A long-lost Yenko Chevrolet Camaro muscle car has reemerged after being missing in action for nearly 50 years.
The Camaro is a 1969 Yenko that was famous nationwide during its racing days, and it made a surprise reappearance at a recent drag racing event.
Now in the loving care of a renowned Chevy Camaro collector, its reemergence has brought back memories of its glory days.
The Yenko is one of the rarest American muscle cars ever made, with only a small number produced in 1969.
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Where the Yenko Camaro reemerged
The remarkable muscle car reemerged at an event in Illinois last fall.
This was the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals show, and it was the first public outing for the car since 1976.
The car now belongs to Camaro collector Doug Perry, who has lovingly looked after it for many years.
Finished in a stunning Olympic Gold color, it’s one of just 10 to be painted in this striking color.
The car is also one of only 201 Yenkos built in 1969.
Even more incredible is that the Yenko has its original L72 427ci big-block V8 engine, with less than 22,000 miles since 1969.
The Chevrolet muscle car forged a legendary reputation when racing
The car was originally sold at Nankivell Chevrolet in Indianapolis and bought by Richard L. Barratt.
The professional drag racer raced the car in the NHRA Super Stock D class, giving it the name ‘Motivation.’
It proved to be a very competitive car, racing at places such as Beech Bend and Raceway Park and racking up several wins.
The car was sold in 1972 before retiring from racing altogether in 1976.
Perry bought the car in 2019, with it undergoing just a light restoration to keep it as original as possible.
That has involved keeping the original V8, as well as the original four-speed transmission.
Unsurprisingly, the Yenko drew plenty of attention at the Illinois event, with many happy to see it back in action.
Perry has stated that he will continue to preserve the car, while also allowing occasional public appearances.
That will enable muscle car enthusiasts to enjoy the car for years to come.
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