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1983 Camaro IMSA Don Yenko Race Car

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Old 04-13-2008, 03:35 PM
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Car: 1984 Camaro Z28
Engine: L69 305 H.O.
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.73
1983 Camaro IMSA Don Yenko Race Car

1983 Camaro IMSA Don Yenko Race Car-1983-yenko.jpg

1983 Camaro IMSA Don Yenko Race Car-yenko-ii.jpg

1983 Camaro IMSA Don Yenko Race Car-yenkoiv.jpgSaw this while watching the Mecum auto action. High bid was $29,000 but didn't meet the reserve. Pretty cool.

From the Bio:

"Driven by Jerry Thompson and Don Yenko. For 1983 IMSA changed their rules to allow cars to be built around a tube chassis. Dillon Race Works, out of Indiana, whose main business had been building tube frame cars for stock car racing, was selected to build this car. This was the first of several road racecars that Dillon would build. A similar Dillon built Camaro, driven by Gene Felton, dominated the IMSA "GTO" class in 1983 and 1984. This car was raced at numerous tracks across the U.S., including Daytona, Sebring, Lime Rock Mid-Ohio, Sears Point, and Road Atlanta.

In May of 1983, Don Yenko and Jerry Thomspson finished 3rd in a Kelly American Challenge race at Lime Rock. I have a photo of Don on the podium after their 3rd place finish with a medal around his neck. The photo and medal go with the car. I also have pictures of Don and Lynn Yenko with the car.

In 1983, this car was state of the art, with its tube chassis, dry sump oil system, rack and pinion steering and quick change rear end. With IMSA having no rules on engine size, just that cars must weigh 10 pounds per cubic inch, the car ran both a V-6 and a V-8, depending on the length of the track. Except for the engine and transmission, the car retains most of its original parts, as it has been in storage in California since 1987. Ironically, the car was purchased from Gen Felton, who raced a similar car and competed against the #11 Camaro numerous times. This was the last car Don Yenko raced competitively.

The car has a new GM crate motor, with less then 50 miles on it. MSD ignition, new tires, etc., also, extra hubs and “skin”. Three or four years ago it was taken to Springfield to a SCCA tech inspector, where the car passed tech. Except maybe for belts, it should be ready for vintage racing.

Formerly owned by Tom Clary of the Yenko registry and past feature car at Yenko.net"
Old 04-13-2008, 03:38 PM
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Re: 1983 Camaro IMSA Don Yenko Race Car

Here's a picture of the motor. Actually, I'd like to have the garage it's parked in.1983 Camaro IMSA Don Yenko Race Car-yenkoiii.jpg
Old 04-13-2008, 07:55 PM
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Re: 1983 Camaro IMSA Don Yenko Race Car

Judging by the tail lights they used a berlinetta as the base. Scratch that, there's probably no comparison to our 3rd gens. This car was built from scratch.
Old 04-13-2008, 08:45 PM
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Re: 1983 Camaro IMSA Don Yenko Race Car

I thought it was cool looking until i saw the taillight and motor, its nothing special at all.
Old 04-14-2008, 08:41 AM
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Re: 1983 Camaro IMSA Don Yenko Race Car

Fram filters???!!!?!?!???!!??
Old 04-14-2008, 09:42 AM
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Re: 1983 Camaro IMSA Don Yenko Race Car

Nothing Special?
You need to share your crack. Its a piece of racing history, its a hole lot more than JUST a Berlinetta with a different engine. Heck for a comment like its nothing special I would think I woudl see 1 on my way to work every day. When exactly did you see one like this to say its nothing special? Special means its unique, which it appears to be. at least $29,000 special, THats a hole lot more special than most of our cars.

John
Old 04-14-2008, 11:10 AM
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Re: 1983 Camaro IMSA Don Yenko Race Car

Old 10-14-2009, 08:58 PM
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Re: 1983 Camaro IMSA Don Yenko Race Car

i like the spoiler..

perhaps a person could take the 5 inch one, cut the lower part of the two ends off, attach the sides to the middle to create one piece, round the spoiler more rather than have it sharp, then attach the spoiler to the hatch only
Old 10-15-2009, 11:15 AM
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Re: 1983 Camaro IMSA Don Yenko Race Car

"There's nothing stock about a stock car"

Man that's cool
Old 10-15-2009, 11:25 AM
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Re: 1983 Camaro IMSA Don Yenko Race Car

Thats cool man ! Great find !!!
Old 10-15-2009, 11:41 AM
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Re: 1983 Camaro IMSA Don Yenko Race Car

Love the wide body!
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