NNN show and SCR10 in 2007

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Due to the change in dates for SCR10, us Nova guys were in a bit of a predicament. The Nova Nationals was scheduled for the previous weekend at the Belterra Casino Resort & Spa on the Ohio river in southern Indiana. I had wanted to bring my Yenko to the Madison, IN area for many years, so I needed to attend the NNN show. The original owner of my Yenko still lives in the same area he did in ’70 just outside Madison, IN, and the second owner still lives at the same location he did when he bought & sold my Yenko in Turners Station, KY. The third owner (Cliff Ernst) lives in Nashville, and I’m the fourth owner. I always wanted to show the first and second owners their old car, and I figured here was my chance. Also, Morgan Nankivell who owned the Nankivell dealerships where my car was sold new, still lived in Shelbyville, IN, but unfortunately passed away just 8 months ago. I still keep in touch with his widow Evelyn Nankivell. So, with a very understanding wife, I made plans to attend both shows and use the few days in between to meet up with a few people. The logic was that it’s cheaper to grab a hotel room vs. driving back and forth with $3/gal gas.

I was able to meet Owner #1, (special thanks to Alan Cardo), and Owner #2, took pictures of my Yenko in front of the old dealership, and to top it off – had my picture taken with Lynn Yenko. It was a good trip, all 10 days & 2,400 miles of it!

Some pics:

Owner #1; Carl Smith in Madison, IN, 1970-1980. Carl was never too excited about the car since I first spoke to him in '96. He bought it within a few weeks of Nankivell receiving it, paid full sticker, and put 99,000+ miles on it as a daily driver. He never drag raced it, but would street race on occasion. He was interesting to talk to, but unfortunately he does not have any old photos. He took very good car of the car, taking it back to Nankivell once a year to get the lifters & shifter adjusted. He also wisely kept the original bill of sale and the POP. He recalls replacing the dual snorkel air cleaner with a chrome open element version on the way home from purchasing it on 7-31-70.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Owner1nMarlintake2.jpg

[sYc]

Cool... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Owner #2; Dwight Garrett in Turners Station, KY, 1980-1989. Dwight was pumped when I called him in '96, and was quite excited to see his old car again. Dwight had parked the car in the 'field', but was/is very enthusiastic about it. He was waiting outside with his family, along with his parents and extended family when I pulled up. It was a really fun to hang out with him, and toss him the keys for a joy run. Dwight is still into performance cars, and has an '06 GTO in the driveway.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Owner2nMarlintake2.jpg

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Couldn't get the smile off of Dwight's face:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Owner2inCartake2.jpg

Even the dog got into the pics:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Owner2ondrivewaytake2.jpg

This is an approx. shot of where the car sat in the 'field'. Since the field pic in '89, Dwight has built a new house and regraded the lot. I assumed that the field pic was out behind his house somewhere, but it was actually next to his driveway - ie; he drove by it every day when going to work. The proximity of the main road to the field pic made it clearly visible to anyone driving down the road - which is how Cliff's driver got into a conversation with a gas attendant, and discovered the car.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Owner2backinfield.jpg

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

The next stop was the old Nankivell dealership which is now a Firestone store. It was really cool to walk into this old dealership, the owners were quite friendly and thought it was neat to have bit of history back in front of the store. They were taking pictures too!

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/NankivellDealership1.jpg

The old showroom still looks the same as it did in '70, big doors to move cars in & out, small window with a neon 'cashier' sign, original neon in the store front windows (non-working, and not-for-sale). The best part was the neon CHEVROLET on the ceiling of the showroom - also not for sale http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/CHEVneononceilingfar.jpg

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

The finale of course is SCR10, and a pic with Lynn Yenko:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/MarlinandLynnYenko.jpg

Not to mention a 13.50 at 104+mph http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/SCR7-0296.jpg

[Allen]

Marlin,
You're welcome! I was happy to help and glad you were able to hook up with Carl.

=====
I didn't get to make the Supercar show, but had a great time at the Nova show. Aside from the fun of getting to cruise my newly restored ride (Thanks Ken and crew!) around the Kentucky Speedway and see some Nova folks again along with meeting some new ones from Steve's Nova site, Marlin made the best part of my weekend.

We chatted for a bit about Novas and Yenko Deuces (of course!), and then I got to take a ride in his car. Partway through the ride, Marlin offered me a chance to DRIVE it myself. Not hesitating nor giving him a chance to change his mind, I quickly hopped into the driver's seat.

I think I wore the grin I got from rowing that Deuce through the gears several times for a whole week. It was definately the highlight of my weekend. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

Thanks again Marlin!

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Allen is too nice, as we also took his L34 out for a spin. I was quite impressed with the torque from the L34, and the comfortable bucket seats - having never driven a BB or a bucket seat Nova before.

Double thanks to Allen: http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

I was glad to get home after this trip, as I was seriously missing these two! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/BenjaminnAmandaDutchWond07.jpg

[SS427]

Marlin,
Thanks for sharing those events. Those are the things that really make this hobby worthwhile. It must have been a great week for you hooking up with all these people and the history not to mention what the previous owners got out of it. Very cool! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[1969l78]

Great story, I bet those two wish they still had the deuce,why do you think the first owner was not too excited about the car?

[ORIGLS6]

Super story M. And even more history to go along with an Extra http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif car! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

Makes me appreciate the opportunities I've had the past few years................. like this one.
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/dmcumby/DSCF0033-1.jpg

[Xplantdad]

Congrats Marlin...that is just too cool. It is all about the people...as we've found out here...time and time again! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Thanks for sharing http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Z-11 396]

+++ MARLIN +++ A really Fantastic story with pictures, and everything. Thanks so much for sharing your trip....Kasey . http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[SS427]

[ QUOTE ]
Makes me appreciate the opportunities I've had the past few years................. like this one.


[/ QUOTE ]

Couldn't agree with you more Dennis. Between the SCR and Gibb shows, one must really sit back and think about our history and appreciate what we have.

That being said, you gotta do something about those hood stripes. Your car looks like a poisonous snake! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[bkhpah]

Thats very cool M, well worth the trip..BKH http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[MikeA]

Cool story. I bet you made their day! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[John]

Marlin , Great story and photos...
.....but the look on your children's face...priceless http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[camarojoe]

Cool! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[COPO PETE]

Too http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif Marlin. Thanks for letting us in on that!
Peter

[Mr70]

Man Marlin.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[SSJunkie68-69]

[ QUOTE ]
Congrats Marlin...that is just too cool. It is all about the people...as we've found out here...time and time again! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Thanks for sharing http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Truer words could not of been spoken Bruce. Marlin, it was nice meeting you at York and was a pleasure seeing you in Collinsville. Thanks for sharing the story and the pics!

SS Junkie 68-69

[Motion Camaro]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/youguysrock.gif
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Mr. Chevy]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Rich

[Schonyenko2]

Probably the 1st thing the original owner said was,"geez, where'd you dig up tires like that? I changed those as soon as I got the car home!" http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[JChlupsa]

very neat story and pictures.

[Tim Penton]

Marlin, I enjoyed the story. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
Probably the 1st thing the original owner said was,"geez, where'd you dig up tires like that? I changed those as soon as I got the car home!" http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, didn't he say..."Hey, where are the Atlas rims I had on here?" http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Probably the 1st thing the original owner said was,"geez, where'd you dig up tires like that? I changed those as soon as I got the car home!" http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, didn't he say..."Hey, where are the Atlas rims I had on here?" http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

Thankfully, Marlin has a great sense of humor and knows we're ALL just yankin' his chain. I'll bet I speak for all of us when I say we'd LOVE to have the car, no matter how he chooses to dress it. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif to both car and owner.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

[ QUOTE ]
Probably the 1st thing the original owner said was,"geez, where'd you dig up tires like that? I changed those as soon as I got the car home!" http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, the first owner was/is a fairly conservative guy, much like the current owner http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Carl put on some day two parts, but limited it to headers and traction bars, that was it. He kept the tires on until they wore out, then replaced them with some white lettered radials. He never changed the carb or the distributor, and never even changed the exhaust system. When I bought the car it still had the original exhaust with resonators and the crossflow. Carl wanted a car with a bit more punch than his 390 Mustang, and when a friend showed him a Yenko Deuce ad in National Dragster, he noticed that Nankivell was in the dealer list. He drove up the next weekend and bought it. Surprisingly, he chose the beige over the forest green deuce that is currently on the cover of the Nova SS book. I asked him why he would choose the beige over the far more popular F-Green, and he simply shrugged and replied that he like the color/stripe contrast. He distinctly remembers that the two deuces were flanking a '69 fathom green ZL1 Camaro in the showroom.

I think the reason that Carl shows limited enthusiasm is because to him it was a neat daily driver. There does not appear to be any memorable moments for him with this car, ie; a night at the track, a big street racing scene, a local grudge situation, etc... The area where he lives is fairly remote, and there's just not a lot going on.

On another note, this car was never garaged until Cliff bought it in '89. Carl had a gravel driveway, (as well as many of the local roads in the '70's), and so does Dwight. This would explain the amazing amount of rock chips and dings on the rockers when I got the car.

I bought a Sharpie pen a few miles from Dwight's place so that these guys could sign my air cleaner. In a twist of irony, I bought that pen at the same service station that Cliff's driver was told by the attendant about the Yenko. Small world down there in KY http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

[camarojoe]

I figured he was still bummin' about not getting the Forest Green one. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Ha! He passed over that generic color for the ultra cool 'beige' http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[Mr70]

I think Carl made the right decision. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[68l30]

[ QUOTE ]
Ha! He passed over that generic color for the ultra cool 'beige' http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

After all..... We know green doesn't sell.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif


Great story...Speaking with a prior owner... priceless!

Steve http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[427TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Owner2ondrivewaytake2.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

"I wish that human with the camera would buzz off so I can go pee on those nice wheels..."

(BTW: Great story Marlin. You no doubt made both owners very happy when you brought their old car by. VERY nice gesture to let Dwight drive it too.)

[hvychev]

Wow, Marlin what a great story! It is like you went full circle! Where do you go from here now? Oh yeah, ya still need to be a Deuce shoot out champ at least once! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

Marlin, BTW was it the orig owner that gave you the POP and orig bill of sale or did it stay with the car for all those years?

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Frankie, stop living in the past my friend - go pry that moldy money outta your mattress, buy yourself another Deuce, and BRING IT!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif (However, at these prices, you'll probably have to restore this one yourself, build your own engine, trans & rear, set it up on your own....etc..) I will win the Shootout one of these years, but for this year I'm just as happy when I look at my timeslip http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

As per your relevant question http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif, the POP and BOS followed the car through each owner until Cliff got it. He filed it with the paperwork on his Red Deuce, and once he realized that he over-nighted it to me. I bought the car with the promise of the paperwork, and Cliff stuck to his word that he would find it and get it to me.

As of yesterday, this trip is even more of a success for me. Eveleyn Nankivell sent me a package with 5 different Nankivell matchbooks, and a Nankivell key holder - how cool is that? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

BTW, notice that Lynn Yenko did not have her arm around me in our pic - unlike someone else's pic http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif

[PeteLeathersac]

[quote>...I figured he was still bummin' about not getting the Forest Green one. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Maybe he's more bummed he didn't pass on both Dueces and buck up for the Fathom Green car!http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif.

Great stuff Marlin...thanks for sharing your adventures!.

~ Pete
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[55chevy]

Marlin... Cool deal.
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/283912-field.jpg

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Just scored some Nankivell matchbooks, apparently specifically for '70 with the &quot;ON THE MOVE&quot; slogan on the spine. Very cool as these books have the Rt. 31 South addy - which is where the Yenko's were sold, this is where Hedrick's race car was on display too. Big thanks to J.Murphy who tipped me off to 'em! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/aacorp/Nankivellmatchbook.jpg