the resto leaves it still as a very expensive lawn ornament. With prices moving the way they have, he should have a great return on it...IF he ever sells it.

[68l30]

You have to remember this guy does own a Yenko.It may not be the best, but it is his.He is part of lucky group that own these cars.This car was something special in it's day,that may be why he bought it.He had the baddest car in town.It is a status symbol in the mans eyes.He may not have the finances to restore it or take care of it for that matter but it is his.He owns a Yenko and it is probably the best thing he owns,he may never afford another one at todays prices.I hate to see it rot,but if thats what spins his gears so be it....Damn,wheres the next one. /ubbthreads/images/icons/smirk.gif

Steve

[Mr70]

It is possible this may be his only "Trophy" in his life.He also may have fond memories with this Camaro from his past,that he just doesn't want to let go of right now.
Or god forbid he may have a Horror story about it,that he just doesn't want to release on the world....as in the Movie "Christine!"

[x44d80]

We all have asked someone if they'd sell us a car and have been turned down or vice-versa. There's a 69 RS Camaro with weeds growing thru it I've tried to buy on several occasions only to get a flat NO. I was to chicken to ask why but found out later it's the guy's High School ride. I said NO some kids 15 years ago asking to buy my delapidated 69 coupe I drove in High School because I was going to restore it someday.
Well it's taken 15 years to get started, I hope not to much longer to finish it and then I will be ready to sell it to them, hope they still want it.

[69rsss350]

Seller's remorse. Recently, I answered an ad for an old Camaro and when I said OK to the ASKING price the seller backed out. Go figure. /ubbthreads/images/icons/confused.gif

[resto4u]

The guy might know what todays market brings for a restored car, but unaware what it costs to restore this car. Thus his view of it's worth is inflated. Also may not want to sell to someone with no interest in the car other than quick restoration, and large profit $$$$$$. Even if bought for $50,000 still good investment in todays market, my 2 cents worth.

[AutoInsane]

So what has been offered for the car? Anyone willing to walk up and offer 50k cash? Amazing the effectiveness a briefcase with a lot of $$$ will have...

I hope this car ends up being restored....

[NOCOPO]

Well, as said in eariler posts, He has a Yenko, and I don't /ubbthreads/images/icons/frown.gif /ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif I think he would do better if he put up a garage around it and charged admission........

[hotrodchev]

Sad thing is... it's not the only Yenko car slowly rusting away in Wisconsin right now. Although I can respect the fact that these owners are just not interested in selling their cars, it's still a shame to see them sit and deteriorate outdoors, especially when it would take such little effort to get them indoors. BUT... what I do find degrading and offensive are some of the comments posted in this thread. I personally don't give a RAT'S ASS how deep of pockets anyone in this group has, nor is everyone born with a silver spoon their mouth. If anything, this hobby and the very existance of this website is based upon sharing ideas, information and just plain helping each other out, not for ripping someone apart because they won't sell you their car. It's no wonder why some of these owners have become so bitter over the years and seem to get more pleasure out of turning down offers and watching people walk away disappointed. If you really care about the hobby and preserving these cars, then why not offer to bring the guy a tarp or help him locate and move the car to a safer storage place. Believe me... a little kindness goes a long way.

Tom B. - My compliments to you for posting these photo's and raising awareness that a number of these cars are still sitting out there being neglected. Now it's up to fellow hobbyists to lend these people support and do what's necessary to help preserve these cars until they are ready to be restored.

Penny for your thoughts people!

Tim "Hotrodchev" /ubbthreads/images/icons/mad.gif

[MikeA]

Tim,

Excellent point! I could not agree with you more.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

I'm down with that view, leave the guy and his real estate values alone! Eventually, the car will be available, it's just gaining 'petina'.

http://www.yenko.net/features/2001/field.jpg

[GMH454]

Tim, sorry you have read it that way. I think that most of these negative posts are people wondering why people do what appears to be a irrational thing, we have all seen examples of it and some of us have put up the apparent reasons behind it, It is a "classic story " in the car hobby, better than the 53 Chev in the barn, but very seldom seen in such an example as this.
Nobody here knows why he holds onto it, and I really doubt he is going to tell.
Don't really see anyone bagging him.

[hotrodchev]

GMH454,

Everyone is entitled to voice their opinion or interpret things however they please here. It is only my opinion that some of the comments were disrespectful of the owner.

Bag of Bungee Straps.................. $5.99
12 ft. X 24 ft. tarp.................. $11.99
New Yenko "Bud" for Life.............. Priceless /ubbthreads/images/icons/smirk.gif

Tim "HOTRODCHEV"

[68l30]

YDR,love the "petina". /ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif After awhile they all start to look the same.I love to look at a vintage piece of iron and see all the battle scars and history.I was serious about the reunion.I would love to see this car and more unrestored or "Super Car Beaters" if you can excuse the expression.They can all be restored,but this vintage "petina" is only around once.

Steve

[hvychev]

68|30 I like that. "super car beaters". /ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif I wish I had a supercar beater!! /ubbthreads/images/icons/smirk.gif

[Leonard]

I agree with Tim, lets not be disrespectful to this owner. We have no idea as to why he does not want to sell this car. Should we? The problem i see is that he is letting this valuable piece of automotive history rot away before our very eyes. Why not try to encourage this individual in to restoring it. I get the impression that this is his intentions but may it be that his finances wont allow it at this time? Like Tim said, first thing that needs to be done is to get the car under cover or in a garage.Out of the elements. Try being a friend to the guy. Not a buyer. He may have some neat history to tell about the car. Do not act like vultures. Its obvious that it is not for sale at this time. He avoids buyers. Invite him to this site. If he can not get the car in a garage, I will buy a tarp and bungee cords and send it to him.

[Chris396]

I hate to see a car rot like that. I've known other people who have things like this and a lot of them are a little "off". Who knows why he won't sell it or at least attempt to protect it. Maybe he's a good guy but it's still a shame.

Just for the record I was living in a mobile home just a year ago with a tiny garage for my Camaro.

[JoeC]

If he bought it in the 1970s he may have paid less then $1000.00 for it so he may not have much money into it and doesn't care about taking a profit on it.
It is unfortunate that he is letting it rot. The moisture coming up from the ground every night will really do a job on the underside. Tom did you get a look at the underside?

[Jeff Murphy]

As Joe points out, the ground is going to kill the car as much as the freeze and thaw every year. The guy needs one of these Carcoon (http://www.carcoon.com/outcoon/outcoon.html) for an investment of $600 or even a Car Jacket (http://www.californiacarcover.com/product.asp?source=&ID=76&subcatID=8&returnURL=%2F product%5Flist%2Easp%3Fid%3D8&returnCaption=Back+t o+Product+List) for about $300 (I use one of these to combat the English dampness in the indoor garage where I keep my COPO). Small beans relative to a deteriorating car and similarly deteriorating value.

[djunod]

Maybe he wants people to see it. So, one of those clear plastic cocoons would be better.

[T Billigen]

Joe,
Could not see under the car, As it is up to the rocker panels in mud. I would venture to say there is major damage to the bottom. The only part not touching the ground is the gas tank. It would be a very expensive resto. The interior is totally sun damaged. To make matters worse it is parked under a walnut tree which helps speed up the corrosion. It does have green patena all over it.... (moss).

[ZL1mike]

My 2 cents, a guy like this might of had a bad episode causing a death or bad accident with this car and there you you have it, neglect and shame but the love affair remains painfull and he just can't let go. Shame.....
Mike /ubbthreads/images/icons/frown.gif

[YenkoYS100]

Maybe he killed someone a long time ago(I heard a rumor that it might have been someone that made a lowball offer on the car?), & they may still be in the trunk ? /ubbthreads/images/icons/shocked.gif

Wow! There's some heavy psychology goin on in this thread.;-)

[Souperhigh]

Mabee Jimmy Hoffa is still in there!!!!

[Supergas990]

Here's an update on the 69 Camaro rotting away in Wisconsin. I drove past it yesterday on my way up north and there appears to be progress.

The guy has finally placed a cover/tarp over the car (19 years to late) Either he's trying to do what he should've done years ago, or he's tired of uninvited visitors and spectators. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

Maybe one day it will live again?!?!?

Blair

[Paul_S]

I bet he's tired of the unwanted visitors http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif. I hope that tarp can breathe. Otherwise it's a greenhouse and more bad news for the car.

[JChlupsa]

It will be gone soon and relocated to the South-East along with his Yenko Vega.

[JoeG]

Bigger Lawn? OR Better Home?--------------

[Paul_S]

Huh? What Vega? Is it safe to give details and the answer to the big question (why)? Does the car have a monkey finger curse? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[JChlupsa]

Just made a phone call. I had been thinking that this Y/Camaro was the same as the one down around the stateline but it is not. The one I am talking about at the WS/Ill state line the owner also has a Vega and has been trying to buy a Y/Nova thats in the area as well prior to his moving to Fla.

Both this Y/Camaro and the one this topic is about are not to far apart in condition but at least its on its wheels still and was moved inside to keep people from stiping and searching the car out to see if it was for sale.