Yenko Clone appreciation...or not?

Scottrods · #1 01-09-2011, 04:37 AM

I would like to get some feedback from the forum on how the group feels about Yenko clones. I have been collecting Yenko parts for the last 10 years to do my own 69 Yenko Camaro clone and am about ready to start. In the fall, at the last local car show of the season, a couple of car builder aquantences came up to me and made this comment, "Why build a clone, you'll get shunned at every car show and autorama because it's not the real deal." Really, is there no place for a really well done clone with all the right parts and numbers? Is that how this forum feels about clones? There is no way I could afford an authentic Yenko, this is the only way to really appreciate what he started in 67.

#2 01-09-2011, 05:18 AM

Its your car, build it the way you want it never mind the car shows. Just don't misrepresent it.

Scottrods · #3 01-09-2011, 05:31 AM

I think that is where so much of the rub comes from. Guys representing clones as authentic cars. I understand this, but a well built car with as many authentic parts as can be found should garner the respect of the Yenko community, authentic or not. A build like this takes a lot more effort and time than a regular car build. So much attention goes into making sure all the right parts are date coded correctly and in the right place. Maybe I just worry too much. Just build the damn thing and if they don't like, don't ride in it.

old5.0 · #4 01-09-2011, 01:24 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scottrods</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-weight: bold">Just build the damn thing and if they don't like, don't ride in it.</span> </div></div>

I think that sums it up.

**iluv69s** · #5 01-09-2011, 02:19 PM

that is an interesting topic. I was at my 30th high school reunion and met up with a former classmate (who is a member here) and who restored a beautiful 69 Z28 with all the smog, etc.
We were talking when I mentioned my younger brother's glacier blue 69 Camaro. He sarcastically busted up laughing and said to me.."You mean that fake camaro?" and he went on to say how my brother's car took first place at a local car show and his car took second place.
..I just figured it was rather obvious that my brother's car was a fake Yenko. Yes it has the Yenko stickers, But it also has GLACIER blue paint, 502 emblems on the fenders, a full rollbar and racing saetbelts, 5 speed, guages,etc. inside....
If that wasn't enough of a giveaway, the big chrome blower sticking out of the hole in the cowl hood with the dual quads and a giant bug catcher...and maybe the mini-tubs, 4 link and the wheelie bars sticking out the back...???? ayayayay...

All I said to this fellow Camaro fan was that 'apparently my brother's car was alot 'cooler' than another restored green Z28'....

I do not get the hatred towards the people that build clones.
Or toward cars that are not so original or perfect. That is why in more than 30 years of owning early Chevys and mostly Camaros, I have rarely attended any car shows with any of my vehicles.

The unfortunate thing about building these 'perfect clones', they eventually become something more than a clone once the car gets sold a few times....I suggest that You document the car and it's build and all its nunbers here and on CRG and in the future the car will not become something more than it started. I'm sure if You were open and honest about it on these sites, the fellow members would support and help your effort.
I, for one, would.

But I do say, Build the car that You want...be honest about it and enjoy it. Good Luck.

Max

**John** · #6 01-09-2011, 03:04 PM

Welcome to the site....
...Have you thought about what the "correct" parts you have are worth to someone building an original Copo or Yenko?
....and if you look around ...there are a bunch of "clones" that could be purchased for alot less then it took to build them....
....that may be an option that will keep more money in your pocket
.....Either way you you go
....Enjoy the ride...Life is too short! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/

[/img]

1969z280 · #7 01-09-2011, 03:08 PM

John:

That's good advice. Ed

Scottrods · #8 01-09-2011, 03:56 PM

Thank you for the comments here, they are all good. As for buying a Yenko clone for less than I can build it...I have a shop here in northern Utah and building cars has been a long time passion and source of income since I was old enough to hold a wrench so building for me is cheaper than buying and it keeps me sane.
Having said that, last winter I purchased a 55 Chevy gasser from my good friend Rex Marshall, who found the car, restored it, raced it and brought it to the pages of no less than 6 national magazines. The minute I saw the car, I wanted it and eventually, Rex softened and sold it to me.
The problem was, no matter where I went, everyone would say, "Oh that's Rex's car. Or, isn't that Rex Marshall's car?" The 55 is the only car I have ever purchased that someone else built. It chafed on me so much that I recently sold the car to a gentleman in Florida with the help of Bill Fowler at Solo Speed Shop in southern California.
The point is, I love building cars, when I build a car, the sense of satisfaction and joy is indescribable. And although the correct parts I have collected over the years would be a boon to someone with an authentic Yenko, they will also insure that even though this is a clone, it is a very accurate clone and better investment for me.
And you are absolutely correct, and I appreciate the advise on documenting the build. When I start, I will present it here on the forum so if it passes from my hand, the chances of it being used to manipulate another Yenko enthusiast will be minimal.

Thank you all, this was not the response I thought I would get and I appreciate it.
Scott

**kwhizz** · #9 01-09-2011, 04:04 PM

Boy......This is a real touchy subject...First off you have to understand that most of the guy's here are on this site to preserve and protect the Pedigree of the Historic cars that were built in a short period of time in automotive history......
With that said.........theres only so many of those cars around and they are mostly out of the average guy's price range.....so.....what to do.....the average guy has a couple of options......
#1..Scrimp and save never getting to the point of accumulating enough cash to get the car of your dreams (like pushing a string) and if you are fortunate enough to acquire one....would you actually drive it.....as it's now a investment and is a piece of Automotive History.....
#2..."Build" a replica of what you really want.....But....knowing full well that there are going to be people that are going to look down on your car as many steps below their car because it's not real......(even though you enjoy and drive your car)......So......If you want to keep pushing the string and never get there, or build a "Clone" and enjoy the car of your dreams, it's a pretty simple choice as far as I'm concerned......But......the price of enjoying your "Clone" is not to concern yourself with the "Attitude" you're going to get from the Car Show "Police".....Enjoy It..
Just my $.02

Ken

**92646** · #10 01-09-2011, 04:47 PM

Even if you bring out a real supercar to a car show somebody will have something to say that will rub you wrong. Heck I remember years ago going to a car show sponsored by GM and I walked past a blue 69 RS Camaro a couple of times thinking somebody brought out Grandma's car and put a cowl induction hood on it. Later in the morning some people came by and opened the hood. It was a super low mileage all original Rally Sport ZL1, my new favorite car. Just build the car and enjoy it knowing that you can not please all the people all the time but if you enjoy the car so what.

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