Darren X33's Beautiful Blue SS....

[Xplantdad]

Here is a little something.....


I guess it all started when I did the mini restoration on my Z-28. Many might remember that member ssl78 (John P) kindly let me use his Hugger Orange Z-L1 on several occasions while my car was out of service.

After 20 some years of only driving a small block I got the big block bug when I got behind the wheel of John’s car. The car had tons of power, hints of day two items and a great color combo. It was a perfect car. When he was deciding to sell the Z-L1 I tried very hard to come up with some way to fund purchasing it but I just couldn’t swing it. When funding finally allowed unfortunately the ZL1 was long gone so I started looking for something to substitute it which led me to this.

1970 Camaro L78 with M21 and 3.55 rear end. One of 600 made and currently the only car in the L78 Registry in this color combo. This car has spent its entire life in Illinois and is believed to have been sold at El Bauer Chevrolet in Decatur. A very well documented car, I have all the original titles for the car except for the very first one. I have been fortunate to speak with many of the owners and have received original pictures of the car from back in the day.

The car was a 2 build sheet car but only one survived. It was frame off restored in 2000 by member Sixtiesmuscle and finally made it into my collection with the help of Stefano and Jay Rutuli. It is believed that in the early 70’s the 3rd owner blew up the original motor while street racing as was the case with many hi-performance cars back in the day. Leaving the rear end as it’s only remaining original drive train piece. The car was temporarily fitted with an LS6 and M22 during restoration and retains that combination today, while a correct block and transmission are being prepared.


However, this combination turned out to be pretty enjoyable during my first effort at drag racing at SCR9 where I managed my best beginner’s time of 13.87 at 105mph. Now if I tuned it up a bit………



Darren supplied these pics of what it looks like currently!




http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/DarrenX33/tn_IMG_1787.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/DarrenX33/tn_IMG_1789.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/DarrenX33/tn_IMG_1790.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/DarrenX33/tn_IMG_1932.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Members%20Rides/DarrenX33/tn_IMG_1825.jpg





Here's a few that I added from SCR9(Hope you don't mind Darren)

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Super%20Car%20Reunion%209/Thursday/tn_DSCF5005.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Super%20Car%20Reunion%209/Thursday/tn_DSCF5006.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Super%20Car%20Reunion%209/Thursday/tn_DSCF5007.jpg



Darren at the track....



http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Super%20Car%20Reunion%209/Friday/tn_DSCF5136.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Super%20Car%20Reunion%209/Friday/tn_DSCF5151.jpg




At the indoor show on Saturday

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Super%20Car%20Reunion%209/Saturday/tn_69Darrenfront.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Super%20Car%20Reunion%209/Saturday/tn_70Darrenrear.jpg




And a few videos! (Click on filmstrip to play) http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Super%20Car%20Reunion%209/videos%20at%20the%20track/th_darren.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Super%20Car%20Reunion%209/videos%20at%20the%20track/?action=view&current=darren.flv)

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Super%20Car%20Reunion%209/videos%20at%20the%20track/th_DarrenvsJohnPlatania.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/lotsayenkopics/Super%20Car%20Reunion%209/videos%20at%20the%20track/?action=view&current=DarrenvsJohnPlatania.flv)

[Postsedan]

Darren,

Your car is great and so are you....and I love the Blue/Blue combo. Darren is one of the BEST guys in our HOBBY. Look forward to many more cruises and Lombard`s. I can even bring out Dusty for a Dusting http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

Dan.

[47Hammer]

That's a great look'in second Gen Camaro in one of my favorite colors too. Oh, can't forget that Big Block you got in her either, that air cleaner brings me back to the mid seventies when I had my Big Block Nova with the very same deal. Very nice. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif


http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a321/megavin/nastyBB.jpg

[mockingbird812]

Sweet Darren. MTs look fine shod on that fine mount of yours. Thanks for sharing! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Betcha' she'll get sideways in a hurry.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif


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

[Salvatore]

Man Darren what a wheel combo!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[kwhizz]

Great Car for a Great Guy........... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif


Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Z-11 396]

+++ Darren ++ Fantastic car, great color, and lots of /// getty -up - go /// as well...Thanks for sharing....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

[ANDY M]

Side note on that first video, that was the first time in his life that he'd ever lined up at a tree. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif The car next to his is mine, and it was also my first time ever at a real live drag strip. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif
What is known in horse racing as a "maidens" race. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Also the only pass that I've ever crossed the finish line first. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif If you listen closely at the end of the clip, Darren figures out how to shift gears and almost caught me at the end of the track. He was going 103 mph to my 96 when we crossed the line, but I got there first. 14.42 to 14.44. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif
Won't happen again, either. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
One very sweep ride! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif No rematchs allowed.

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
Great Car for a Great Guy........... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif


Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif Couldn't say it any better than that! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[chads454Ls6]

Cool car and cooler guy http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Tenney]

Sorta how it would've been had the factory gone ahead w/the LS-6 Camaro - very cool car.

[MosportGreen66]

Hey Darren... Awesome L78. Good to see you bringing the car back to its original condition! Congrats on a FINE Camaro in a stellar color combination... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[DaJudge]

Great car Darren http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif My favorite color combination http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

Love your Car Darren!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif

Beautiful http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[COPO 70 RS/Z28]

Love your Car Darren!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif

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

Beautiful http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[Verne_Frantz]

Very cool car Darren http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif See what happens when you finally get to drive a Big Block!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif
Verne http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[nrjulin]

Darren,

Very http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif. I love the colors and of course its and L78....

[396L35]

I love the car "D"... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[sixtiesmuscle]

Darren, the car looks GREAT! You have taken it to the next level, and, really done the right thing in the right way. Congrats.

[x Baldwin Motion]

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

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gifAnd my favorite steering wheel to boot !! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[hvychev]

And just think, I remember the very first day he found his way over to the sYc! Cool dude and car! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif (I am partial to the blue/blue combo!) http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[bashton]

Schaaaaweeeet...and I gotta say, looks even better in person!

BA

[DarrenX33]

Guys thanks very much for all the kind words (and one crackin' wise). Speaking of... Dan your really going to enjoy this..

Over the weekend I was able to talk to 2 more original owners of this car. Owner 3 and 4. Owner 3 had the car for a year between 73 and 74. He wasn't shy about telling me that he raced it a lot. When the 70 Camaros came out he bought an SS 350. Guess what the color combo of this car was? Yep, mulsanne blue with blue interior. When he saw the L78 sitting on a dealer lot in 73 it was a no brainer. Minus the original CL wheels the car was still completely intact. He had a big block and a small block SS in identical colors. Amazing! It even still had the dual snorkel on it. But the smog didn't last long with him.

Now pay attention Dan. I have been told by other owners that owner 4 blew up the motor. Now I got the story. He bought the car in 74 and owned it for 1 year. Apparently he was racing with a friend on the street when it happened. The other car? I'm can't believe I'm admitting this.. It was a Duster 340. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif Regardless, they both agreed with the other owners that the car was really fast and went thru a lot of rear tires. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

Hoping that I might be getting some more vintage pictures of the car from that period.

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

[Postsedan]

Wow....great story. It`s funny how history repeats itself. Moral of story; Stay away from 340 Dusters.

Please post those vintage pictures...very cool.

Dan.

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
Moral of story; Stay away from 340 Dusters.



[/ QUOTE ]

Just how do we take that? 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/wink.gif

[DarrenX33]

BTW, I feel it necessary to mention that much credit should go to Mike for all of his effort. When others might have ran in the opposite direction, he took on this car as a project and fully understood its significance regardless of the condition it was in at the time. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[DarrenX33]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Moral of story; Stay away from 340 Dusters.



[/ QUOTE ]

Just how do we take that? 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/wink.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

From Dan? With a grain of salt DC. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[camarojoe]

Cool car, cool guy. 'Nuff said. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[396L35]

[ QUOTE ]
Wow....great story. It`s funny how history repeats itself. Moral of story; Stay away from 340 Dusters.

Please post those vintage pictures...very cool.

Dan.

[/ QUOTE ]
Wasn't that Duster black??? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[Postsedan]

Yes...it still is Black.

Here is almost the View Darren is use to seeing it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/Postsedan/P1010166-1.jpg

Dan.

[DarrenX33]

You really have to get something new to brag about. What is this, like almost 2 years old?

[Belair62]

[ QUOTE ]
Yes...it still is Black.

Here is almost the View Darren is use to seeing it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/Postsedan/P1010166-1.jpg

Dan.

[/ QUOTE ]

Not if he is driving the 70 !!

[Lemans69]

Great car Darren, one of my favorite second gens..... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[SS427]

It is indeed a beautiful car. I have enjoyed looking it over both times I have seen it in person.

Regarding those Dusters, there was a bone stock (save for Cragers) gold 70 340 Duster that I used to run against with my 69 transplanted 427 Chevelle back in the 70's. I might as well have parked the Chevelle. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif

[70 Forest Green Zee]

Great second gen Camaro Darren, one of my favorites.....and the owner is also one of my favorites! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[mrtimstik]

Very cool car and a very cool person. C'mon summer.

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j142/mrtimstik/MotleyCrew.jpg

[ss427copo]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gifDarren.......I'm salivating all the way here in NJ! MY favorite Sencond Gen Car!
THAT IS......THEEE color and what a job makin' it look right! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif
I almost ordered that same car from Dick Barone Chevrolet in Springfield Pa. back in the day, but settled for a used Motion-prepped 68 SS427 Impala instead (I'm a big car guy too)

Maybe your gorgeous car might motivate Mark (70-SS/RS-L78) to get off his ass and finish his! Everyone who's a member should PM him and tell him so! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

Here it is back from us picking it up in Kentuckey
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r59/nhra1060sc/tn_MVC-247S.jpg

Mark, Savoring his "find"
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r59/nhra1060sc/tn_MVC-256S.jpg

CongRATS again "The Blue Beauty".....SA-WEEEET http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Jeffx2 http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[Bill Pritchard]

Outstanding, Darren! Love the color combo and the wheels....same wheels I had on my blue 73 Z28 for 23 years http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[70LS6454]

Sweet car, love the wheels too

[Stefano]

That '73 Z28 "D" had was cool too. Who would have known he
was a closet second Gen guy http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

It was like the rat rod of Muscle cars.

[DarrenX33]

[ QUOTE ]
That '73 Z28 "D" had was cool too.

[/ QUOTE ]

That was the 72. I want that car back. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[Xplantdad]

Hey Darren...thanks so much for sending the pics and write up in...so that we could all enjoy another one of your cool cars!

I think your SS is just awesome-I love the big block...and the color is hard to beat...but like the others have said...you are one of the really good guys in the hobby!

It was a joy to have you and your family spend some time with us last summer...and remember-the door is always open for you at our house...at any time! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
...but like the others have said...you are one of the really good guys in the hobby!

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, yeah,..... he's a good guy; one of the best, yada, yada, yada. Enough already! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

If you want the truth, I hear Gavin does all the detail work on the cars.











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

[DarrenX33]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
...but like the others have said...you are one of the really good guys in the hobby!

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, yeah,..... he's a good guy; one of the best, yada, yada, yada. Enough already! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

If you want the truth, I hear Gavin does all the detail work on the cars.











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

[/ QUOTE ]

Pics coming soon... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[ssl78]

Great car Darren yours is one of my favorite Gen 2 Camaros there is a lot of small block ones but very rarely see a real L78 car. You gave it the perfect day 2 look. Cruise time is around the corner

[Mr. Chevy]

Very Cool Darren!!! car looks KILLER!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Can-I-Have-It.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 http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

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

[Justbad Joe]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
That '73 Z28 "D" had was cool too.

[/ QUOTE ]

That was the 72. I want that car back. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
Its hybernating in a barn waiting for the snow to melt. It hasn't change much, except that god awful hood is gone. Don't tell my wife you want it back, she might bring it to you! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Awesome L-78!! If you need a good home for that rim/tire combo let me know. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif
Joe

[DarrenX33]

[ QUOTE ]
Don't tell my wife you want it back, she might bring it to you!

[/ QUOTE ]

Its on the down low. Just make sure I am 1st on the list. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[rockn69]

I've seen Darren's car and it's super but sure wish I was there for that race. Maybe next time out.....Pat http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[Dave Rifkin]

Love that car; wasn't it the same car that was for sale at Volo cars with all of the Yenko stuff on it?

[firstgenaddict]

It was the Volo car...

[DarrenX33]

Have pictures here somewhere.....

[DarrenX33]

Photo scan of the day I brought it home in March of 06. Hmmm, an anniversary of sorts.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/dagcostello/L78Yenko.jpg

[DarrenX33]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/dagcostello/L78Yenko2.jpg

[camarojoe]

It was a nice car when you got it, but it looks a gazillion times better now IMO... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[68427caprice]

Nice car! Look forward to seeing new time slips!

I like the Yenko sticker look also!

Glad to see people preserving cars like this. I would like to see more "recycling/rebuilding" of cars instead of parting out. (being a fat car guy and all). http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Jim

[Salvatore]

Darren stuff is always top shelf! What is really good is that he does probably 95% of the work in house! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[L72COPO]

Cool car D. Love the color combination.

Can I have the air cleaner??????????????

Don

[DarrenX33]

[ QUOTE ]
Can I have the air cleaner??????????????

[/ QUOTE ]

Kinda.. Check your email.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[L72COPO]

Got it. Sounds like a plan.