The Supercar Registry

The Supercar Registry (https://www.yenko.net/forum/index.php)
-   Supercar/Musclecar Discussion (https://www.yenko.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=79)
-   -   Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro (https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=71287)

hvychev 08-24-2002 12:26 AM

Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
Last night I sold a 2002 F-250 pickup to a guy, and as were doing his paperwork he saw the Yenko, and Nickey ads hanging in my office and said he once had a 69 Yenko Camaro.
The story goes that he bought it used in 1970 at Fencil-Tufo Chevrolet with 3,000 miles for around $4,000. He told me he was 18 years old and his father had to co-sign for him to get financed. The car was green, black interior, 4 speed with all the Yenko stripes and badges. He got no paperwork with the car. He said he drove the car from 70-73 as a dailey driver. He had never herd of Yenko but bought it because it was a 427. When he would go to buy parts for it the parts guys didn't believe that it was a factory 427 because it wasn't listed in the parts books. In 1973 him and a friend decided to make it a race car. They did the car up with all the race mods, a fiber glass front end, and painted it black. He said it ran 11's at US 30, and other drag strips. He retired the car in 1978 behind his fathers garage in Westmont, Il covered with a tarp, and went on with life. In 92 or 93 he was going to have the car hauled away to a junk yard but his cousin told a few people about it and Gary Dyer (the guy that had the blower company) herd through the grapevine that he had the car and rushed to come see it. My customer, Craig J, just wanted the car out of his fathers house, and wasn't expecting Gary to pay much because the car was modified and not in good shape from sitting outside fior all those years. Craig said that when Gary offered him $24,000 for the car he almost fell over. He said that he learned a little about Yenko over the years, but had no idea how much they were worth especially in that shape. He said he would have taken $1,000 for it! According to Craig, Gary had the car concourse restored to the tune of $65,000, and later tried to sell it for $125,000. He said when Gary invited him to a show that he was showing the Camaro at after the resto, he said it looked exactly the same as it did when he drove it hone from Fencil-Tufo in 70, except for the sYc on the head rests. He said that they were never on there when he bought the car. I told him that they were vinal and probably fell off by then. a coupe of other interesting things that he said was when Gary came to pick the car up, Craig said it was like a flea market in the back yard and he had all the speed parts he had accumulated over the years out on tables in the yard and he told Gary to take it all and he would'nt. He did'nt even want the fiber glass front end that was on the car. He told me that later Gary called him and apparently the spedo was not in the car when it was sold and Gary begged him to find it. He said he would send him a thousand dollars if he track it down. He looked in four garages that he worked on cars in over the years in and said that he could'nt find it. A good ending to this story is that he said he had a good banker and invested the $24,000 he got for the car and made some good investments with it and put his son through four years of college with the money. I think this guy was legit in his story and he is comming in late next week with the check for the truck and is going to bring me pictures of the car before and after the resto to see. Does any one know this car of have any info to add? Sorry about the long post! [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Bob Jenkins 08-24-2002 02:03 AM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
Cool story.....I am looking forward to seeing the pics

Steven J 08-24-2002 05:06 PM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
I grew up next door in Downers Grove, but don't recall seeing a Yenko, although the memory has faded after all these years. Did the car have a name painted on it when it was made into a race car ?

hvychev 08-24-2002 09:06 PM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
I have to ask him some more questions. We talked for 45 minutes while doing the paperwork on the truck and so much was said that I forgot some of it. I will write things down when he comes in next week. He also named other race tracks he raced at that I can't remember. I just hope he will let me copy the pictures he is bringing in or I could take a picture of them with a digital camera. I will try and find out more and keep you all posted.

Mr70 08-24-2002 11:25 PM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
Frank
Ask this guy if he remembers the name of the Salesman.
Also if possible to have him find the VIN# on any old Insurance forms from this Camaro.
I may have found some paper on this Camaro.

Steven J
Whadaya mean (Non Supercar)?


Steven J 08-25-2002 01:24 AM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
Mr70, I quote:

This site is devoted to 'SuperCars', and although an LS6 rag is a rare and desirable musclecar, it doesn't really fit into the scope of this particular site and board.

Thus, the signature.....

Stefano 08-25-2002 03:19 AM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
It is not what you own but where your passions lie. We are after all just custodians of these vehicles. Last time I checked no one was able to take them with, in the next go around [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/smirk.gif[/img]

hvychev 08-30-2002 03:49 AM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
I am off of work tonight and I got a call from my partner and she said that Craig J left the pictures for me in my office. Pretty cool of him, I did not think he would do that. I will copy them at Kinkos Copys and try and figure out how to post them for every one to see. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

hvychev 09-04-2002 06:57 PM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
An update on this car.....Craig left me the pictures that he took of this car at Chevy Vettefest in 3/94. The car is Ralley Green, 4 speed, black interior, ralleys, 140 mile per hour spedo. I got some more info that I wrote down this time. He grew up in Woodridge Il and heard of Fencil-tufo from a couple of gearhead friends of his thru Hoffman Automotive in Chicago. They said that if he wanted a trick car that F-T Chevy was the place to go. He went there with his father and when he saw the color and the fact that it was a 427 he was sold. He said that he paid $3,000. MR 70 I asked him if he could remember the salesmans name and he did'nt. He said that no one gave him a fancy sales pitch about it being a Yenko because not even the salesman knew what it was. Craig told me that his friend that was his race partner in the Camaro, traded the steel front end even for a fiber glass one. The fiber glass front end was a natural grey and then did not match the ralley green paint. His friend took a flat black primer like paint and painted the whole car to match all while Craig was on vacation!! He was livid to say the least. Stephen J, the car did not have a race name that he could remember. He said that they painted some "hodge podge" name on it but could'nt remember it. A couple of interesting things, when he told me that he bought it only a year old with 3k miles I thought how could it have went all the way from Cannonsberg to Glendale Heights Il so early? The pictures show a painted display sign that Gary Dyer had painted about the car and it was one of the first 50 cars from Cannonsberg, and it was delivered new to Jack Douglas Chevrolet in Hinsdale Il so it makes more sense to me....Stephano? Another interesting thing is that Craig said That FOR SURE the car had white Yenko stripes when he bought it. The car was restored with black ones. Craig said that he told Gary this but Gary said that the info he had got on the car said that they were black. Craig said that how could that have been because when he bought it, it was definately original paint and stripes and only had 3k miles. He told me that he kept the original blue bow tie embelm from the rear panel as a souviner and is displayed on his book case at home. He said that he sold it to Gary in 11/93 and it was completely restored and being shown at vette fest by 3/94. The car was sold with the original engine that Craig bought it with in 1970. It was on an engine stand in his garage but the block was sleaved. Does any one know who owns this car now? I was told by members of this board that Gary sold the car. No owner after Gary has tried to contact Graig J, which suprises me because after all he owned this car for 23 years and has lots to say about it. It was registered with the Copo Connection, because the plaque is in one of the pictures. If any one would like to see the pictures from Vette Fest 94 of this car I could have them scanned and post them. A funny thing is when I was grilling Craig for all these details I told them that I would share them with my "Yenko Connections" and he laughed and said "what the heck, are there Yenko cults out care that actually care about these details!" [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Sorry about another rambling post!!!!


JoeC 09-04-2002 07:23 PM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
Frank, it is an interesting story and thanks for taking the time to get it and post it. There are definitely some nuts out here that like to hear the Yenko ghost stories.

YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY 09-04-2002 08:25 PM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
Sounds like it might be one of those Douglass cars since Yenko removed the bowtie on the rear panel and installed the YENKO emblem and the 427 emblem using those two existing holes - to my knowledge. Did Douglass do that?

ssl78 09-04-2002 09:16 PM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
I do remember this Yenko because I used to sell parts to Gary Dyer. This was a Yenko yenko not a Douglas Yenko, I know because at the time I owned a Yenko and we used to talk about theese cars . One time when Gary came over he had just picked up the original block from the previous owner and we checked it out. I even still have pictures of the block with the vin number on it and yes the block was sleeved. He also had a 1969 Yenko Nova that was sold to Gary Holub maybe the Camaro was also sold to him. Gary Dyer was a really nice guy anybody still hear from him.

Stefano 09-04-2002 09:31 PM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
Marlin,
Very perceptive. The Jack Douglass Non Cannonsberg Yenkos had the Yenko Crest to the right of the Chevy Bowtie.

Jack has stated that this placement was used because at least one of the Cannonsberg Yenkos delivered to his dealership used similar emblem placement. He also stated that the Fender Crest was above the Fender Belt Line not under the Camaro Emblem.

We have both documented Cannonsberg Cars and Douglass Direct Yenkos with the Blue Bowtie and Yenko Crest parallel and to the right.

The vin would tell us if it was a one of the Cannonsberg List Yenkos.

If he has the "Bowtie" from the rear pannel and it is a Yenko List Camaro then it could have been the model for emblem placement on his Direct Order Yenkos.

It is Ironic that I spoke with Jack today to see if he might make it to the reunion. He said that he a will try and make it [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif[/img] .





hvychev 09-04-2002 10:42 PM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
Guys I did'nt mean to start the controversy regarding the blue bow tie from the rear pannel. He just told me that he has a blue bow tie he saved from the car. I just assumed (I know what happens when you ASSume!) that he removed it from the rear pannel like the regular COPO's. Remember that I am new the whole COPO/Yenko thing. My knowledge consists of all of your posts that I have read since January of this year and am learning more and more every day from this site! When I get home I will look at the pictures from the Vette Fest because you can make out the vin# on the COPO Connection certificate. It might be a little hard to read but I will do my best. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY 09-05-2002 01:32 PM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
Frank;
No controversy on the bowtie emblem, it is not inconceivable that some of the cars had different emblem placements. You have to remember that Yenko had kids putting this stuff on the cars after school, no car has it's stripes/emblems is installed the same. Donna Mae told us that when they were looking for help, a lot of young women were answering their ad's from the newspaper. They realized that when they requested 'stripers', the young ladies thought they wanted 'strippers'!! [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

JoeC 09-05-2002 02:54 PM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
I don't know if Gary Dyer has any Yenkos today but I have heard his name mentioned many times as an early Yenko collector. He had at least two Yenko Chevelles and at least two Yenko Camaros maybe more. Anybody know him? Would be nice to have him visit this site.

YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY 09-05-2002 03:35 PM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
I know he used to own the '69 garnet red Yenko Nova that Holub now owns. Dyer purchased it from Mitch Moore and Mick Price who snatched it from a country boy in Mariana, PA. The owner in PA was told that it was always a 396 car. I think Dyer had it verified by Emme as a 427 conversion, but not sure.

Stefano 09-06-2002 06:22 AM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
Frank,
I would have thought the same as you. I have never seen a picture of an Original Cannonsberg Yenko with the front grill bowtie still in place. It certainly could have happened very easily enough.

It is just that your bit of trivia may happen to confirm, the story on why Jack Douglass' Yenko emblem placement differed from the more common locations.

JoeC 09-06-2002 10:54 AM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
The Olympic Gold 69 Yenko Camaro demonstrator and magazine drag test car had the emblems mounted in different locations then the average Yenko. On the rear panel it had the bowtie with the 427 emblem numbers used on a Corvette hood. The 427 numbers were bolted on to the bowtie emblem.

bkhpah 09-06-2002 11:23 AM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
My original Yenko Camaro has the bowtie still in the grill..BKH

Stefano 09-06-2002 03:59 PM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
Brian,
It seems that all the Douglass Built Yenkos kept the Bowtie as well, but no vintage pictoral documentation has surfaced for the front grill.

hvychev 09-07-2002 05:15 AM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
Guys I have the pictures in front of me and I can't read the vin# on the COPO connection cirtificate for the life of me!!! (I even used a magnifying glass!) The good news is I have a perfect picture of the painted display sign amd mabye the info will help identify where/who has the car now...

<ul type="square"> Yenko
1969 Yenko 427 Camaro Rallye Green Paint-std blk int.
Owned by Bill &amp; Gary Dyer Summit,Il
This is one of the first 50 of 201 yenko Camaros built in 1969. This car is built under COPO No 9561.(Factory installed 427 engine) &amp; COPO 9737 (special 140 mph spedo.)15-7 ralley wheels, H.D. front sway bar.
Features..
-427-450 H.P. engine
-M21 4 spd trans.
-H.D. 410 posi. rear
-Cowl Induction Hood
-X66 B/B trim (first 50 Yenkos)
-Stewart Warner Tach
-Special Yenko striping &amp; emblems
This car was built by Don Yenko in Cannonsberg, PA. in Feb 1969 &amp; transfered to Jack Douglas Chev. in Hinsdale, Il where it was sold new in March 1969
Special thanks to...
Rich Giebucowski for the paint, bodywork, &amp; much help with the restoration.
D &amp; R Classic Auto for the help and restoration parts.
Dan Leahy for many hard to find parts.[/list]
This is verbatium how the sign reads.

By the way as far as the blue bowtie their is not one on the grill in the pics and I dont have a pic of a rear view of the car but FOR SURE Craig told me he still has a blue bowtie from this car. Where it came from I don't know. I would call him and ask him about this and the vin# but I don't want to seem like a STALKER. As it is he already thinks I am a member of a YENKO CULT!!! [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif[/img]


JoeC 09-07-2002 11:03 AM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
Have you tried to contact Gary Dyer? I believe it is the same Gary Dyer who manufactured blowers for many years. They have a web site with email and phone number at

http://www.dyersblowers.com/index.html

Mr70 09-07-2002 12:17 PM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
Frank
708-496-8100,He is in Summit.
Just a stones throw for you and me.

hvychev 09-07-2002 05:53 PM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
Joe C &amp; Rick, I just e-mailed him to ask if he has any info on this car and I asked him to visit the site. After visiting his site it was really cool to see how he drove for Mr. Norm. The vintage photos are cool! [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Kim_Howie 09-09-2002 09:06 PM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
Gary owned three yenko camaros and two chevelles two 69s and one 68 the 69 you are taking about went to minn. dont know his name Kim Howie

hvychev 09-10-2002 06:16 AM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
I just checked my e-mail and I already got a response from Gary Dyer. I am going to post it word for word.

Yes I bought the car from Craig Jensen. It is vin#579586. It was verified by Vince Emme as an original X66 (first 50 Yenkos) Yenko and sold through Jack Douglas Chevrolet. My son and I did the restoration with help from Rich Gibodowski who did the paint. It is an original engine &amp; rear car, and did have one sleeve in the block.

The car won Chevy Vette Fest, Camaro Nationals, and was a special invite to Super Chevy Indy.

I sold the car to a guy in Wisconsin that is a car collector. Can't remember his name though. Sold it for $60,000 back in 95 or 96.

Also had a 68 Yenko Camaro(413680?), 3 69 Yenko Chevelles, 69 427 Nova, and the first 68 Dick Harrell Nova(68 COPO Nova L78 Auto converted by Dick Harrell.)

I have sold all my cars and am now enjoying my grandkids and working on blowers.

Thanks for the interest.

Gary Dyer

Seems like a cool guy. He must have read the post since he mentioned the sleeved block thing. I never mentioned it in the e-mail. The more info we get on these cars the better.

CJensen 11-25-2011 06:04 PM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
I am the person who sold the car to Gary Dyer and I am looking at the Blue Bow-Tie as I type. It was taken off the back section between the taillights. Raced the car at Oswego, US 30, and a few trips to Lake Geneva and maybe Byron. Ran low 11's with just Tunnel Ram and header bolt ons. Lived in Woodridge at the time. Ran Run Tough Eliminater (RTE) with Kevin S's. 68 Chevelle &quot;Red 'n Hot&quot;, Bill H's 55 Chevy &quot;Daddy's Toy&quot;,and Daddy's Thing, Week-n-der,Yellow Chevelle and Running Bare to name a few. If you have any other questions, just ask. This site was sent to me by my son, they found it while looking for muscle cars at work.

Steven J 11-25-2011 11:26 PM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
1 Attachment(s)
Craig, I must have gone to high school (DGS)with you. I know the cars that you mentioned. Some of the people from Woodridge, Kevin Smith, Sam Sloan, Kevin Walker, Mike Deluca, John Baron, etc. I had a silver 70 Chevelle at the time.

Steve Arp

DarrenX33 11-26-2011 12:13 AM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
Steve. Gold Z?

Steven J 11-26-2011 12:18 AM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
My brother's car. We were looking for a used 69 Z for him but the ones that we looked at were well used. He bought this 70 1/2 around 1973. It was originally sold by Wickham Chevrolet near 79th and Harlem. Last I checked, it's still in the area.

CJensen 11-26-2011 03:35 PM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
Steve, DGSHS Class of 71. Lived in Woodridge, just up the street from Kevin Smith, on Forest Glen.

DarrenX33 11-26-2011 03:52 PM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
Great picture.

Steven J 11-26-2011 06:18 PM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
Class of '72.

Steven J 12-07-2011 06:12 PM

Re: Does anyone know this 1969 Yenko Camaro
 
1 Attachment(s)
Craig, here's a photo of your neighbors car.


All times are GMT. The time now is 07:11 PM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.


O Garage vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.