Everyone reading this list already knows that the Chevrolet Camaro is one of the best muscle cars ever made. But there's also a special breed of professionally modified Camaros that have been with us since the '60s, knows as Yenko Camaros.
The rebellious Don Yenko customized his first Camaro in 1966, refusing to allow the factory restrictions to stop him. And with over 50 years of excellence, Yenko Camaros run strong and race drivers love them.
Today, the Camaro is the definition of power, muscle, and speed. Engineered for outstanding performance, the stunning V8-powered vehicle holds exceptionally well during drag races, track races, and open roads. Others have tried to borrow ideas but copycats in its category will never achieve its superior style.
10 1967 Yenko 427 Camaro
The 1967 Yenko Chevrolet first appeared in the pony car battle. The first edition adopted the parent dealership name in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Packed with a terrifying 427-cubic-inch big-block 425-hp L72 V8 engine, the monster classic muscle car left an impression.
It features a smooth transitioning unibody frame that flows from the windshield up to the firewall end. This Yenko super Camaro has a distinctive white nose strip with a clean ebony interior. Unfortunately, only 54 limited units were built. Lucky are the few who enjoy it in its glory.
9 1968 Chevrolet Yenko Camaro
For those who lusted for the '60s Yenko Camaros, the 1968 car is the one for you. Although only 64 saw the light of day, the powerful 427 powered Camaro continues to turn heads. Only the real Camaro diehard fans can notice the slight difference from the original.
The Camaro is equipped with standard front and rear spoilers, powerful front disc brakes, 12-bolt positraction, and a 4-speed manual transmission. Although the navy blue and white-nose strip remain, the fiberglass cold air hood, auxiliary gauges, and firestone redline tires will get your attention.
8 1969 Chevrolet Camaro COPO 427 Yenko
After customizing models with a 427 cubic-inch monster V8 engine for several years, Chevy incorporated the powerful engine right in the factory. The car is a product of Chevrolet’s central office production order (COPO) PROGRAM. It features a powerful L72 iron-big block 427 cubic inch V8 that reaches the highs of 425 horsepower. Originally, the manufacturers wanted a drag strip dominator but opted for a monster highway cruiser.
Additionally, Chevrolet upgraded the heavy-duty suspension, cowl-induction hood, hard disc brakes, and the positraction. The exterior has stripes, a badge, and distinctive SYC headrest logos. Chevrolet dealers managed to build 201 Yenko super Camaros.
7 1981 Yenko Turbo Z
The latter Yenko turbo defied the usual 427 Camaro and gave the Turbo Z the facelift it deserved. Now the 1981 Yenko turbo Z is the rarest of the Yenko Camaro. Having only 19 units built for two of the stages Don worked on, this Camaro is the true Yenko shadowing the improved 2010 version.
Originally, the Camaro came in a pitch-black color and Goodyear Wingfoot tires exterior. The interior consists of Kamp leather seats, “Turbo Z'' floor mats, and a leather steering wheel. In the stage I model, Yenko choked the LM1 350cubic inch V8 engine to 175 horsepower. In the stage II model, the Turbo Z injected 7 psi for better performance.
6 2010 Yenko Camaro GM's LS3
This bow tie creation is no ordinary pony car. The 2010 Yenko came as homage to the legend Don Yenko. It was built on the Camaro SS platform with a huge 6.2-liter fuel-injected LS3 that easily breathes 600 hp and a Tremec 6-speed manual.
Apart from that, the engineers not only increased power but handling as well. The notable car also has a set of retro 22-inch shiny aluminum Yenko wheels and it's signature Yenko supercar stripe. The fancy interiors have sYc logo embroidery and all genuine leather seats.
5 2015 COPO CAMARO SVE YENKO
Debuted on May 14th, 2015, the monster muscle car has 7.0-liters with a supercharged V8 engine that prompts up to 700 horsepower, thanks to the inclusion of a TVS 2300 supercharger. This version comes with either a manual or an automatic transmission.
Other improvements include special 5-spoke silver wheels, a badge, and a sleek new hood with a sYc logo similar to the old versions. Being the first real Camaro after years of silence, the SVE Yenko remains a favorite to most Camaro aficionados.
4 2017 Chevrolet Yenko Camaro
This year, Chevrolet was addicted to increasing the Yenko Camaro horsepower reaching up to 800hp. They were determined to push its limits and the car never looked better. The 50 limited units craved speed on the open highway.
RaceCar drivers received it with enthusiasm and critics pretend to hate it. Packed with similar corvette iconic Yenko graphics, the serious engine blew dust to its rival the hellcat with a limit of 750hp. Look out for the Chevrolet badge with its signature white stripes on the engine cover.
3 Stage II Camaro SS 1LE
The Stage II Yenko Camaro debuts as a Camaro SS 1LE. The improved 6.8L(416 cubic inches) produces raw power of 1000 hp and 1186 Nm (875ft of torque). The incredible aerodynamic body packs sexy features such as Brembo brakes, electronic limited-slip differential, a performance-tuned suspension, and magnetic ride control.
It also features comfortable Recaro performance seats, the signature Yenko name embroidered on the interiors with a huge goldcrest power badge on the steering wheel. The beastly Camaro makes the driver feel right at home as soon as he/she sits behind the wheel.
2 2019 limited edition Camaro SS 1LE
With a new nose and color, the 2019 Yenko/SC Camaro wasted no time with the 25 restricted units. It came in two SVE models, with stage I offering a mere 835 horsepower and stage II got the full 1000 horsepower similar to the 2018 model.
Although the fans were disappointed with the lack of new engine improvements, the manufacturers hoped the new face and many badges would wipe out the mistakes. At least the Camaro fans overlooked the mishap and focused on the improved fuel system.
1 2020 Yenko/SC Camaro
The latest Yenko beast also has the familiar 6.2-liter LT1 V8 that comes standard to stage II Camaro SS. Before you feel disappointed, SVE slapped a supercharger to improve its performance. Under the aluminum hood, features an upgraded fuel system, customized aluminum pistons, a larger throttle body, and shiny steel crankshaft.
In addition, the Camaro has custom long-tube headers that turn heads at every stoplight. A sight most people hope to see on the streets. It also comes with a cool new feature, a two-mode switch that controls the exhaust noise.
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