Yenko/ZL1

[RLS_Jr]

Was there any ZL1 camaros sold at yenko chevrolet.just curious Ron

[hvychev]

Ron no they did not. Here is the registry & list. http://www.copo.com/ZL1-vin.htm

Guys that was a good question that I have been meaning to ask for a while myself. Why with all of Don's inovating performance moves why didn't he order any of the factory ZL1's? Was he worried that it would affect his over the counter aluminum engine business? Any other theorys?

[olredalert]

-----The question that pops to my mind,Frank,is why so many of the Merollis ZL1s were destroyed?Maybe this is a question that has been hashed over before and I missed it?Sure seems odd though............Bill S

[hvychev]

I am curious also after reading the vin registry page at The COPO Connection is how are we 100% sure that the cars that were destroyed or wrecked as stated?

[JoeC]

Don Yenko had a ZL1 Camaro road race car. Probably not a real ZL1 as many of the road racers built their own ZL1 Corvettes. Yenko's ZL1 Camaro was very fast at Sebring but blew up. I read about this ZL1 powered car in an old race report and thought it was a misprint but an ex Yenko mechanic verified the story.

[GMH454]

Road racing ZL1s, a topic close to my heart. I think Yenko won Sebring in that Camaro (was faster than the L-88 vettes ) and I think on a previous thread someone stated they believed it was a Z28 transplant.

Now the only real ZL1 that saw road racing action, to my knowledge is Janes ZL1.
Now I know a lot of Americans think that because it was in Australia it must be second rate level of Competition but consider:-
The number one opponent for Jane was Moffat any ex Ford US driver, who ran one of the 7 special built racing Boss 302's (pretty well pure race cars front guards had been altered for aerodynamics, etc. )
a couple of full house LT1 powered Monaros on webbers and some awesome 351 Cleveland Falcons, webbers etc.
These Falcons are different to the US stones (cruel I know ) as they ran 160+ mph with their stock Hollies, on road circuits,and could brake and handle. Weighed around 3300lbs.

But Janes car, to my knowledge, is THE only road race ZL1. Would love to be corrected, honestly. More info around the better.

[Jeff H]

Do you have more details on Jane's ZL1? Which car, what color, what options?

[GMH454]

Jane had two cars the orange 4sp 33# (VIN 610732) and the Le Mans blue auto 52# (Vin 620934 ) This is from memory, I'm reasonably sure they were the 2 from Jim Rathman Chevrolet in Florida.
Don't know about the options as the car was converted to racing as soon as bought. Will check and see what I can find.
Jane showed our racing body CAMS the option listed showing 4 wheel disc brakes and got away with running them in the first year, (although Moffat complained ) Lost them in the second year and still won. Detuned the egine to 11-1 and used to stroke it. As if he really let the car go flat out they would have banned the car sooner rather than later. only blew one engine in 2 years of racing.

Jane used to run Mustangs and Moffat was one of his team drivers. When Moffat got the Boss 302 Jane approached GM for some support. They put him in contact with Rathman Chevrolet and he bought both their ZL1s.
Only ever had the one conversation with him. Gave him a copy of Chevy Hi-Perf Manual, the one with the ZL-1 advert from Gibb Chevrolet. Was'nt used to no string attached gifts, and we had a pretty fair conversation. He stated that he had GM paperwork about their support of him around somewhere, but it has never turned up. Has been in very bad health for years, but it may turn up when he passes on.
Or as usually happens, family won't know its significance and it will go in the bin.

[Ed Cunneen]

Four of the five new Merollis Chev ZL-1's were stolen at the dealership. No drivetrain components or cars have surfaced to this day that I am aware of. Title searches on these cars in all states have come up empty over the years. I have listed these stolen cars as destroyed, as they were stolen in 1969 era. A fifth Merollis ZL-1 has been accounted for.

[olredalert]

------Thanks,Ed.Finally able to see the big picture!!!!!............Bill S