1966 Corvette purchased-modified from Yenko Chev

[SuperCars]

I don't believe that the Yenko/Best Photo Vette is one of only two special Vettes built. There were only 15 L72-M22 Vettes built, which is still a small number.

But, there were 2 Daytona Vettes special ordered to Race at Daytona in 1966; and were delivered in Florida. One was raced by the Penske team and is currently owned by Kevin MacKay. MacKay says these Daytona Vettes are an early version L88, but there is confusion with having cast iron versus aluminum heads? The other 66 Daytona Vette special ordered to race at Daytona is my Silver 66 Big Tank L72-M22 Vette. My Vette was raced by a lesser known team, yet it was the car featured on the front cover of the 1966 Corvette News magazine. Also was an article inside about these 2 Daytona Vettes competing at Daytona; as 1966 was the first year that Daytona jumped from a 12 hour race to the full 24 hour race.

These two are confirmed by Al Grenning whom is a Historian/Author with NCRS, has the factory documents (won't give me copies) of my Vette and the Penske Vette. He states they were built with special motors unlike any other L72. I tried persistently for copies, but at the time, he claims they were given to him in strict confidence; and told not to be copied. I have two very frustrating car situations like this, being unable to get copies. But I am convinced and have no doubt, that these 66 Daytona Vettes were special ordered, with special L72 motor.

[SuperCars]

My 66 Daytona Vette on front cover of Corvette News

[SuperCars]

This is the Penske Vette on the back cover. Note the Yenko Stinger Pit area right behind Penske's Pit area. Maybe it was after this race at Daytona, Yenko figured the Stinger was not the right car to race, and the Yenko/Best Photo Vette was ordered. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[ygeeoh]

Thanks ALL for the excellent replies.
I have looked at most of the information mentioned (need to get the back issue of Corvette Fever magazine). Here is some more history on the 66 Corvette. The car was originally white according to the data plate (currently it is red) and it did have a 427 hood and a 350 ci replacement engine and 4 speed transmission (not the M22) 16 years ago at the time of purchase. The hood was replaced with a 327 ci standard version hood and the 350 ci engine was replaced with a 327 ci corvette engine of the correct year etc. but missing the matching vin (unfortunately). The car has both the soft and hard tops. Most recent history on the car is a person has looked at the car after doing some research in finding its current location (MD). He stated it was from Yenko Chevrolet when new where it was also was modified for racing including a roll bar and a short racing type windshield. The car was raced for a few years. A few pictures of the car that were taken during its racing period were shown and that is why I am inquiring as I was given information I didn't know anything about until recently. I can't distinguish if the car ever had these modifications and if it was returned to a modified stock car afterward.

[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]*****NICE car SuperCars.******

Thanks again for great help.
[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]ygeeoh

[ygeeoh]

Hi.,
I was wondering if there is a vin number list of the 15 cars and there options and if anyone would know the history and or location (on display somewhere?) of any of those 1966 Corvettes.

Thanks again for the replies.

[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]ygeeoh

[MosportGreen66]

Can someone please post picture for me. At the 2003 Metro Long Island NCRS Chapter Meet Kevin Mckay's Penske car was there and also the "Best Photo" car.

-Dan

[ChrisS]

SuperCars,
Saw your '66 at one of the conventions, Galveston maybe? Does it have the orginal drivetrain? I'm specifically interested in the engine assembly code on these cars. I've spoken to Al on a couple of occassions, but he has said the information he has is not conclusive. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]