The Camaro Yenko turns 40

The legendary Camaro Yenko is celebrating. This year it marks its fortieth anniversary, and as a gift a consortium of companies has joined forces to carry out a faithful restoration and leave it as if it had just rolled out of the factory in 1969.

The ultimate goal was to keep the classic design and look of the 1969 Camaro while integrating modern, high-end components, which would result in a modernized version of the classic. To achieve this, the Original Equipment Parts department at GM contributed an extensive list of components, including the chassis, the interior, the chrome trim and many other original parts.

The most important modification made to the model is the entire engine, transmission and exhaust system. The heart of the Camaro was the work of GM’s High Performance Parts department: a 7.0-litre V8 engine, the LS7, which produces 505 CV. The exhaust system was supplied by Lemons Headers and Flowmaster, and the radiator and electronics were contributed by Be Cool. Finally, Tremec provided a 6-speed Magnum T56 gearbox. The whole package delivers around 520 Nm of torque.

The front and rear suspension were modified by Detroit Speed & Engineering, Baer Brakes supplied powerful 6-piston brakes, and the 18-inch wheels are courtesy of BF Goodrich.

Originally, the Camaro Yenko was built to special order through Don Yenko Chevrolet in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Don Yenko used GM’s central production office to produce a fleet of vehicles such as police cars and taxis, all equipped with the most powerful Camaro engines available at the time.

Today the Camaro Yenko is one of the most sought-after Camaro models in the world, with its resale value multiplying by as much as 10.

Via | Motor Authority