Real Deal Deuce: Rare 1970 Chevrolet Nova Yenko
This spectacular piece of history is a 1970 Chevrolet Nova Yenko Deuce. It is located in Las Vegas, Nevada and listed for sale here on craigslist. The car is one of only 175 built by Yenko Chevrolet in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. The car is listed for sale for $104,500 and is listed in both the Yenko Registry and COPO Connection Registry.
The car is Code 48 Forest Green with a black vinyl interior. According to Super Chevy, only 25 Yenko Deuces were built in this color and only 14 with 4 speed transmissions. What makes the Yenko Deuce so special is the factory engine was replaced with a LT-1 350 cubic inch V8 engine that delivered 360 horsepower. This car also has 3.55 posi traction rear end and the F41 sport suspension.
The wheels look like torque thrust IIs but the ad states that the wheels are super rare Atlas Mags shod in Firestone Wide Oval tires. While this car was transformed by Yenko Chevrolet, it was sold through W.R. Austin Motors in Norwalk, Connecticut. A total frame off restoration was competed on the car even though it has only covered 26,547 miles. We appreciate both Matt R. and Pat L. for sending this one our way.
The car has headers with electric cut outs and dual exhaust. While some modifications have been made the original parts come with the sale of the car. The seller has owned the car for five years and it is one of many muscle cars in his collection. Who out there has ridden in a solid lifter Chevrolet small block like this? Who out there can afford this beauty?
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Comments
I can’t wait for all the comments on this one.
I’m the Owner and have commented! Please read.
Hey Rick I am looking for Yenko Deuce. Do you know anyone that would let one go?
You mean like, because these came with cutouts they wouldn’t pass Pennsylvania state inspection and were not street legal in Pennsylvania? I’ve lived near Pittsburgh all of my 65 years and back in the day NEVER saw a Yenko special wearing Pennsylvania tags.
Don’t get me wrong. Yenko built some outstanding muscle era machines but back then Pennsylvania was so backward that the rear window slats on Boss Mustangs were never installed by the dealers because the state believed that they obstructed the rear view.
As I mentioned in the listing, the headers, together with electric cut outs and remainder of the exhaust system are aftermarket. Day two design. I have the entire original exhaust system, including exhaust manifolds in storage and they will go with the car
By the way: I just did some research on where the Yenkos We’re distributed in 1970. Actually, 15 were sold in Pennsylvania! I’m surprised you didn’t see one on the highways back then.
Rick
You NEVER saw one as you drove on every road in the state?
Maybe one drove by when you were sleeping.
I bet PA authorities would love seeing the similar look flimsy black “venitian blinds” you could get from JCW that mounted on the INSIDE of the rear window. lol
What people did to drive uninspectable cars back then was to get a Post Office box in Steubenville, East Palestine, or Youngstown because Ohio didn’t have inspection. Once they began requiring emissions inspections so many people were doing this that PennDOT began requiring proof of residence.
Until I-79 was completed through Allegheny and Washington counties it took work to get to Canonsburg. I don’t recall seeing Yenko advertising on Pittsburgh TV or newspapers. They would have been competing with big dealers like Kenny Ross (remember Aunt Penny?) and Crivelli Chevrolet.
I have never been in a solid lifter Nova and I’m surprised about a couple things. One would assume this would be fitted with bucket seats based on what this car was built to do. Also the asking price seems low to me or the market has softened. I figured these would trade in the 150K zone.
I would however like to drive a Yanko Corvair and see how it compares to my 65 Corsa.
This is EXACTLY the way ALL 70 Yenko Deuces were built. Do your research. Bucket seats was NEVER an option. Solid lifters was the only way the engine was manufactured!
Don Yenko must have really liked Nova’s & drive-in theaters.
Bucket seat were NOT an option under any circumstance if your wanted a real 1970 Yenko Deuce. Only a bench seat with rubberized/vinyl floor coverings!
Buckets are heavy. This is a street legal drag performance car.
115 mph under 12 seconds, in 1970, with street tires, straight from the factory!
This is my car: In August 2015, at Beech Bend raceway, set-up just as you see it, running a Holley 650 CFM, double pumper, and not the original Holley 780 cfm, it ran 111 mph @ 12.7 seconds. Could have gone much faster but DID NOT want to break anything!
Rick
Go to a CORSA national meet. Somebody might let you drive one.
Or, you can buy mine and drive it every day! (lol)
Rick
They built about a half dozen Stage 4 aye no Corvairs, that had Weber Carbs that were rated at 240 hp! I remember seeing one in the early 90’s at Lime Rock Corvair Days, the track was actually open to the public, so there were all kinds of sweat cars out there. It was the Yenko Corvair that was the car that set the quickest time of the day. I also remember the rivalry of the day was between the Yenko Corvair and a 1966 Shelby GT 350, that was great to see. The Mustang would catch the Corvair near the mid-end of the straights, only to be passed in the curves!
OK GP, I’ll give it a shot…..
While I can appreciate this car a lot, the really desirable Yenko Camaros and Novas are the SC big block versions. IMO, anyway.
And why CL? So many options out there for marketing a higher-dollar collector car, which put it on a national/international stage.
No fees, that’s why.
Nearly every time a rare and desirable car is featured on this site someone asks the same question, why did someone advertise it on Craigslist. The answer should be evident by now.
There are ways to search craigslist nationally, people share interesting cars either one on one or through postings on forums. These aren’t typical cars, where the interest is limited to whoever lives nearby, the seller just needs to get the car in front of enthusiasts, the platform is irrelevant. Craigslist serves that purpose.
Steve R
This is EXACTLY the way ALL 70 Yenko Deuces were built. Do your research. Bucket seats was NEVER an option. Solid lifters was the only way the engine was manufactured!
I thought I would go the simple, inexpensive route to begin with–I’m in no real hurry to sell. Just trying to free up some garage space!
would like to talk to Rick about car 304-543-9550
I agree with you 100% Day Dream believer!! If this car was equipped with a 396 or better yet a 427 it would be a much more desirable Yenko!! It seems more like a lower budget build for Yenko back in the day!! Yenko also wouldn’t sell Nova’s with big blocks to just anyone either!! They were extremely powerful and somewhat dangerous for a driver without the skills to handle the power!! It was pretty easy to loose control and get the back end in front of you pretty quickly!!!
In 1970, if you wanted a REAL Yenko, this was the ONLY way they came–no 396 or 427, just a solid lifter 350/360 LT1.
I stand corrected on my history of your Yenko!! I thought they put Big blocks in these cars! Maybe it was later years!! Obviously owning a car gives you a perspective of wanting to know more about your car!! I think it’s a great car Rick and all things considered it does seem underpriced for what it is!! Most here and certainly myself know the cost of restoration even doing it yourself!! The details on this car are great and you should try to get the money you deserve!! Good luck and it is a beautiful ride!! Thanks for sharing it here!! After all a lot of what we see here are rusted out hulks that need full blown restoration at top dollar!! It’s a refreshing change!!
This would be very similar to driving a 1970 Z28 Camaro, as it had the same engine standard from the factory. Have to agree, for this kind of money I would be looking for a big block.
THERE was NO BB option if you wanted a real 1970 Nova Yenko Deuce. Do your research!
I will put my 2 cents worth in. 1st a BB in a Yenko Nova would be a 427 and the price considering it’s production #s far fewer than 175 would fetch in the $200,000 range. I see this does not have the original motor result the lower price. If the car came with say original sales slip , all titles since new add more $’s As far as I can see it’s listed in the Yenko Registry by VIN which would have Original Dealer in the Yenko Dealer Network. All 70’s were LT1 350 , 360HP mine has no Pwr steering but has power frt disc rubber mats bench seat sedan .In 2005 Mecum sold one for $183,700. Prices have come down It should also be noted that the add reads the factory motor was replaced with the LT1 350. That was the ONLY motor and was from the factory.
So we have A “no go” Nova with a replacement engine. The replacement is a LT 350 engine but not the big block model.
Then a 29k car with a frame off restoration…
So 29k of salt? 29 k of jumping things like the duke boys ? Why frame off with 2 + years driving at 12 k per year?
Hmm its like a square box, round pizza , triangle slices inside 😉
Some guys just don’t know Yenkos. You’re one of them! Do your homework and research. Re read the listing and see that this car is listed in both the Yenko and Copo Registries. It is the REAL DEAL!
I never said it was fake but just crazy priced at 104 thousand and not the best engine choice.
I mocked pulling a 350 engine for a replacement 350 engine. (Yes more power but still a 350 but not a BB)
I am sure the Yenko Nova can spin the wheels but to me not worth it.
If someone likes it then mortgage the house or cash in their 401 K and buy it.
At 104 thousand i can think of many other cars
Like this nice 69 302 rally Z28
68 K with some change left over 😉👀
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 RS Hugger Orange https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F233678723698
The 350 was the best engine GM ever made.
Ignore them they.re just play in with ya.
Awesome car.
Nice car , I owned a phantom blue Yenko
I transplanted a solid lifter LT1 (375hp out of the box) into my 72 Nova. With headers and a couple of tweaks it put out well over 400hp. With the redline at 6500 I seldom got to third gear before the race was over and hitting second gear at the redline lifted the front wheels off the pavement.
A little bit different than the performance from the 450hp 454 in my current 72. Can’t say I’m disappointed with the big block but that LT1 was a lot more fun to drive.
Whether big block or small block, if it’s a legit Yenko it’s like money in the bank.
It’s my car and it’s legit! That’s why I showed the Yenko and Copo Registry listings!
Tell us how, with a single leaf rear suspension, did you engineer your way around having the rear axle tear itself loose on the first power shift.
I really don’t have an efficacious reply other than to say the original F 41 rear end is entirely in place. Maybe a little research on the composition of the F 41 rear member would shed some light on the question. I just don’t know. Never had an issue with it.
CalTracs
Picture 22 shows multi-leaf rear springs.
Steve R
I agree with Michael. It may not be as rare or valuable, but I would enjoy a 340 dart over a 383,440 or even the Big Boy 426 Hemi as a driver. Except for the Hemi (which only racers with connections could buy at the time), the 340 would give the others a good run and handle much better. As other Special cars, the Yenko will always bring in big money, because of the limited production, but does not mean they are a better, all around car.
100% correct Terry. These are by NO means the “better, all around car”. They were never envisioned that way. In reality, they were/are “stop sign to stop sign”, quarter miler cars! Phenomenal performance in a bare bones format–no bucket seats, no A/C, no clock, AM radio, rubber/vinyl floor coverings, etc.
But, just nasty stance and 115 mph @ under 12 seconds with street tires!!
Rick
The factory engine was not replaced with an LT-1, the factory engine WAS an LT-1. These were ordered by Yenko Chevrolet under Chevrolet’s COPO special order program. They were built to skirt insurance surcharges on big-block muscle cars. Given the lighter weight of the small-block package, the big-block’s extra 15 hp and 35 ft-lb of torque (approx – couldn’t locate exact specs for the Yenko LT-1) would be hard to notice, but the small-block’s sharper handling would be apparent. You guys can have the big-blocks. I’ll take this and have a blast not only at the dragstrip, but on the twisty back roads along the way.
This is my car and you , unlike most of the other commenters, DO KNOW your Yenkos!!
THX!!
I’m from Pittsburgh. Yenkos are a matter of pride around here.
Awesome car. Good luck!
What CC said, plus the vast majority of Yenko cars are bigblocks, this would be super rare and a much better driver…
Yes, many ( not most) Yenkos were BB. However, Yenko also did Corvairs and ALL 1970 Deuces were ONLY 350/360 LT1’s.
This is MY Yenko. It is 100% legitimate. That’s why I posted pictures of the VIN and the VIN listings in both the Yenko and Copo Registries. Other than color, there were only 3 options in 1970— power steering, a décor group that added the little door jamb button to the passenger side to turn on the interior lights when the door was opened or a “special” 4-speed automatic (53 out of 175 opted for this much less desirable option). Those are the ONLY options available–NO Big Blocks, NO hydraulic lifters, NO A/C, etc.
Guys, do your homework and research before making comments on these “Central Office Production Order” specialty cars.
I am ONLY selling mine to make room for a very special XK120 Jaguar!
What 4sp auto trans was that only one i know of before 1985 was the Oldsmobile Hydro which was a 4 speed sort of very short 1st gear
You might go to the Nickey performance website. They have a 1970 survivor advertised for $180,000. It has the automatic four-speed. I’m sure they have the details on that four-speed. Mine is a manual so I have paid very little attention to the autos. Sorry
I had to see that for myself as the only 4 speed automatic I ever heard of from back then was a B&M race unit.
Turbo 400 automatic 3 speed are what came in these Deuce’s or the more common 4 speed manual. Nice car over at Nickey with the backwards K, claims of low 14’s high 13’s make yours quite a bit quicker! The shifter on their Nova Deuce does look almost like a 4 speed manual shifter,,, threw me off a bit.
I like your car better, Rick,, the wheels and green paint give it more of a “street machine” look….
The COPO Order Form for the Novas that I got from Vince Piggins and Paul Prior listed 4 speeds only. I did not see an automatic option. But apparently some were built with Turbohydros.
If you read the sheet you posted, it tells you the 4 speed is the standard equipment, with theHurst Shifter being a regular option. However the sheet lists in Other: Special SPEED shifter, for THE Turbo Hydro, now until I hear that car run up through Four gears, I will continue to believe that’s a 3speed Turbo Hydromatic GM trans, with a special speed/fast shifter.
Wow, you learn something new each day about these Yankos. I never knew that And Ippreciative of your posting. Thanks,
Rick
Rick , Do you still have the yenko
Welp, time to play the lottery I guess
If you were to win the lottery and buy this car, it’s money in the bank. There are only 72 left in a running condition in the United States right now. Those numbers will not be going up, only down. Not only is this car a real Yanko deuce, it is exceedingly rare. I’ve owned it for five years. I’m only selling it to make room for an unbelievably restored 1952 jaguar XK 120. It is on my bucket list!
While I happen to both appreciate and respect this car, these are not money in the bank in my opinion. The generation that loved these are growing older by the day, and the younger generation would generally be appalled by the low tech, poor efficiency and high pollutants (not to mention maintenance) of any of these types of muscle cars.
Nice car, probably worth the money given the docs and provenance. Hopefully it will find its way into the hands of that niche buyer that will care for it and heaven forbid drive it once and a while and not some flipper.
I won hundred percent agree! Thanks for the kind comment.
In reality, with only 72 examples left that are still in a running condition, most of these cars end up in the hands of a collector and are rarely sold. Within the last month, there was one posted online, a survivor, and the owner was asking $180,000.
Yes, mine is fully restored. However, I sure think it shows better than the survivor and obviously will perform much better. Just my opinion.
I grew up in Norwalk and I actually sat in this car on the showroom floor when I was 10.
Lucky kid. Did your dad buy it ?
If not, mine is still available. Buy it and then show it to your dad. See if he remembers the car.
No he was there looking for a truck. A blue automatic Deuce and a gold Yenko Camaro were also sold out of WR Austin.
Undoubtedly, there’s literally thousands of cars that can be purchased for less than my Yenko. Many of them will outperform my Yenko
However , in owning aYenko, much like a Shelby of early vintage, you’re buying the name, prestige, and the performance that existed when the car was first built. That doesn’t even begin to address the rarity, the level of restoration and the simple beauty of the car. Guys, there’s only 72 left running in the world. That’s only a little more than one per state. Own a car that nobody else has and one that you’ll be proud to show at any car event or be the talk of the town at the next cars and coffee.
Rick, you need to take this down and sell this rare and special car through another channel. Valuable cars seem to be attracting many ignorant comments lately as is the case here. I am fully expecting someone to post that Deuces came with a cross ram in the trunk so yours can’t be real, because their brothers uncles girlfriends mailman bought one new and that’s what he said.
You are 100% correct Thomas! Thanks for the great advice. I thought I would give craigslist a shot as a first attempt just to test the waters and see if there was any local interest. Obviously, it backfired. I’ll be going national next week,
Try the for sale section at Yenko.net. Those guys know their s***.
I’ve been a member for years.Unfortunately, in the for sale section, a real Yenko rarely appears. Nevertheless, a great site
Those are the guys to network this sale. This car is known. I think your price is below market, but we will see.
I think you are 100% correct on both points. Unfortunately, the Yenko.net site is not that well-known outside the industry. I’m thinking about listing on Hemmings.com and carsonline.com
If it were not for this COVID-19 pandemic, I would probably take it over to the Barrett Jackson auction here in Las Vegas.
Opinion?
Many thanks for the input.
Rick
How about Bring A Trailer? Nice cars on there and the majority of the buyers there are very knowledgeable on unique cars like this one. Beautiful car by the way!!!
With the BaT site, you must put up with all sorts of inane pastings about uncles driving their car 1000 miles in 10 hours, driving the cars through thunderstorms 20 years ago to pick up groceries and so on. If it doesn’t sell, I’ll most likely try again next year on the Yenko.net site.
Nevertheless, many thanks for the suggestion Dave!
I think you would do well on Yenko.net. The guys there are extremely knowledgeable and you dont get the crazy comments. They are serious collectors and networked. From what I know, BJ charges a large commission to both the buyer and the seller and there is a lot of risk with timing of the auction and effort of the auctioneer, IMHO.
I am a member on that site. So, I may very well try it SOON!
BTW: That’s the site from where I bought the car in 2015!
My first car was a bare bones 70 Nova. Loved that car. I would love to own this beauty!
Email or call me. Maybe we can make it happen. I’m a private party, retired, 72 years young, and am trying to free up some garage space to make room for my next “bucket-list” car, a 1952 Jaguar XK120 FHC.
A friend of mine bought one of these in the Chicago Area. After he blew the LT1 he bought the equivalent 327 long block at Chevy and put the cam and heads from the LT1 in it. He had the 4:10 gears. What a screamer! Oh it was the same color too.
Interesting combo. For many years, guys that “blew” their engine were able to obtain NOS, Counter Exchange (CE) blocks.
It was a 365HP Long Block. Another friend owns it now and found a date correct LT 1 and installed it. It’s been restored and he takes it to many shows. Looks like new.
Hey Bruce:
I’m pleased to hear that your buddy found a date code correct LT1. I can only imagine the thumbs up and positive comments he gets at car shows and events! Tell him good going!
Rick
Recall, that although this car was “finished” at Don Yenko Chevrolet in Canonsburg, PA. it was actually sold at W.R. Austin Chevrolet in CT. Surprisingly, there were 21 Yenkos sold in Virginia, 19 in Illinois, and 15 in PA, the originating state! 0 in CA, 0 in my state of NV, 0 in OR, and 0 in WA.
In 1968 Vince Piggins and Paul Prior of GM High Performance gave me the COPO order numbers for the 427 Camaros and Chevelles. I ordered twenty of each. I called them up a year later to see what was next. TILT!! The ‘bean counters’ had shut down the big blocks (warranty claims – 5 year warranty, what could go wrong??). BUT they were building COPO Novas – LT1 derated from 370 to 360 HP (corporate mandate – no less than 10 pounds per horsepower!!), 4 speed, 4 wheel disc brakes, posi. I ordered 20 and got 2. Vince told me the other 186 went to Yenko. I sold the ONLY two unmodified as Yenko added stripes, hood scoops, exhaust tips, etc. Sold both. One silver, one green. Guy that bought the green one called me about a year and a half later and asked if I had a 442 with an automatic. Just my demo. Gave me the price. ‘Get it ready’. Showed up in the passenger seat, got out on crutches, right leg missing from knee down!! Racing his brother-in-law on snowmobiles, turned into the laneway and BIL was coming hard in the ditch and hit his leg. Sold it to a young guy and a week later he wrapped it around a tree doing about a buck thirty!! Nothing left of it. Silver one still in the area with two COPO cars – one Camaro and one Chevelle.
Great story. However, from all the literature that I’ve ever read, there were only 175 dual Copo ordered Novas that went to Yenko. Apparently, there were two others that went to Canada–whereabouts unknown. I was NOT aware of your order. Were they configured just like the Yenko orders?
Rick
Read my post above. I sold the other two in Canada at the Central Chev High Performance Center. And there is a story with both cars.
Hey Dave:
You and I should talk or at least email each other. I’m willing to bet that we both know quite a few owners of these cars. You can reach me through my CL positing and I’ll immediately communicate with you.
A word about the ATLAS MAGS:
One of the more controversial “options” from Yenko Sports Cars is the Atlas wheels. They look quite similar to the American Racing Torque Thrust D’s, but are not marked in any way and therefore are VERY difficult to identify
(but you can IF you KNOW what to look for).
The story on Atlas wheels goes something like this…..( from Warren Dernoshek, head wrench for Yenko’s race team and a key player who experienced first hand the heyday at Yenko Chevrolet). As Warren explains, the Atlas Foundry was NOT in the business of making wheels, valve covers, or other speed parts. Primarily, they produced aluminum cores that were somehow used to make electric engines for locomotives! They were a large casting facility, producing mainly large industrial castings. Don Yenko happened to be a close friend with a guy who was employed in a managerial capacity at Atlas. This Atlas Rep was a Corvette owner and racing aficionado, so naturally Yenko worked his connection with the Rep, and had them tool up and then cast a limited quantity of the 5 spoke mags. Yenko liked the looks of the AR mag so actually bought one and gave it to the Rep so that it could be copied by Atlas! Why not just buy form AR–simple.. Don Yenko was “frugal” and could have Atlas manufacture the wheel for LESS than he could buy it from AR, thereby saving some $$$. When the wheels were ready, the Rep would load them into the back of his pickup and bring them to Yenko with NO special packaging or retail sales invoices or anything like that. More like, “here’s your castings, do what you will with them”. From there, Yenko simply marketed them at his own mags as a substitute for the more expensive AR’s. Some say there were maybe 25 or so sets of mags ever produced. True story.
My Yenko has 4 of the REAL Atlas Mags.
Hope I didn’t bore anyone with the “story”. I found it interesting when I first read it.
Rick
Yes, remember these (as a kid) back in the day. Yanko took a regular car ‘upgraded’ just a bit, that any 1 could buy. Put PA on the map a lill. “…These were ordered by Yenko Chevrolet under Chevrolet’s COPO special order program….” So not over the top or too special & to my mind not 6 figure cars – but the mrkt decides (internet has ridiculous prices now, my ’70 bronk is worth w a y more than reasonable). Mean usa household income ’14 wuz $72, 6xx.
To the best of my recollection, in the last 10 years, other than a “rebodied” Silver Yenko, NO ’70 Deuce has sold for under $110k. Most, at auction, bring around $140,000. I’m most likely leaving quite a bit of $$$ on the table to facilitate a quick and easy sale!
Nice car but a little too expensive for me! By the way, were they only sold by dealers in the midwest or east? I don’t see any sold by dealers in the west.
Back in 70-71 school year I used to catch a ride with fellow classmate who drove 1970 nova LT1 350 solid lifter , 4 speed ,bench seat, dark green with no markings. Later wondered could have come from Yenko? Lived only 100 miles of less from Cannonsberg. Fell in love with that sewing machine sound rowing thru the gears! My older brother purchased 1967 SS 396 Chevelle 375hp off used car lot in 1969 , man if I could turn back the clock!
If it had an F41 rear end, it very well may have come from Yenko Sports Cars. The striping was applied by the “Lot Boys” at the dealership, so I guess you may have been able to order one with striping delete! Great car.
Why the 3.55 gears? Every Yenko Nova I’ve ever seen has had 4.10s. Also, there was one other option you didn’t mention- sport mirrors were also available.
I have never “learned” why the 3.55 gears came with the car. Legend has it that several of Don’s friends wanted the 3.55’s believing they were better suited to the performance profile. Supposedly, there are only 3 Deuces with the 3.55’s. They did install the 3.55’s on the 70 Novas running the hipo 396/375 L78 motor. Maybe, that’s why??
I would love to know the “real” story.
I believe the sport mirrors may have been part of the décor grouping that I did mention?! I forgot one other option: A 3 spoke steering wheel instead of the “standard” two spoke.
Very interesting car here, obviously many of us have never seen a true Yenko Deuce, or any Yenkos for that matter,,,,,real ones not clones or fakes. The reference to the big block 427 Novas as so many here persist about were ’69’s, no COPO 427 Nova was ever allowed or built by Chevrolet but were swapped in by the man himself, maybe 35 total although I read somewhere not all 30 plus Novas actually were converted to 427 power.
I remember a 1970 Cars or high performance Cars magazine I had as a little kid and still have somewhere, a Baldwin-Motion 454 (phaseIII?) Z Camaro with dual quads sporting a groovy looking purple and white paint job, I don’t think anyone else including Don Yenko were building those. Crazy machine.
Saw a black Deuce like this last year at a show and before that noticed it out on the road, but it was a clone and the owner made sure to point that out. Just seems like a better set up for the Nova, the tough LT1, compared to the L-72 solid lifter 427(!!!!) or dare say the torque monster 454. Absolutely outstanding car you have here Rick, once it’s gone she’s gone for good !
Hey Troy;
Many thanks for your recollections. Stories about the Yenko line of cars, the dealership and Don Yenko himself continue onwards!
Yes, I will really miss the car. However, at 72 years young, it’s time for another “street racer” to become the new custodian of the beast. Maybe you!!!
Rick
Hey Troy;
I re-read your comment and can think of one other person building exotics machines around the time of Baldwin, Yenko and Shelby—Mr. Chevrolet himself, DICK HARRELL!
PS Troy: I overlooked the first part of your comment (question)–sorry.
There is a bit of conflict as to whether or not my engine is original to the car. In a note to a prior owner, Marlin Spotts, Mr. Yenko.net himself, opines that it is the original engine. Several others, with whom I have spoken and who KNOW the car and its history, believe that it is a Counter Exchange Block. The casting dates absolutely confirm that the block was cast before the Yenko left the GM factory.
One of the prior owners, about 20 years ago, had the engine rebuilt and the engine stamp pad was unfortunately DECKED!
So, I just can’t declare with certainty that it is the “numbers matching: motor. If I could, it would be worth at least $35/50k more $$$$$.
There were a few other “known” dealers back then, Rick, you may remember them,…….Dana Chevrolet had 427 Camaros not sure of any Novas, Berger, probably the wrong spelling, they had at least one 454 powered Nova which was raced by the dealer. I’m only thinking of Chevrolet here. Nice machines, all of them. Expensive as heck back then too.
Hey Rick, this is a beauty! I agree with you, there is still a decent amount of meat on the bone if someone wants to flip it, although I hope it goes to a good, long term home. I really wish that home was my home lol, but I am in no position at this point to buy something like this.
I wish you a quick sale, and I hope you really enjoy your Jaguar. You seem like a knowledgeable & decent collector.
I greatly appreciate the kind comment Steve. Please stay healthy, safe and enjoy life! It’s way too short.
Of the 175 deuces built in 1970, 122 were with the manual for speeds and 53 we’re automatics. The survivor currently listed for $180,000 at Nickey performance, is an automatic!
Rick I don’t read your listing the engine as numbers matching . Did Yenko order the 70 nova thru the COPO program with the LT1 or did he install?
Look at one of my replies above. I talk about the engine.
ALL 1970 Nova Yenko Deuces came ONLY with the COPO 350/360 LT1 engines–from the factory.
Hope this helps understand the lineage and rarity with only 72 examples (in all colors) still roadworthy (as of last year)
An automotive writer, Dale Amy, walked into my office at my car dealership, Motion Lincoln-Mercury in London, Ont. in the mid 90s and said he was writing a story about a COPO Nova. I asked him which one, the silver or the green one? Here’s an excerpt from his story in the Feb/March 1994 issue of Muscle Car Review.
‘The ironic thing about our finding this car was that we had heard tell of it, and the only other Canadian one, some time ago from the salesman who had originally ordered and sold both of them, Dave Mathers. He was the performance salesman at Central Chev-Olds (to our knowledge, the only Canadian dealer to sell any COPOs) back in the Sixties, and had ten of the little rippers but received only two’.
Neat story Dave!
With nostalgia in your heart, are you ready to buy mine?
Rick
I still regret selling the 69 L88 that I sold four times, once new ($9,650) and twice to the same GIRL!! It sold for $425,000 a few years at West Palm Beach.
Rick Carson, i gave up counting the number of posts you made here – no doubt a record for barnfinds!
I believe the rubber mat on the floor in the above car is heavier than carpet! It would have been better for Yenko to just put in carpet without the somewhat heavy insulator pads in the footwells. The rear seat is heavy too. & put the battery in the trunk.
I guess the Yenko Nova is the only Nova thru ’72(maybe even ’79) with a rear sway bar? Odd the 1st gen z28 did not get one – nor the ’69 t/a! Believe it or not, there is an ordinary ’69 camaro FROM THE FACTORY
that grandma could drive that you are much less likely to have seen on the road back then or at car shows today than a yenko nova!
What camaro? – a ’69 RS with grandma’s 230 or 250 6 cyl!
I have NEVER seen one & only 1 poster here has seen 1.
I seen only a handful of ’67 & ’68 RS’s with the 6 cyl.
Yet, such a super rare car is probably not worth as much as any 307 v8 camaro. lol
Good morning Joe:
Thanks for the message and another lesson!
In addressing the suspension on my Yenko, I can only suggest the fact that it does have the F-41 rear suspension, which was part of the dual COPO order, the other being the engine itself.
I’m not sure the reasoning behind the rubberized floor coverings or the inclusion of the rear seat. I’m assuming Don Yenko must have done some preliminary checking with the insurance company to determine the efficacy of a rear seat. Honestly, I’m not sure that even Don Yenko had enough sway over the GM executives to get them to move the battery to the trunk!
I still own the car, it’s tucked safely away in storage just waiting for a new owner to come along and snag her.
I sold mine earlier this year for the early six figures. I’m not sure where you might find one. Maybe on bringatrailer.com. They just don’t come along that often.
Good luck on your search!