Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' history
 

First off I would like to say that this post isn't meant to be malicious or to hurt an individual. While the owner is known to some, it isn't my intention to post his name nor should others. It is meant to be a record of a REAL Yenko that has an interesting history and to serve as a reminder that while certain info is known, doing your homework is essential before a purchase.

The car in question is a real Daytona Yellow, black vinyl roof Yenko Camaro with a VIN of 124379N615272. It is currently "restored" and while I haven't personally seen the car I'm told it looks stock. However such wasn't always the case.

The Camaro has an interesting history dating back to 1970. The local lore is that the car was purchased from Hechler Motors by John Zagos (sp?) a local drag boat/street racer. Hechler was a performance oriented dealer and Zagos was well known. He actually ended up purchasing the yellow ZL1 1969 Corvette from Hechler Motors in late 1970/early 1971. The car received a set of mini tubs along with a Dana 60 rear end in 1970, and was street/strip raced.

After a series of owners and drivetrain combinations the car ended up being regulated to the backyard where Mike Roberts of Mechanicsville, VA found the car in 1980. In 1980 the car was still wearing the original paint and remenants of the original vinyl stripes when Mike bought it.

He wanted a street car, and over the next few years, and many different drivetrain combinations, built a strong running car. Mike wound up receivng some magazine coverage in 1987, in I think Cars Illustrated with an article describing the fact it was a Yenko, but also a race car.

When the Richmond Super Chevy Show debuted in 1995, the car was sporting a full "pro street," look. The car by that time had aluminum full tubs, a gusseted frame, full aluminum interior (they had taken out the original floors, trans tunnel, and back seat bracing), and a full cage. The original dash and firewall were not affected however. The car was running in the 8's and was a mainstay at the local tracks. Now enter Mick Price.

Mick Price had tracked down the car, this would have been in 1997 or 1998. After repeated phone calls and finally getting the cowl and VIN info Mick made an offer on the car of 25k. According to Mike, Mick didn't seem at all concerned about the condition of the body or the fact that the car was a full blown race car..He was only interested in the tag info and the condition of the firewall and dash. Mike sold the car and forgot about it.

I ended up running into Mike and asked about his old car. He told me he sold it in 1997 or 1998 to a "Yenko guy," and that he felt it was restored in a collection. I made a few inquires here and after a few discussions located the car. The current owner has had the car about 1 year, and after talking to him knows the "history" on his car. I have also talked to a few other people that know the car and they feel comfortable that the car was a "firewall back rebody." It is still a bonafide Yenko VIN, just not an original sheetmetal car.

The point here is that while the current owner doesn't care, others might and therefore any potential purchaser needs to know the complete story. The current owner is a nice guy, and I'm sure will disclose the history of the car. This post isn't meant to point any fingers as to who or what was actually did to the car, but to make everyone aware if the car is ever resold. The biggest lesson that I think can be learned is to do your homework..BEFORE you buy. A few simple calls or a visual inspection by a competent "Yenko person," might have steered the owner into another car. With so much being faked and so much money being passed around it is very important to know the car you are buying. I did find it interesting that in researching this car I spoke to others that know of similar cars, with similar "issues" in other collections..some of them big name guys. Therefore don't by the "story," (as gun collectors say..)or the reputation of the person selling ...buy the car.

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' history
 

It looks like you did your homework! If everyone was this thorough there would be a lot less law suits. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/scholar.gif This is a great forum for verifying cars and documentation, you can't get much past these guys https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' history
 

There is a ZL-1 that has had about the same kind of sheetmetal surgery also, does not seem to affect the value. I do agree with your point that it should be disclosed when the car is sold. But i also think if you look closely at the car, your eyes would give you a clue something is not quite right. This is one reason if i was to spend big $$$ on a car, it would be up on a hoist for a very close inspection. Roger

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' history
 

While the cars value is a matter of opinion, I think this case proves the point of factory documentation and before any purchase researching the car. Talk to former owners, make an internet search, talk to other collectors. This is especially important if the car has been restored as fresh paint, new interiors, and "clean" engines can hide things. Also above all else take a qualified person along if you aren't..I understand the owner of this Yenko passed on having a noted collector look at the car to asscertain the condition and value.

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' history
 

HOLY COW BATMAN !!!

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/689...tman%20web.jpg

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' history
 

I thought that VIN # sounded familar.It was just a matter of time before the TRUTH would show its UGLY face.I recall there was more to that story??? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif"MOF"

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' history
 

Mr. Yenko, don't keep us in suspense,! What is the rest of the story? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' history
 

Ahhh! Where can I find a grape ape?

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/Charley.gif

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

I don't know about the about the rest of the car, but I have one of the few known original pieces of the Grape Ape....the front sway bar!!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

I hate to dig up a dead horse...but I will...Zedder posted info on a bogus buildsheet on a car someone from this board had for sale ....without even naming names his post was deleted...and he was subsequently banned...for reasons other than the post. Now here we have info and a VIN no less being posted about a re-bodied car and there seems to be no problem with this...is the owner not a member of this board ? I don't have a problem with info like this becoming public because it usually stays in the background as whipsers but no one ever says anything publicly...but if there is a problem with one car and it is made public then we should be willing to read about ANY car that there is questions about...we can't be selective anymore...values are high and this board should be willing to post any and all info on something bogus...we pick apart nearly every car that gets posted or is found on e-bay for sale...so to our Admins and Moderators...keep it in perspective and keep it even handed...

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

A dead horse? How about a 'dead ape'?
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

There you go with little mysterious comments...why not post the VINS of all the re-bodied or "extensively restored" Deuces you know Marlin, as Greg did ? My point is you can't delete one guy and let another guy move forward when it comes to this info....Not sure why Greg decided to grace us with this critical info in public...I think he is just pissed because LS 6's aren't as valuable as Yenko/COPO cars...hell even re-bodies are worth more !! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

Like I said in the first few lines of this thread....This post isn't meant to be a negative post against the current owner or the car per se. It is a real Yenko VIN, and the VIn has a neat history. While I'm not familar with "Zedder's" post I agree that one shouldn't be removed.

I received an email on my private email from someone questioning my "motives" and how did I knwo about the car being a race car...Well the short answer is because I know the former owner and the cars history is well documented as far as a race car goes. I did find it interesting that the person that sent the email didn't sign it nor when I sent my phone number did they call...So..if you are reading..step up and call or post. My motive in posting this is strictly to inform future potential purchasers about that VIN, and to relay a neat history on a real car. If I step on the toes of some of you guys because I called out a car...oh well..get over it...If you aren't gulity of anything then you have nothing to worry about. As far as the info remaining in the shadows and being "whispered" about...So that is ok, as long as it doesn't cause anyone any embarrassment??? Well maybe some guys need to be called out..The truth always comes out..especially in the global world of the internet...

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

Now, Now! Get your panties out of a bunch! The 'ape' is some local folk-lore, not a government cover-up!

I for one try to not even talk about suspicious cars anymore, remember what happened a year ago with Belk's silver deuce sale - I got pulled into that one without even knowing what was going on, the suspicions were justified - but why should I bare the abuse! Why would I want to go out on a limb about suspicous cars that have been fully restored? If a buyer is paying for a car and can't figure it out - then pay someone to figure it out for them, otherwise, run the risk.

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/Charley.gif

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

How was it known that it was a racecar? Wasn't it in a mag? Looking just like this one?

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

Belair,

That is really funny...did it take you awhile to come up with that??? If you would read the original post, I think you will find that I was tracking the VIN at the same time the post about the LS6/COPO debate was going on..I've known about the Yenko since about 1987 or so....Again why shouldn't it become public knowledge, as if you feel there isn't anything wrong with what it appears was done then you shouldn't have a problem with it being in the open..might there be some truth to the rumors that there are more cars in collections like this..and heaven forbid if these cars were exposed....Whether a COPO with an apparent re-body is worth more than a LS6 is of no bearing on this topic..This post was meant to tell a history and share how the car looked..that is all.

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

No actually Greg since you began whining about how little the LS 6 is worth as opposed to the COPO/Yenko cars,,I have been wanting to post that !!! Take no offense...but if the shoe fits wear it !!I just would not want to be the bearer of bad news to someone in an open forum...even though I'm sure your cause is noble. But I sure wouldn't want to see the post deleted like what was done previously either.

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

Just so everyone is 100% completely aware and understands..I spoke to the owner on 2 occasions relaying the info BEFORE posting about the condtion of the car in a public forumn..

As far as "whining" about values..well I really don't care as I'm into this hobby for the money..anyone with half a brain would find better investments..maybe like land...My point was just that people are making decisions and paying what a nice SFR cost just based on a document ( a POP) or the fact that something is "matching numbers"..only to find out that they were wrong..IMO there isn't any need to worry or whine as we each have our own opinions and values..Just don't complain and bitch when you find out you didn't buy what you thought you did..

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

Greg , Isnt it true you were upset because he wanted your Ls6 and 150k for his car?? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/headbang.gif

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

Hope you aren't talking about me Yountto ! I don't have anything worth 190 k !!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

I really wasn't trying to buy the car..actually offered to give the VIN to someone else..and actually GAVE it to a person I had a "run in" on here with (gave this person the VIN before any real post about it)...after we mended our fences..just curious as to what happened to it..

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

I believe the ZL1 clone on ebay already surpassed what a documented copo would bring......WOW! Clones described as clones bring more $$ than clones described as documented. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif Probably because it takes the guess work out for the buyer

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

I have the feeling that I am wading in to waters that are going to get me into trouble. I have just officially registered with the site, even though I have been silently reading posts for a couple years now. I own two Camaros '68 & '69 which are normal old Camaros (except the 69 is an SS-350). I enjoy seeing all the talk about the Super Camaros and such on this site, but have never responded because I am not an owner of one. But, this post has my dander up. I agree totally with Belair...if you "SuperCar Gods" know of questionable cars you should make the info public. You are extremely quick to "blow the whistle" on those outside of your socio-economic class, the same interest in "keeping it pure" should go toward even those you may know. Registries have been set up to further the information availible, but if not all the information is there those references are useless. In other words, the keepers of the info should not hide behind the truth while exposing others. This leads to an unfair advantage on purchase/selling prices for your cars vs. those you "choose" to out. I hope I have misunderstood this whole post, but if what I understand to be the case is correct.....it actually borders on not only the immoral but illegal activity. Any one with these high dollar cars willing to stand with Belair and I on this?

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

Phil,
Until you've gone through the fire of this type of situation, how can you realize the entire picture?

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

What "fire" do I have to go through to understand? All I am saying is, if there is information out there about cars that are less than what they are represented to be....it needs to be made just as public as those that are absolutely 100% authentic. Why is it important to let someone know if a SuperCar is real....but not important in every case to let that same someone know if a car is NOT real? This is all I am saying.

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

Phil,
I agree with your logic, and I realize your motives are good, but until you've been caught in the middle of somebody elses deal it's difficult to understand. Not all rebodies are so easily detected, so the guilty party will contest the claim. Then it's a shouting match, and although you may want to bring an inequity to light, you will become the bad guy - even though you never touched the car! So, sometimes, it's better to just let it stay underground unless the current owner already knows the situation and is ok with the discussion.

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

My main point here was we can't pick and choose who/what info gets posted....I think most if not all of the cars that are somewhat questionable are known to a lot of people...so one of the good things about this board is if you are going to buy something of this type you should be doing your homework first which would include coming to this site and others like it and asking questions first....I'm sure if someone came on and asked for info on a certain car and there were questions about it...you would get a note offline about the issue...maybe not on the public forum.

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

What info would I get then if I paid someone from the forum to come and look at a potential purcahse for me? Would I get the straight story on the car (all potential inconsistencies disclosed to me) or would a get a politically correct, watered down version to avoid problems for the "expert"? Keep in mind that the car you may be paid to look at may be one someone you are friends with owns. I understand your explanation, and appreciate the fact that you recognize that my intentions are good....but still don't understand what is more important truth or keeping the peace. Even if you can't prove something, if inuendo exists....I should be told. If what Belair is saying about the liklihood of an offline message coming about potentials questions about a specific car is correct, I am ok with that. While it may not be a matter for public discussion, as long as someone is willing to step up and give information when asked, the system works. I guess the short question is this....If I had said that the Camaro with the VIN that started this whole thing was for sale and I was thinking of purchasing it, would someone come to me offline and give me the "history" given here? Or, would I have been given a rubber stamp saying "yes, that VIN is a valid one for Yenko #xxxx" end of story? There is a fundamental difference there.

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

I would say absolutely YES that someone would either online or offline get your attention on how to look further....but remember also there are a lot of rumors too...so in the end you will still have to do what's right for you...this whole thread is making me wish I would have stayed in bed this morning !!!

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

I understand all that. And, I think that is the best that can be expected. Thankfully, I misunderstood the thread to say that there are some fakes/rumored fakes out there that are held by "those in the know" that would not be outed for what they may be. That is what got my dander up, I hate it when those with the knowledge feel as though the rules don't apply....in other words I hate the "good 'ole boy network". These cars are too rare and too expensive to have those types of things happening. What a great discussion to finally get me out of the woodwork......huh? Thanks, guys. By the way, GREAT JOB on the white DANA/Yenko on eBay. I sat back and wathced that whole thing unveil from the beginning! Great stuff!

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

By the way, how do I stop being a stranger? Is it by the number of posts you have....or how do you "move up" the chain?

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

I guess I have a question. First Greg calls the car a fire wall back REBODY. Then Belair states it's a RE-BODY. I think there a whole lot of differance in the two. Which is it?? Give credit where credit is due. Least they tolded it had been changed when it passed thru owners. Which can't say that about other cars. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/rolleyes.gif

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

Phil,
I agree with Belair 100%, if the car was for sale and you asked - you would get the truth, from several people! The good ole boy network consists of those individuals who DON'T rebody cars, and stay away from those cars that have been.

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

That is the answer I hoped to get. Again, thanks for the clarification. But, it would make for interesting reading to read about the history of some other cars like this. Maybe not complete with VINs or anything......but just some more examples of the lengths people have gone to to dupe the masses. THAT is interesting reading!

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

NFW!

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/Charley.gif

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

Kim,

I haven't seen the actual car to make that determination..I have spoken to a few people on here (offline) that have physically inspected the car, and I posted the info as a "firewall back" re-body mainly because that was the impression I got from them. Since the post there has been a few that said a complete rebody, but that remains to be seen..Until someone post differently I'll say a "firewall back" as it is my understanding that this is VERY apparent on thsi car. I'm not sure if the previous owners did actually pass along the info. as the current owner wasn't aware of the car being a race car (or at least acted as if he wasn't). There is some confusion here, as I was told by a very reputable person that has inspected the car that the current owner was made aware of the cars heritage and the fact that it was possibly a rebody aftr he bought it. So who knows..I'm not sure if the previous owners prior to the current owner disclosed the extensive body work of not..Either way it wasn't a street car and certainly isn't an original sheetmetal car (keep in mind the car had full tubs, lightened doors, a full competition cage and the back seat bracing was gone, along with the floors and trans tunnel).

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

It sure is nice when someone finds out a car is not what it is claimed to be and makes the information available to evveryone. The fine line is between rumor and reality. My sister's husband's brother's wife's cousin said he heard "blah blah blah" can be very dangerous to state as fact and can actually be slanderous in some cases. It's fine to state fact about a car, but if it's rumor it should be done through private contact. That's my take on it.

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

I guess we should all just have the knowledge and let some unsuspecting guy buy the car...Then we can all sit back and laugh or gossip..The point of the public post is not to hurt the owner..it is to make sure that anyone else has a knowledge of the car..If the knowlege isn't passed along on certain questionable cars then the history is lost and some guy gets duped..Here is something to ponder...Someone made the comment about the guy looking on here..Well if that is the case..why not come forward and just say.."Hey, here is the car...let's inspect it..let's track down the previous owners and research who had it and what was done to the car.." Maybe the answers lay in the fact that others that are very well respected here, have Yenkos, and know their "shxt" HAVE looked it over and it is what it is...

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

Well said Jeff. "Outing" a car's history based on "somebody told me" is very dangerous. The mere rumor of a car being any kind of "rebody" can destroy its value. Unless undeniable proof is available, those just trying to educate the uninformed should keep their opinions to themselves. Buyers can do their own research, and, ask potential sellers the question directly. Then if a seller misleads the buyer, they can potentially be sued for fraud. Greg, IMO it was inappropriate to post your thoughts on this car, especially since you had no interest in the car. And NO, I don't have anything to hide. Mike

Re: Yenko Camaro VIN 124379N615272..and its' histo
 

I'm not referring to this particular car, but any car in general. I'm saying that if someone is interested in a particular car, feel free to ask if anybody has information on it. But if the information you have is a rumor then it should be kept private.