Nickey Z28s
 

The subject of Chicago Area dealer 1967 Z28s recently came up. So I figured I'd make this post since I have been told by Don Swiatek, then manager of Nickey's Hi-Performance parts and sales operation that Nickey received three of some, of the first built Z28s, to prep for Road Racing.

I also found similar info from 67Z28.com: "Chevrolet didn't especially encourage the purchase of Z-28's by private individuals at advertising the Camaro Z-28 until 1968.

The first 25 Z-28's were built between Dec. 29, 1966 and Jan. 12, 1967. These went strictly to favored dealers, mostly for reworking as all-out competition cars. Z-28 #1 was shipped to Aero Chevrolet in Alexandria, Va., where it was groomed as Johnny Moore's entry in the Daytona 24-hour Continental. Cars #2, #3, and #4 went to Yenko Chevrolet, Canonsburg, Pa., for driver Ben Poster, also for Daytona.

Seattle dealer Alan Green received Z-28's #5 through #7, reselling one to a Daytona, Fla., dealer, one to a local Northwest dealer, and the third to a local customer. That means that Z-28 #7 was probably the first to fall into private hands. Many people believe that the 1967 Z-28 didn't debut until late in the model year, but that simply isn't true. A few were in private hands by Feb. 1, 1967.

Ron Tonkin, a Chevrolet dealer in Portland, Ore., ordered Z-28 #8 and placed it on his Beaver Racing Team, which ran mostly West Coast events. After careful preparation, it was involved in an accident while being trailered to its first race. That ended its competition career.

Nickey Chevrolet in Chicago, which went into racing in a big way (e.g. putting 427's into Camaros for the dragstrip), took delivery of Z-28's #9-#10-#11. Two of these ran at Daytona along with the Aero and Yenko cars.

Roger Penske acquired the 12th Z-28, his friend George Wintersteen picking it up at the factory on Jan. 10, 1967 and driving it back to Penske's Chevrolet agen cy in Reading, Pa. Penske immediately tore down the car and sent the engine to Traco in his push toward entering Daytona.

The next eight Z's went to a variety of customers, in cluding three shipped to other GM divisions and one sold to a GM Proving Grounds engineer named David D. Horchler. Car #21 was delivered to stunt driver Joie Chitwood in Tampa, Fla. Chitwood raced the car and has subsequently used Camaros in all his thrill shows ever since.

In Chevrolet's rush to get the first Z28's out to the races, the first 16 1967 Z28's used a 4-P body to get the cars to the Daytona race on time. The 4-L body style code was used after the first ordered Z28's were shipped out.

The 1967 Z28 was responsible for a long term race relationship with the Z28 and Vince Piggins of Chevrolet. The Penske/Donohue race team was largely responsible for bringing many heavy-duty race parts to the Chevrolet dealers' parts counters. Any part used on the racing Z28's had to be made available to the public.

Mr. Fred Gibb raced a 1967 Z28 for over a year and a half. He was a national winner in his class. It was his love for this car which led to the development of the 1969 ZL-1 Camaro.

To most of the die-hard Z28 fans, the main idea was to make your Z28 like one of the special Trans Am race cars like the Penske/Donohue racing Z28 Camaro."

We also know per Mr. Ed's info that Brigance sold at least a few as well.

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

Really neat info Stefano! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

I posted these in another thread, I believe the photos show one of these first 67 Z28's delivered to Yenko, being prepped for road racing. I have some other pics of these Yenko early 67 Z's, I'll see if i can dig some more out if anyone's interested in seeing them.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/209590-ebay023.jpg

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

I know that I would be interested! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

Absolutely! Bring it on.

The 302 was a very popular engine over at Nickey. They were even known to have performed some 302 conversions back in the day.

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

OK then... here goes. If anyone can positively identify the location from the background, please let me know.

This is Don and his dad Frank, checking out one of the very first 67 Z/28's to roll off the assembly line.

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/209890-ebay060.jpg

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/209892-ebay058.jpg

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/209893-ebay061.jpg

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

One of the first 67 Z at Yenko being converted to race trim.
https://www.yenko.net/attachments/209894-ebay064.jpg

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

another... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/209895-ebay063.jpg

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

Track testing...probably the first time a race-prepped 67 Z ever hit the pavement! Note the date, March 1967, also note the snow still on the ground... How cool is this? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/209897-ebay066.jpg

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

more!

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/209898-ebay065.jpg

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

At speed...full race 67 Z/28, March 1967...I think it's safe to say that Yenko was the one to beat in 67... keep in mind they also converted 50+ SS cars to 427s this same year too....in addition to continuing with the Corvair Stinger program, Sunray D-X L88 corvettes, etc.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/209899-ebay068.jpg

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

That is too cool Joe. You are da man! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/headbang.gif

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

There was a yenko 67 z28 sold on ebay a few years ago. Larry christiansen (sp) bought and then resold. Roger

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

Very Cool Stuff! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

Joe, Great vintage pictures! Chevies grand days of racing! Thanks, Sam https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/burnout.gif

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

Thanks for sharing even more pictures Joe. These are awesome!
Rick

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

[ QUOTE ]
There was a yenko 67 z28 sold on ebay a few years ago. Larry christiansen (sp) bought and then resold. Roger

[/ QUOTE ]

I think that was a Baldwin Chevrolet car that Larry found.

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

Absoluetely amazing Joey! Whare have you been hiding those photos? Cool! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

Frank, I had most of those 67 Z photos on display at SCR last year... you had your nose buried so far in my other displays you didn't have time to look at my "good" memorabilia. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/96848-SCR7%20040.jpg

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

Stefano,

I have been meaning to ask you about the Nickey '67 Z-28s. I own the Johnny Moore car which you have on your list. I have gathered a bunch of information on many of the first 25 Z-28s that Chevrolet built but have never heard much at all about the Nickey cars. I don't even know what color they were, let alone if they were ever raced. Was Don Swiatek able to provide further details about the cars and what may have happened to them? I definitely would love to hear more about them if you can share any details.

Joe, those are some great pictures of those very early Yenko Z-28s. Thanks for sharing. That one on the track in March is definitely early but my car had already run in the Daytona Trans-Am on February 3rd along with the Mark Donohue (#12), Craig Fisher (#14) and Joie Chitwood (#21) Z-28s. I think they were probably getting that Yenko car ready for the Sebring Trans-Am which was run at the end of March.

-Jon
________________________________

Johnny Moore Aero Chevrolet Z-28

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

[ QUOTE ]
https://www.yenko.net/attachments/209894-ebay064.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

'65-'66 big-block Vette (raised hood) in the background. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

[ QUOTE ]
At speed...full race 67 Z/28, March 1967...I think it's safe to say that Yenko was the one to beat in 67... keep in mind they also converted 50+ SS cars to 427s this same year too....in addition to continuing with the Corvair Stinger program, Sunray D-X L88 corvettes, etc.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/209899-ebay068.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

My attachment shows a Yenko Stormer (302 Z-28) which was driven by Bud Gates at the Sebring Trans-Am on 3-31-67. It was a red Z-28 ordered through Span and was part of a two-car Yenko team at Sebring. I'm pretty confident it is the same car as posted by camarojoe above.

-Jon

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

Here's a shot of the same Z's interior as it was being taken apart for race prep. You can see the Fisher Body sill plates up on the dash, the same as in camarojoe's picture a couple of posts above this one. I guess part of the same photo shoot.

-Jon

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

[ QUOTE ]
Stefano,

I have been meaning to ask you about the Nickey '67 Z-28s. I own the Johnny Moore car which you have on your list. I have gathered a bunch of information on many of the first 25 Z-28s that Chevrolet built but have never heard much at all about the Nickey cars. I don't even know what color they were, let alone if they were ever raced. Was Don Swiatek able to provide further details about the cars and what may have happened to them? I definitely would love to hear more about them if you can share any details.

Joe, those are some great pictures of those very early Yenko Z-28s. Thanks for sharing. That one on the track in March is definitely early but my car had already run in the Daytona Trans-Am on February 3rd along with the Mark Donohue (#12), Craig Fisher (#14) and Joie Chitwood (#21) Z-28s. I think they were probably getting that Yenko car ready for the Sebring Trans-Am which was run at the end of March.

-Jon
________________________________

Johnny Moore Aero Chevrolet Z-28

[/ QUOTE ]

See Jon, I told ya Stefano was "Da Man" https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ouguysrock.gif

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

[ QUOTE ]
Stefano,

I have been meaning to ask you about the Nickey '67 Z-28s. I own the Johnny Moore car which you have on your list. I have gathered a bunch of information on many of the first 25 Z-28s that Chevrolet built but have never heard much at all about the Nickey cars. I don't even know what color they were, let alone if they were ever raced. Was Don Swiatek able to provide further details about the cars and what may have happened to them? I definitely would love to hear more about them if you can share any details.

-Jon



Johnny Moore Aero Chevrolet Z-28

[/ QUOTE ]

I will be getting together with the "Guys" sometime soon and will try to get more info.

I know that both Don Swiatek and Ronnie Kaplan said that they would like to try and make the Fall Vette Fest, especially since it is so close to home for them.

That would be an ideal time to have them field some questions about those Z28s, as well as other Nickey Cars, ect.
________________________________

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

[ QUOTE ]


I will be getting together with the "Guys" sometime soon and will try to get more info.

I know that both Don Swiatek and Ronnie Kaplan said that they would like to try and make the Fall Vette Fest, especially since it is so close to home for them.

That would be an ideal time to have them field some questions about those Z28s, as well as other Nickey Cars, ect.
________________________________

[/ QUOTE ]

It really would be good to be able to get as many stories as possible from these guys before they are gone. I have interviewed several of the guys who were drivers or owners on the list of the first 25 Z-28s built. I'd love to be able to add as much as possible on the high-profile dealers like Nickey and Yenko and hopefully this will all make it into a book for all to enjoy.

Attached is an ad from Nickey circa July '67 advertising racing engines for sale. I know that Ken Deckman bought a Marina Blue Z-28 through Alan Green Chevrolet in Seattle in March '67 and he had Nickey do his 302 engine for him as he was going to Trans-Am race the car.

-Jon

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

FWIW, the restoration of the Ken Deckman car was covered in seven articles in Super Chevy from January 1994 to February 1995. Here is a link to the series of articles entitled "Revival of the Fittest" covering the car's restoration to race trim:

http://67z28.net/gallery/albums/67%2...ton)/_icon.jpg
January 1994

http://67z28.net/gallery/albums/67%2...ton)/_icon.jpg
March 1994

http://67z28.net/gallery/albums/67%2...ton)/_icon.jpg
April 1994

http://67z28.net/gallery/albums/67%2...ton)/_icon.jpg
May 1994

http://67z28.net/gallery/albums/67%2...ton)/_icon.jpg
August 1994

http://67z28.net/gallery/albums/67%2...ton)/_icon.jpg
October 1994

http://67z28.net/gallery/albums/67%2...ton)/_icon.jpg
February 1995

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

great stuff and fascinating reading...thanks for sharing! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ouguysrock.gif

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

My attachment shows a Yenko Stormer (302 Z-28) which was driven by Bud Gates at the Sebring Trans-Am on 3-31-67. It was a red Z-28 ordered through Span and was part of a two-car Yenko team at Sebring. I'm pretty confident it is the same car as posted by camarojoe above.

-Jon

[/ QUOTE ]

Jon, I know Bud Gates and have his phone if you want to talk to him.
Regards,
JIM

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

Thanks, Jim. I sent you an email.

-Jon

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

[ QUOTE ]
[It was a red Z-28 ordered through Span and was part of a two-car Yenko team at Sebring]


What or who was Span? They used a Marina City address? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/confused.gif

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

[ QUOTE ]
I posted these in another thread, I believe the photos show one of these first 67 Z28's delivered to Yenko, being prepped for road racing. I have some other pics of these Yenko early 67 Z's, I'll see if i can dig some more out if anyone's interested in seeing them.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/209590-ebay023.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

Joe,

Do you have any other photos of the front brake calipers from this Bud Gates Z-28? These are ultra rare pieces that used the dual cotter pin J56 brake pads on the 11" rotor. This was a year before the 11.75" 4-wheel disc stuff came out. I've never seen a good shot of these calipers showing the dual cotter pins and how these calipers were remachined. All shots seem to be taken from the front whereas from the side or back would show them off better. Supposedly the factory issued a blueprint on how to do the remachining but I have never seen that either. The factory issued these calipers as p/n 5468886 & 5468887 but the casting numbers are probably still 5455533 & 5455530. Anybody ever seen a set in person?

-Jon

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

------Jon,,,Im just guessing but wouldnt the calipers you are referring to be the same as 66/67 J56 Corvette front calipers. If so I can probably get someone to E-mail you a pic.........Bill S

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

Bill,

I don't think so. The picture I saw in a magazine article looked to be a Camaro casting or at least something other than Corvette.

-Jon

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Stefano,

I have been meaning to ask you about the Nickey '67 Z-28s. I own the Johnny Moore car which you have on your list. I have gathered a bunch of information on many of the first 25 Z-28s that Chevrolet built but have never heard much at all about the Nickey cars. I don't even know what color they were, let alone if they were ever raced. Was Don Swiatek able to provide further details about the cars and what may have happened to them? I definitely would love to hear more about them if you can share any details.

-Jon



Johnny Moore Aero Chevrolet Z-28

[/ QUOTE ]

I will be getting together with the "Guys" sometime soon and will try to get more info.

I know that both Don Swiatek and Ronnie Kaplan said that they would like to try and make the Fall Vette Fest, especially since it is so close to home for them.

That would be an ideal time to have them field some questions about those Z28s, as well as other Nickey Cars, ect.
________________________________

[/ QUOTE ]


I just spent some time with Bill Thomas III and he said that his dad had helped with the prep of three Z28s in 1967, which ended up going "out of the country" ?

Re: Nickey Z28s
 

[ QUOTE ]
I just spent some time with Bill Thomas III and he said that his dad had helped with the prep of three Z28s in 1967, which ended up going "out of the country" ?

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks, Stefano. I have always wanted to find out what really happened to those cars. It was written in racing publications that the Nickey cars did not make the '67 Daytona T/A race in early February of that year due to massive snow storms making it impossible for them to trailer them down there. However, another Camaro made it to the same race traveling from Toronto, Canada.

I have heard of a guy named Terry Allan road racing a '67 Camaro down in Australia and this was supposed to have been prepared for him by somebody in Southern California. Maybe Bill Thomas? Interestingly, the car was racing with a 396 in it.

I have been told by Bob Auxier that Bill Thomas has a large collection of photos of cars being built in the shop but Bob has only really looked through the Cheetah file. Only took a glancing look at the Camaro stuff. Warren Williams has said they worked on some road racing Camaros but did not specifically mention if it was the cars for Nickey in Chicago.

It sure would be neat to unravel what really happened to those three cars.

-Jon