The Story Behind a Low-Mileage 1967 Yenko Camaro and Its Original Price Tag
In the summer of 2018, the classic car world was captivated by the discovery of a remarkably preserved 1967 Yenko Camaro. Collector Doug Perry revealed that after a persistent nine-year search, he had acquired a one-owner example of perhaps the rarest year of Yenko Camaro production (1967-1969). This find immediately sparked questions: How did a car built for racing remain so untouched? How original was it? Did it still possess its legendary 427 engine? The story of this specific 1967 Yenko Camaro, its history, and its notable 1967 Yenko Camaro Price upon original purchase, is one of automotive legend.
Unearthing and Restoring a Muscle Car Icon
Following the initial news of its discovery, the automotive press quickly highlighted this significant find. Just over a year later, in the fall of 2019, Arone Restoration in Homer City, Pennsylvania, completed the meticulous restoration of the car. This provided a unique opportunity to photograph what is believed to be the lowest-mileage (7,257 original miles) Yenko Camaro still in existence, now returned to its stunning 1967 condition.
The original owner, John Weaver of Greensburg, Pennsylvania (who lived near Yenko Chevrolet in Latrobe in 1968), had originally repainted his Nantucket Blue Yenko red in October 1968, only months after purchasing it the previous spring. This decision meant that when Doug Perry acquired YS760 (denoting Yenko Serial number, 7 for 1967, and 60 as the 60th and last built for that model year), a full strip-down to bare metal was necessary for a proper restoration.
Restored 1967 Yenko Camaro rear three-quarter view
Weaver’s late purchase date for a 1967 model is a crucial element of this car’s unusual build and provenance, complementing its incredibly low mileage in a way that benefits its historical significance. It’s remarkable that such a valuable Yenko build was preserved in a heated garage from 1973 until 2018.
The “Last of the Unshackled Elite”
A key factor distinguishing the 1967 models, particularly those built late, was the absence of smog equipment. 1967 Camaros from the Norwood, Ohio, assembly plant (where all Yenkos originated) did not come with the Air Injector Reactor (AIR) pump system that would be standard on every 1968 and 1969 Camaro.
John Weaver, only 19 when he bought the car, vividly recalled Don Yenko himself telling him, “This is the last car that we can make that’s not going to have all this emission equipment.” Yenko also added, “And I just love these cars,” a sentiment believed to reference the 1967s as the final iteration of the muscle car unfettered by early emissions controls.
This perspective positions this Yenko as, in a sense, the “last” true muscle car of its kind from that initial generation – unrestricted by power-robbing, tune-up-complicating emissions gear. This specific build shares a legacy with other potent machines like the chevy nova yenko, emphasizing the dealer-modified performance era.
A Record Original Price Tag
It is believed that Don Yenko’s enthusiasm, beyond just making a sale, influenced his decision to sell this very last 1967 Yenko Camaro in the spring of 1968. Don actively promoted this car, which contributed to what shows in the records as the highest sticker price ever recorded for a 1967 Yenko Camaro: a significant $5,242.08.
Weaver initially visited Yenko Chevrolet in March 1968 looking for a Yenko Camaro. Salesperson Ron Lane informed him they weren’t yet prepping the 1968 models. Lane attempted to sell Weaver one of the approximately 50 Z/28s on the lot, but Weaver was determined to have a big-block.
1967 Chevrolet Yenko Camaro as found before restoration
Don Yenko personally intervened, taking Weaver to the back lot where, under a tarp, sat a leftover 1967 model that hadn’t yet undergone the Yenko conversion. This car presented Yenko with one final chance to build a smog-free Camaro for 1967, resulting in what many consider a masterpiece. The Weaver family had a 1965 SS Chevelle to trade in, for which Don offered a generous $2,050, perhaps an incentive to help offset the Camaro’s substantial price tag, which escalated as options were added.
The car’s original color combination of Nantucket Blue with a red Deluxe interior was striking – a pairing highly sought after by collectors today, but one that might explain why it remained unsold into March 1968. This likely also prompted Weaver’s decision to repaint it red later that year. Regardless, the Weavers’ agreement to most of Don Yenko’s proposed build modifications was crucial; otherwise, YS760 might never have existed in its unique configuration.
Crafting a Hot Rod Masterpiece
Yenko truly engineered a masterpiece. This car, originally invoiced from Chevrolet in 1967 like other Yenkos, ended up being more exotic than perhaps any other Yenko built by Don.
The car on the back lot already had its original hood and air cleaner removed. Don explained to Weaver, “We needed some parts.” Weaver then asked if a ’68 SS hood could be installed, to which Don agreed. Don also tried to persuade Weaver to opt for a fiberglass hood similar to a Corvette Stinger hood.
It’s often lamented in muscle car circles that Weaver didn’t choose the Stinger, as it would have made this Yenko even more radical. However, Weaver was already spending a considerable amount and decided to save $150 on the Stinger hood and another $150 by declining a fiberglass decklid spoiler that Don suggested. These decisions, while saving the Weavers money, altered the car’s potential appearance compared to what Don envisioned. For those interested in similar high-performance classics, exploring cars like the 70 baldwin motion camaro reveals other examples of dealer-modified muscle.
The absence of the original air cleaner presented an opportunity that was turned into a positive: adding a 1968 SS hood (which Weaver preferred) coupled with a cowl plenum. This setup provided enhanced performance and was unique not only among Yenko Camaros but across the entire production run of 1967, 1968, and 1969 big-block Camaros. Only the Z/28 first-generation Camaro originally came with cowl plenum (1967-1968) and cowl induction (1969).
Today, Doug Perry enjoys challenging classic Camaro enthusiasts with the question of whether a big-block cowl-plenum Camaro exists. When they typically say no, he proudly states, “I have it in writing,” referring to the extensive seven pages of original paperwork that document this car’s unique provenance.
1967 Chevrolet Yenko Camaro engine bay showing the cowl plenum setup
The Decades in Storage
Why did the car sit, virtually untouched, from 1973 until 2018? According to John Weaver, a girlfriend occupied most of his time, leading to “car racing took a back seat.” In 1973, after moving from Latrobe to Greensburg, Pennsylvania, he experienced a transmission failure, which he did rebuild. However, the red paint began to peel, and Weaver felt the car “needed to be redone.” He started disassembling the car, even pulling the seats to “clean things up a notch,” but simply never found the time to complete the reassembly or repaint the body. Consequently, the Yenko Camaro remained stored, its odometer frozen at 7,257 miles, until Weaver eventually decided to sell it to Doug Perry.
Today, Yenko cars – whether Camaros, Chevelles, or Novas like the chevy nova yenko for sale – hold a revered place in the muscle car pantheon. It is remarkable how a special series created by a local Chevrolet dealer in a small town like Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, could achieve such legendary status and value among collectors.
The restored 1967 Yenko Camaro interior
At a Glance: This Specific 1967 Yenko Camaro (YS760)
- Owned by: Doug Perry
- Restored by: Arone Restoration, Homer City, PA
- Engine: 427ci/410hp V-8
- Transmission: TH400 3-speed automatic
- Rearend: GM 12-bolt with 3.73 gears and Positraction
- Exterior color: Restored to Nantucket Blue (originally repainted red)
- Interior: Red Deluxe vinyl
- Wheels: 15×6 Rally
- Tires: G70-15 Firestone Wide Oval Super Sports
- Special features: Yenko conversion YS760, cowl plenum air cleaner, Doug’s headers, traction bars, power windows, fold-down rear seat, AM/FM radio. Includes original documentation (registration, Protect-O-Plate) and keys. Features documented 7,257 original miles.
A Memorable Ride with Don Yenko
John Weaver recalls a memorable encounter with Don Yenko himself. Because of the aftermarket headers installed, Weaver had difficulty getting a state inspection sticker for his Yenko Camaro everywhere except Yenko Chevrolet. On his first visit back to the dealership for an inspection, he ran into Don Yenko.
“Don had seen me there, and he said, ‘How do you like the car? Can we go for a ride?'” Weaver recounted. “I said, ‘Sure.'”
Don then asked, “‘Well, do you mind if I drive?'” Weaver replied, “‘No, I don’t mind if you drive.'”
They pulled out of the dealership, which was located on a two-lane street just outside of town. Weaver described Don Yenko enthusiastically driving through the gears, “squealing tires through every gear.” He added, “We’re up over 100 mph…” At one point, Weaver thought, “[Impressive driving]”
During the ride, Don reiterated the car’s unique status. “He said, ‘You know you’re lucky. This is the last car that we can make that’s not going to have all this emission equipment.’ He said, ‘I just love these cars.'” This anecdote underscores the personal connection Don Yenko had with these specific, high-performance vehicles. Comparing this to other rare Chevy performance models like a 69 camaro copo 427 for sale highlights the unique nature of the Yenko conversion process facilitated by the dealer principal himself.
Original documentation, including Protect-O-Plate, for the 1967 Yenko Camaro
Original tachometer found in a box for the 1967 Yenko Camaro
Restored tachometer installed in the 1967 Yenko Camaro dashboard
Original gauge package found for the 1967 Yenko Camaro
Restored gauge package installed in the 1967 Yenko Camaro dashboard
Interior view showing the restored seats in the 1967 Yenko Camaro
Close-up view of the cowl induction hood on the restored 1967 Yenko Camaro
View of the decklid spoiler on the restored 1967 Yenko Camaro
Wheel and tire detail on the restored 1967 Yenko Camaro
Doug Perry's 1967 Yenko Camaro staged at Keystone Raceway
Group photo with the 1967 Yenko Camaro at Keystone Raceway
John Weaver with trophies related to his time with the Yenko Camaro
Doug Perry and John Weaver wearing jackets related to the car
Exterior view of the former Yenko Chevrolet dealership building
View of the restored 1967 Chevrolet Yenko Camaro from the front three-quarter angle
Conclusion
The rediscovery and restoration of this specific 1967 Yenko Camaro (YS760) represents a significant event in muscle car history. With its documented 7,257 original miles, unique late-production features, comprehensive provenance, and connection to Don Yenko himself, it stands out even among rare Yenko models. Its story, from being a leftover on the back lot with a then-record 1967 Yenko Camaro Price to spending decades in quiet storage before its meticulous restoration, adds a fascinating chapter to the legacy of the high-performance first-generation camaro car old model. Doug Perry’s acquisition and the car’s subsequent return to prominence ensure that the tale of this exceptional Yenko Camaro will continue to be told and appreciated by enthusiasts for years to come.
