Chevrolet’s first midsize offering, the Chevelle arrived in late 1963 as a competitor for the Fairlane, which Ford downsized in 1962. And it quickly became one of Chevrolet’s best-selling nameplates. But like most midsize vehicles of the era, it also joined the muscle car wars.
The Chevelle SS is obviously the most iconic and common version. Launched in 1964, it came with up to 300 horsepower on tap. In 1966, the 396-cubic-inch (6.6-liter) big-block V8 turned the SS into a 375-horsepower rig. Chevrolet also produced a limited-series Z-16 model in 1965.
Almost five years later, Chevy unleashed the Chevelle SS 454 LS6. Powered by a 454-cubic-inch (7.4-liter) V8 good for 450 horsepower, it was arguably the most potent muscle car of the golden era. Fewer than 5,000 units were produced before the model was discontinued, so the LS6 is also a rare classic.
Finally, there’s the 1969 COPO Chevelle. Much like the COPO Camaro, these cars were ordered through the Central Office Production Order system so that they could be fitted with the 427-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) L72 V8. That’s because GM did not allow engines larger than 400 cubic inches (6.6 liters) in midsize cars in 1969.
An estimated 323 two-door hardtops were equipped with the L72 lump in 1969, and 99 of them were sold through the Yenko Chevrolet dealer. Experts agree that only 50 units are still around, a figure that makes the Yenko-specified Chevelle the rarest and most desirable iteration of the nameplate.
They’re also quite expensive, with restored and well-maintained examples worth $200,000 to $300,000. And not surprisingly, enthusiasts that couldn’t afford a Yenko built replicas. Some of them are impressively accurate. The copper metallic example you see here is one of them.
Looking for a new owner via Vanguard Motor Sales, this 1969 Yenko Chevelle recreation is one of those no-expenses-spared builds. And whoever put it together created a fully-fledged classic rather than a restomod loaded with modern components. It has the white “Yenko/SC” stripes and decals in the right places, while the seat headrests sport the now-iconic “SYC” script.
Granted, the copper paint is not true to the 1969 Chevelle palette (Hugger Orange comes remotely close, if you will), but I must admit the hardtop looks gorgeous in this metallic hue. And the Parchment interior provides a great contrast. Not to mention that everything looks spotless inside and out.
But what about the engine? Is this Yenko an accurate L72 reproduction under the hood? Well, the mill may look like a 427 V8 at first glance (the stickers on the air cleaner help), but this Chevelle rocks a larger, 454-cubic-inch powerplant. There’s no info on whether it’s a period-correct GM 454 block, but it sure looks like it.
The unit features a few modern goodies, including MSD ignition and an aluminum radiator, and mates to a newer four-speed automatic. The unspecified amount of oomph hits the rear wheels through a 3.55:1 axle. It’s safe to assume this Chevelle cranks out more than 450 horsepower. And the 454 V8 sounds like a proper golden-era muscle car engine. Check it out in the video below.
