Cherry Point, N.C. Marine Corps Air Station

[COPO]

My old 69 Yenko Camaro spent time at the base during that time and went through a series of Marines. I don't have the title history in front of me at the moment, but I think it was at the base from around mid 1971 through at least 1974. It was sold a few times through Cherry Point Motors. My guess is there were probably a number of hot cars in the area with all of those Marines.

[jbsides]

I don't remember there being all that many nice street cars there in 74 - 75. Gas prices had tripled from early '73, even in North Carolina, and being an enlisted Marine just was not a lucrative occupation, pay-wise. In 1971, as an E-1 over nothing, pay was $79 a month as I recall. The next year Nixon upped it to $276. I was living large when that happened, but still, the $93 payment on that Camaro stung, but at least insurance was included. As a sergeant with over four years service, pay was about $480 a month.
I did have a couple pals who were into the quarter mile scene, and a couple others whose parents helped them out. For the most part, there were a lot of beaters. We called them "Lance Corporal-mobiles." Lower enlisted ranks wanted nice rides, but all they could afford was cluged together clunkers. A nice SS427 or Yenko would have really stood out.
There was a Chevrolet dealer in Havelock, not far from the main gate. They did a brisk business, but almost everything was a truck or a family car, and the occaisional officer buying a Corvette.
I do have a local friend who was there with me, I'll ask him what he remembers.

[69hurstSC]

Thanks to both of you for the replies. Like any place, people remember the cool cars. Not sure this one would have stood out like a Camaro or a Road Runner, but it would still be worth noting due to the SS package and being a convertible. This is the car now restored.

[COPO]

That's a great looking car. You would think someone from the area would remember it. NC was very cooperative with providing title history for me in 2001 that went back to 1969.

My old 69 Yenko Camaro was sold 4 different times through Cherry Point Motors between May '71 and April '73. I am guessing all the owners were Marines doing short term assignments at the base.