Don Yenko had established an early reputation for being a fast and very determined driver at the wheel of Corvettes in the early 1960s. Yenko went on to win many races and two National Championships with his Corvettes, but by the end of 1965 his car was out-classed by the lighter, Ford-powered products of Shelby American. Yenko was a Chevrolet dealer in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania; he tried to persuade General Motors for something more competitive. Officially out of racing by then, GM turned down his requests and he began preparing his own performance-based Chevrolets with results of legendary status.

Chevrolet offered some amazingly robust engine packages by 1969; this included the largest displacement engine available since the Chevelle's introduction, the L72 425-horsepower, 427-cubic inch, V-8 engine. However, only a small number of customers knew about this rare option. Chevrolet would install this exceptional big-block power in stripped down Chevelles that shrewd buyers knew were available only as Central Office Production Orders (COPO).

Don Yenko is thought to be the originator of the COPO option. Putting numbers together, Yenko felt that the corporate COPO structure would be of great benefit in 1969. He had begun using this system in 1967 for Chevy Camaros with success in 1967 and 1968. This enabled him the opportunity for his SYC promotion to prepare what he thought would be a winning car on the Chevelle platform. He and his Canonsburg dealership could eliminate arduous and expensive engine changes.

Yenko took a COPO car and added (distinctive to his machines) custom side and hood stripes, along with 427 and custom Yenko identifiers and badging. Basically, ordering COPO 9562 (this is a COPO option code 9562 car) or 9566 deleted the impressive L78, a 375-horsepower, 396-cubic inch V-8 engine and added the amazingly stout L72 427. A Harrison three-core radiator and dual exhaust also were part of the COPO option. These Chevelles could, in stock trim, cover the quarter mile in 13.3 seconds at 108 miles per hour. The COPO Chevelle could be ordered in a number of different COPO combinations.

According to reliable sources, Chevrolet built 86,307 SS Chevelles in 1969. From that total, only 323 were COPO cars. Of those exclusive 323; the scant number of 99 were sent to Yenko to be transformed into a Yenko S/C Chevelle at his Pennsylvania, dealership. This is one of those rare, fully documented Yenko machines and one of 19 to be finished in Butternut Yellow.

Offered by a prominent collection; this immaculate Yenko Chevelle features the L72 engine which is paired up to one of the four transmission choices for the COPO Chevelles. In this case, it is the code MQ, Muncie M21 four-speed manual. The 12-bolt differentials had “anvil-like” durability and have been stated to be some of the strongest rear ends ever put in a production car to withstand the 460-pounds feet of torque. The only rear axle available was with 4.10:1 gearing with a special heavy-duty Posi-traction case and unique parts that were not interchangeable with other 12-bolt cases and had a special heat-treated gear ring.

Other features on this very special muscle machine includes code KQ heavy-duty suspension, power brakes with front discs, 7- x17-inch Rally wheels (with Yenko center caps), Strato bucket seats, Goodyear Polyglas tires, oval-shaped exhaust exits, a factory AM radio, and a vinyl roof.

One of the most desirable of all muscle cars, this Yenko Chevelle is documented in the Yenko Registry, plus it has its Protect-O-Plate and delivery schedule. Seeing one is an uncommon occurrence. The Yenko machines are renowned for their rarity and tremendous power outputs; this presents an ideal opportunity to add one of the great ones to your stable.