This 1969 Yenko/SC Is the Holy Grail of Camaro Performance

Loop the Loophole

This impeccably restored and documented 427 Camaro was initially sold by Yenko Chevrolet, based in Canonsburg, Penn. It’s among the rarest of Chevrolet performance vehicles. Just 201 Yenko/SC Camaros were built in 1969, out of a total Camaro production of about 250,000 units that year.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

1969 Chevrolet Yenko Camaro - right front profile - Double COPO

1969 Chevrolet Yenko S/C Camaro 427_hood

The loophole that enabled the production of the Yenko/SC started with the new dealership ordering system. Instead of using the conventional method for obtaining new-car inventory, Yenko ordered its muscle cars through Chevrolet’s Central Office Production Order system or COPO. The COPO program allowed access to options not available through conventional means—for example, a 427 engine in a Camaro.

Yenko wasn’t the only dealer with access to COPO Camaros, but it’s arguably the best known. Don Yenko, the famed dealer and racecar driver, was an adept marketer. He ensured his Camaros stood out with special Yenko fender badging, bold side stripes, and Yenko/SC logos.

Straight From the Factory

Unlike other specially marketed muscle cars of the era—including some from Yenko Chevrolet—this 1969 Yenko/SC was not the product of an engine swap at the dealership. Like all COPO Camaros, it came from the same factory assembly line as other Camaro models. As a result, COPO cars carried a full factory warranty and included upgrades to the suspension and other components to go with the added power.

This example is even rarer for being what is known as a double COPO, meaning that it includes not one but two factory performance upgrade packages. The COPO 9561 order included:

• The 427 engine mated to a Muncie four-speed manual transmission
• Front and rear spoilers
• A larger front sway bar
• Increased cooling capacity

The COPO 9737 Sports Car Conversion Package added larger Rally wheels, wider tires, and suspension upgrades. It’s thoroughly detailed with all factory decals and markings in place.

Pristine and Green

Finished in original Rallye Green with a black vinyl roof covering, this immaculately restored Yenko Camaro looks as good as new. Its chrome and badging are in place and in excellent condition. The interior is also pristine, with only a steering column-mounted tachometer and additional instrumentation under the dash to indicate this is no ordinary Camaro.

Where this Camaro truly shines is under the hood. That’s where the car’s original 425-horsepower, 427 cubic-inch V-8 sits in all its glory.

The Camaro is an American performance car icon, but they made millions. Only a very few were as special and as hot as the Yenko/SC, which makes this big-block beast so special.