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Written by independent automotive journalist David C. Neyens

Lot #1407 – 1967 Chevrolet Yenko Super Camaro 427/450 will be selling with No Reserve at our 2022 Scottsdale Auction.

 

One of America’s most successful racing drivers from 1957 through 1981, Canonsburg, PA-based Chevy dealer Don Yenko was one of the truest proponents of the “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” mantra during his storied career. With the Camaro’s debut in late 1966 as an eventual and more-conventional replacement for the rear-engine Corvair, Yenko immediately realized the future was with Chevrolet’s new competitor to Ford’s Mustang.

Since the early Camaro was already available with a mild 396ci “Mark IV” big-block engine, quiet factory-sanctioned experiments were conducted with Chevrolet’s larger-displacement RPO L72 427-cubic-inch mill at Bill Thomas Race Cars in California ‒ one of Chevrolet’s unofficial “Skunk Works” racing shops, before the Camaro even went on sale. Factory-rated 425 horsepower or 25 more, depending on the specific application, the solid-lifter 427 was the key to Chevrolet’s racing future in the face of Chrysler’s virtually track-ready Street HEMI and Ford’s 427 cars. Southern California’s Dana Chevrolet, led by former Shelby American national sales manager Peyton Cramer and racer Dick Guldstrand, worked with Thomas to build 427-powered Camaros. Well-known Chevy drag racer Dick Harrell, who was sponsored by Thomas, brought Chicago’s Nickey Chevrolet into a similar production deal; however, a change in business plans at Nickey led Harrell to join forces with Yenko Chevrolet, including national sponsorship for Harrell’s racing cars.

Initially named “Stomper” but soon known as the Super Camaro, Yenko’s wild 427-powered cars were rated 450 horsepower with 4-speed transmissions and 410 ponies with an automatic. The first were based on factory-original 350ci cars with much hand-labor required to complete the conversions; however, once the RPO L78 396/375hp option was available, only the short-block required swapping for a 427ci equivalent. Much more than a simple engine upgrade, Yenko’s beasts also included significant modifications to the cars, such as suspension and driveline upgrades, NHRA-legal scattershields, exhaust headers, added instruments (including tachometers), higher-grade spark plug wires, a fiberglass hood with a Corvette “Stinger” style treatment, hood pins and “427” badges.

Warren Dernoshek, one of Yenko’s mechanics, remains active in the Yenko niche and, as he related in a June 2010 Muscle Car Review magazine article, extensive handwork was required to complete the Yenko Super Camaros, noting the lack of lifts, hoists or air tools onsite at the time. Since the emphasis was obviously on refining the conversion process for speedier response to growing dealer orders once word got out, production numbers for these first-year Yenko Super Camaros understandably differ a bit among marque experts. Dernoshek was quoted at 53 cars – 22 of which were converted by Harrell at his St. Louis, Missouri, operation, while other experts cite from as few as 54 to as many as 75 such cars produced. Suffice it to say these formidable performers are exceedingly rare and sought-after by many of today’s top collectors.

Bearing Yenko serial number YS-725, this 1967 Yenko Super Camaro 427/450 – denoting 427 cubes and 450 horsepower – is documented by Camaro expert Jerry MacNeish as one of 1,138 that left the factory with an RPO L78 396/375hp V8. Following shipment to Yenko Chevrolet, it was upgraded to full Super Camaro 427/450 standard for $677.27, with a copy of a handwritten Yenko invoice on file and available for inspection listing all the many upgrades, with the car completed on July 18, 1967. YS-725 was one of five shipped on July 27, 1967, to Jay Kline Chevrolet in Minneapolis and, according to a letter on file from the original owner, he eventually sold it in November 1990 at 17,121 stated miles, with the car verified by Yenko expert Vince Emme as one of the 54 original 1967 Yenko Super Camaros in his records.

Continuing to benefit handsomely from an older restoration, subsequent owner/collectors include Gary Holub and Irwin Kroiz. Listed in the Yenko Supercar Registry, YS-725 is verified by MacNeish to retain the original VIN plate and hidden VIN cowl stamping. In addition to excellent documentation on file, this Super Camaro was inspected by Warren Dernoshek and affirmed authentic by him. An exceedingly rare and true part of Yenko history, it stands tall as pure American supercar royalty.

For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click here.

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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: ORIGIN OF THE SPECIES: Yenko’s wild 427-powered CAMARO
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/yenkos-wild-427-powered-camaro-crossing-the-2022-scottsdale-auction-block/
Published Date: Fri, 17 Dec 2021 17:16:56 +0000

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.mansbrand.com/craig-jacksons-view-from-the-block/

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BEYOND THE STRIP: Discover the Cultural Gems of Las Vegas

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BEYOND THE STRIP: Discover the Cultural Gems of Las Vegas

Written by Barbara Toombs

Fremont Street in the heart of downtown Las Vegas.

Millions of visitors are understandably attracted to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas’ renowned Strip each year, where world-class resorts, casinos, shows and incredible dining options are the name of the game.

What many don’t realize is that there’s another fascinating side to the Entertainment Capital of the World, headlined by two cultural districts known simply as Downtown and Chinatown.

Downtown Las Vegas (also known as DTLV) is really where this unique desert city got its start. In 1931, construction began on what is now known as the Hoover Dam, attracting thousands of workers to a site just east of the city. To capitalize on this growing workforce, savvy businessmen began building casinos and showgirl venues along Las Vegas’ only paved road at the time: Fremont Street.

Today, DTLV is comprised of three distinct districts. Many visitors to the city are already familiar with one of them: the Fremont Street Casino District, which contains museums, restaurants and bars, as well as the original Las Vegas casinos, including El Cortez, Golden Nugget and Golden Gate. Here you’ll also find the renowned Fremont Street Experience, which debuted in 1995. This pedestrian-only thoroughfare is covered by a canopy of more than two million LED lights and a state-of-the-art sound system that comes to life every night for a spectacular sound and light show called “Viva Vision.”

The Arts District

A popular attraction in this district is The Mob Museum (the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement), which showcases intriguing tales and the age-old dichotomy of good guys versus bad guys. Explore at your own pace, go on a guided tour or uncover museum surprises as part of a group scavenger hunt. Want a literal “taste” of old-school Las Vegas? Plan to dine at Top of Binion’s Steakhouse, perched on the 24th floor of Binion’s Gambling Hall. The restaurant dates back to 1965 when it was known as Top of the Mint, the signature dining spot at The Mint hotel tower. The interior design (and menu – think steak, prime rib, lobster and even Baked Alaska) is a throwback to an earlier era when the mob ran much of Las Vegas, but the real draw is the spectacular view through dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows.

Built in 2002, the Fremont East Entertainment District (FEED) is a six-block area that stretches from Las Vegas Boulevard East to 8th Street and from Ogden Street South to Carson. FEED is pedestrian-friendly, offering diverse street life and many eateries, cafes, bars and lounges, as well as ample shopping opportunities and lively entertainment. A must-see attraction in this district is the Downtown Container Park – a dining, shopping and live music venue made of 45 colorful repurposed shipping containers, all fronted by a two-story, fire-breathing praying mantis who made its original debut at Burning Man. Nearby is the popular Bin 702 – one of many great dining choices in the area – featuring a great selection of beer and wine, as well as a tantalizing choice of charcuterie and cheese, sandwiches and small plates for sharing.

18b sign in The Arts District.

In recent years, The Arts District – or the 18b as it’s also known (a reference to it occupying 18 blocks of Downtown Las Vegas, loosely outlined by Commerce Street, Colorado Ave, Fourth Street and Hoover Avenue) – has been growing in popularity. Its monthly “First Friday” block party and art walk features food trucks and live music, serving as a backdrop for artists showing their works off at a variety of open-air and indoor galleries. These include The Arts Factory, home to over 30 artists and art galleries, and ArtSquare, a hip establishment that houses design stores, designer’s studios, wellness spots, and food and drink outlets. Behind The Arts Factory sits one of many great dining choices in The Arts District: Taverna Costera, serving up delicious Coastal Mediterranean fusion that draws inspiration from coastal Spanish, French, Italian and Greek cuisines and beyond.

Just a couple of miles east of the Strip, along Spring Mountain Road (roughly between Rainbow Boulevard and Interstate 15), lies the city’s amazing Chinatown, which has grown in leaps and bounds over the past two decades. Here you’ll find the largest collection of Asian businesses in Southern Nevada, including a multitude of authentic Asian restaurants, gift shops, a hair stylist, a reflexologist, home decor, an Asian supermarket and the only Chinese bookstore in Nevada.

At Chinatown’s heart is the enormous and ornate Chinatown Plaza, featuring a colorful, dragon-adorned, Tang Dynasty-inspired gate and gleaming

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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: BEYOND THE STRIP: Discover the Cultural Gems of Las Vegas
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/beyond-the-strip-discover-the-cultural-gems-of-las-vegas-2023/
Published Date: Fri, 19 May 2023 18:07:14 +0000

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2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe – No Reserve

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2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe – No Reserve

This red 1967 Corvette custom coupe received a complete custom restoration at Springfield Motorsports in Peachland BC, Canada. The build consists of a completely new jig-mounted tube chassis with C4 corvette front upper and lower control arms riding on coilover shocks and power rack & pinion steering. The rear differential is a custom narrowed 9-inch Ford with aluminum Dale Gerry center section with Wilwood disc brakes on all 4 corners. Filling out the wheel wells are custom offset Fikse wheels.

K&S machine in Kelowna, British Columbia took the 454ci engine and machined it to 496ci it is equipped with Comp Thumper camshaft and 800cfm carburetor and it creates a true hot rod sound through the ceramic-coated exhaust. Lee Baxter upholstery created the one-off hand-stitched red leather interior with a rear storage area. It features Vintage Air, Digital gauges, power windows and a leather-wrapped vintage-style steering wheel.

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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: 2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe – No Reserve
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/2024-scottsdale-auction-1967-chevrolet-corvette-custom-coupe-no-reserve/
Published Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2023 15:52:01 +0000

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From Hamamatsu to Lisbon: A Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition

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Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition
The Honda CBX 1000 was only in production for four years, but that was enough time for it to leave a lasting impression on the motorcycle industry. First released it in 1978 as a screaming six-cylinder naked superbike, it later faced stiff competition from its stablemate—the equally iconic CB900F. So the Japanese marque redesigned it as a sport tourer, halfway through its tenure.

The updated ‘CBX-B’ had a touring fairing, optional panniers, and Honda’s new-at-the-time Pro-Link mono-shock setup. It was a hair less powerful than before, but that didn’t stop it from becoming a legend in its own right. If you park a CBX and CBX-B next to each other, you could argue that the latter has more presence.

Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition

It’s that mystique that prompted the owner of this 1982 Honda CBX 1000 Pro-Link to buy it. Enamored with the fusion of modern technology and ancient traditions found in Japanese cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, he was on the hunt for a classic motorcycle that embodied that philosophy. When he found the CBX, the sheer brutalism of its six-cylinder engine was impossible to ignore.

“In the eyes of this enthusiast, the engine wasn’t just a mechanical marvel; it was the soul of the motorcycle, much like the heart in a human body,” says Tiago Gonçalves, founder of the Portuguese custom shop, Unik Edition. “This revelation laid the foundation for a transformative project, one that would honor the motorcycle’s origins while infusing it with a new identity.”

Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik EditionRead More

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By: Wesley Reyneke
Title: From Hamamatsu to Lisbon: A Honda CBX 1000 restomod by Unik Edition
Sourced From: www.bikeexif.com/honda-cbx-1000-restomod
Published Date: Sat, 28 Oct 2023 16:34:54 +0000

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