Two-hundred or so Yenko Camaros were built in 1969, but there is one that stands head and shoulders above the rest. It’s not distinctive in terms of equipment, but rather in terms of sequence (among other things). Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce you to the 1969 Yenko Camaro prototype!
Image courtesy of Jim Campisano
It’s not that this Camaro has a neon sign blinking PROTOTYPE with an arrow pointing at it, but it’s known that this car was part of the first batch of COPOs that arrived at Yenko Chevrolet, and this one has things that are slightly different than the rest — note the lack of engine badges on the hood (you’ll find them on the front fenders), the Yenko badges over the front-fender Camaro badges, the way the badges are organized on the rear panel (which is also black), and the lack of Stewart-Warner gauges. This is the car that determined how the rest were built.
Image courtesy of Jim Campisano
In addition, this Olympic Gold Yenko (one of ten built) was tested by Super Stock & Drag Illustrated, so it has a vibrant history before it was sold with 8,000 miles to owner number one. Would you believe that it even has its original engine?
Join Muscle Car Campy as he continues his adventures with Ryan Snyder and his Camaro and Mustang/Shelby collection. And if you dig this video, be sure to check out more of Campy’s creative output, including other segments covering Ryan’s collection.
