Nickey -Yenkos

[Stefano]

Since Don Yenko was responsible for getting GM to proceed with the L-72 COPO program he inturn actually did accomplish his ultimate goal, of at least 500 1969 L-72 COPO Camaros sold.

They just all were not sYcs, as well!

[sYc]

To get Chevrolet to build the COPO, and to be elgible for NHRA Stock classes, Don and Frank had to agree to buy 500. Of course, ordering/delivery would be spread out over the entire model year. But, accoring to Jim Mattison, once Yenko was unable to move the cars, they was able to convince Chevy to cancel a portion of the order. Jim said that this was the only time he knew of that this was ever allowed.

But, Don had to stick to his story of 500 built, or other wise NHRA would have moved the cars up a classification to Super Stock, which only required 50 produced (Gibb's ZL-1s). Don did this number thing with the SCCA on the Stinger and also on the Yenko Deuce (for it to run in the stock NHRA classes).

I have read the article in question many times. And, until I acquired much of the Yenko paperwork, assumed that most of the numbers being thrown out there were correct. But, after spending many hours going over the paperwork, I can honestly say that Don was off on several counts in the article. Including numbers built for the '67, '68 and '69 Camaros. Was it on purpose? I think in some cases yes, othesr no. You have to remember that it had been 16 years and Don had been involved in many other projects. Tom

[Stefano]

Tom,
Thanks for sharing some of the unique Yenko information you have compiled.
Have you decided the format to disseminate some of the Yenko Estate documents, as well as other information which you have aquired?


(I meant Payton Cramer in my prior posted reference to Dana Chevrolet.)