Huge Yenko Collection...

[SamLBInj]

I just opened a mag from 1989, Some guy named Cliff Ernst has 16 Yenko Camaros, 3 Dueces, some Hemi's and a lots of other cars, Shelby 500gt's, Ect...from Tennesee, Is this guy still around, the photos of the collection with the cars hanging out of the garage in every known color is a sight to see... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Sam

[sYc]

Yep, just got a call from him a few days ago. Super nice guy. That is who I bought my Camaro from, and who hosted the first Supercar Reunion. During SCR1, took 3 Yenko Camaros to the drag strip and even opened up his show room for everyone to view his cars. A class act and still has a nice collection of musclecars.

Hello to all. This particular thread is of particular interest to me, as I spent just under ten years working for Cliff (best job I ever had), restoring many cars in his private collection. This included his 69 Yenko Nova, 70 Yenko Deuce, half dozen 69 Yenko Camaros, 69 ZL-1, partial restoration on 69 Yenko Chevelle. I loved every minute of building these cars. I now work elsewhere and earn my living repairing manufacturing equipment for a large plant. However, I am restoring my own 70 SS Chevelle with full documentation and a hot rod/semi-tribute 69 Nova with copo inspired driveline. I'm still having lots of fun. I recently became a member of this club and am enjoying all of the posts and knowledge of its members. Hope to get to know many of you in the future. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[sYc]

Hey Mike, welcome aboard. You do not know how many people were envious of you and your job as caretaker of Cliff's cars http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif And I was one of them. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Kim_Howie]

Hi Mike last time I talked to was Super Chevy Indy nice to hear from you. Kim

[NCGuy68]

[ QUOTE ]
Yep, just got a call from him a few days ago. Super nice guy. That is who I bought my Camaro from, and who hosted the first Supercar Reunion. During SCR1, took 3 Yenko Camaros to the drag strip and even opened up his show room for everyone to view his cars. A class act and still has a nice collection of musclecars.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree! Cliff has perhaps the most complete collection of Yenkos in the USA. Surely more then anyone East of the Mississippi river. My good friend Floyd Garrett, speaks highly of him.

[Charley Lillard]

The green 69 Yenko I sold last year used to belong to Cliff.

[sYc]

Cliff is about like Vince, has owned most, if not all of the Yenko Camaros. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

While we were talking, I told him that I should have bought all 20 or so Yenkos he had, as they ranged in price from $14,000-about $60,000. Including a couple of Gold ones and the Preston-Lawrence race car. Dang hindsight really is 20-20. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

I could not have worked for a better man than Cliff. He provided a first-class working environment and he himself is first class. The shop and display room is top notch. The collection still exists and is very well cared for by an avid car enthusiast. I hope the collection stays together for many years to come. I stop by from time to time, but not as often as I wish. One of my favorites in the collection (Yenko) was a Daytona Yellow 69 Camaro, original engine four speed that was sold to one of the owners of Supercar Collectibles. Anyone know who has it now? It was sold not long after the Supercar guy bought it. We referred to this particular car as "hairy yellow" because of its racing cam and street racing past. I regret that this car left Cliff's collection as I was really wanting to use all my resources to buy it myself, but really couldn't seem to get anything put together. I continue to hope. I hope to be in touch with many of you as time goes by.

[micky69396]

Hi Mike, long time since we last spoke. We had probably the coolest jobs back then with all the neat cars in our hands. I did the same for Dick Bridges as you know and that was a awesome collection too. Although I still am doing the musclecar stuff it was my best job I had also. Take care. Micky

Hey Micky, nice to hear from you. Yea, both Dick and Cliff gave guys like us a truly unique opportunity. Have you kept up to date on the status of Dick's car collection? He had a great collection including many AF/X drag cars if memory serves. How are you doing? I know you started your own business after you moved back to your hometown, right? I am an ACES member too, and noticed your business advertisement in the club mag. Are you staying busy? Please feel free to email anytime. I made alot of friends during the years I worked for Cliff. We travelled to many shows, including the time at Detroit where you and I judged the indoor exhibit. Remember? That was alot of fun. Several years have past and I have become distanced from these events, but am making an effort to get back in the hobby. Hope to hear from you again. Take care Micky.

[micky69396]

Dick sold off most of his stuff, but he shows up on here every now and then. I still do some work for him on odds and ends. I think the show in Detroit was the Camaro Nats in 93 or 94. My dad lives down by you in Murfreesboro TN and is a member of the mid-south club. I get down that way several times a year. Still doing my own thing playing with these old cars. Maybe catch up to you some time when I am down that way. Later, Mioky