Frame Up Built Camaro Yenko 427 V8 4 Speed 12 Bolt

Perhaps you were watching the Scottsdale auctions on TV a few weeks ago. If you were, you probably saw tribute cars like this beautiful Lemans Blue Yenko Camaro cross the block. They were popular there, and the remain the best way to get the thrill of driving an otherwise unobtainable piece of automotive history. Plus, if you buy one like this, there's no waiting, no build frustrations, and it's always cheaper. Heck, the 427 engine alone is probably worth 20% of the sticker price. So instead of fretting about absolute authenticity (but if that's what you're after, we can certainly accommodate you), look instead at the performance, the look, and the value that this Yenko represents.

You can't argue that the '69 Camaro wasn't one of the best-looking pony cars of all time, and the Yenko treatment only made it better. This one is dressed appropriately as a base V8 Camaro with full Yenko regalia and a simple ducktail spoiler. A cowl induction hood was added, along with a cool chin spoiler, and the Lemans Blue paint is the perfect combination of subtle and stunning. Rendered in two-stage urethane, it has a soft glow to it that only seems to emphasize the Yenko's power and attitude. Before the Yenko stripes went on, the entire body was color sanded and buffed for a spectacular shine that really makes the white stripes pop.

Another part of making a tribute car work is the correct badges, and this one has all the right stuff. First of all, Yenkos were not SS or RS models, so you'll find none of that. Instead, it's a base Camaro, with script on the front fenders, nose, and tail. The 427 callout on the hood advertises the engine underneath, and really, with a car that looks like this, there's really no need to hide it. Don Yenko also added his own badges, just so you'd know who the builder was, in case the stripes weren't enough. This one also features beautiful chrome bumpers, fresh glass throughout, and polished stainless trim, which gives it a showroom fresh look.

But let's be honest, the only reason you want a Yenko lives under the hood. In this case, it's a correct iron block 427 cubic inch mill dressed like the factory would have done, plus a few upgrades. There's Chevy Orange paint on the block, a correct open element air cleaner with '427 Turbo-Jet 425 horsepower' decals, and OEM chrome valve covers, which were standard equipment on big block Camaros. Upgrades include a big Holley carburetor atop an Edelbrock intake, some positively huge long-tube headers, and an HEI ignition system to light the fires. You also get a big aluminum radiator up front, so you don't have to worry about running this big block hard, and a trick power rack-and-pinion steering system that uses a miniature pump to save space. There's almost no sign of usage anywhere under the hood, and the level of detailing will make you want to pop the lid every time you park the car. Sure, you could probably duplicate this yourself, but why?

Although you could get a Yenko with an automatic, a vast majority were equipped with Muncie M21 4-speeds like the one in this car. Out back, there's a correct 12-bolt with 3.73 gears and a Posi. It hangs on re-arched leaf springs, which help give the car its crouching stance, while up front lowering springs keep it in the weeds. The chassis is set up for the road, there's no secret about that at this price, but since that's what tribute cars do best, it's what you want. That massive dual exhaust system features Flowmaster mufflers that sound like God's own V8 is under the hood, and subframe connectors have been added to keep the body tub solid behind all that power. Power disc brakes, a new gas tank, and fresh KYB shocks at all four corners keep it planted. Cool American Racing Torque Thrust wheels give it a period performance look that's just as cool as steelies and dog dish hubcaps, and wear a set of 225/50/15 performance radials.

Inside it's 100% Camaro, and that's always a good thing. Fresh black seat covers, new door panels, and correct carpets give it an OEM feel, but there are definitely some upgraded features that were special to the Yenkos. First of all, there were the sYc decals on the front seat headrests (and yes, they were decals on the originals, too), which pretty much makes it impossible to forget what you're driving. This one also has a beautifully restored center console, complete with Hurst shifter and cue ball knob, not to mention some beautifully reproduced wood appliques. A reproduction rosewood steering wheel helps warm up the interior, and bringing the Lemans Blue paint into the car on the steering column and glove box lid is a cool touch. You'll note that all the gauges have been rebuilt, including the console-mounted accessory gauges, and everything works as it should. A new AM/FM/CD stereo system has been installed, because this is a car you're going to want to drive and there's no point to absolute originality in this car. A new set of Chevrolet logo floor mats were dropped in, and the trunk features a proper mat, spare, and jack assembly.

If an SS is just too ordinary, and you really dig the appeal of those magic three numbers, 427, then perhaps a Yenko is just what you need. Building one to this level will cost a lot more than the sticker price here, and even if you started today, it would be more than a year until it was done. No, if you've got a big block jones, the only thing you need is this Yenko. Driving is what tributes like this do best.