To tell a real Yenko Nova, look for the various emblems and badges that would have been added to the car when it was new. The most obvious indication of a real Yenko is the “Yenko” badge on the front grille and rear panel. You should also be able to locate two metal tags affixed to each side of the engine compartment with “YENKO” stamped in them.
Additionally, there will be a metal tag mounted near or on top of the radiator core support giving details about its original equipment such as carburetor size, distributor type etc. In addition to these features, an authentic Yenko can be identified by its numbers matching drivetrain components which include transmission code (T10) and axle ratio (4:11).
Finally, if all else fails you can check for documents from General Motors verifying that it is indeed an original Yenko Nova muscle car.
- Examine the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): A real Yenko Nova will have a VIN that begins with 12437N100001, which is different from other Novas of the same year. The last six digits should also be consecutive numbers and will tell you if it is an original car or not
- Check for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts: A legitimate Yenko Nova will include OEM parts like hood pins, chrome louvers, and special badges on the exterior of the vehicle as well as specific interior components such as bucket seats and a Hurst shifter
- Look at Documentation: If all else fails, check out any documentation available to verify authenticity including sales invoices, receipts for service work, dealer paperwork, etc that may contain information about its history or ownership records in order to prove it’s a genuine Yenko Nova
Credit: gmauthority.com
What Makes a Nova a Yenko?
A classic Yenko is a vehicle that has been modified and produced by Don Yenko, the owner of the Yenko Chevrolet dealership in Pennsylvania. The muscle car era of the 1960s was when these vehicles got their start. A Nova would be considered a “Yenko” if it had undergone performance modifications as specified by Don Yenko himself.
These modifications included an increase in horsepower and torque from its original factory specs, altered suspension components for improved handling and cornering ability, larger tires for greater traction, uprated brakes for better stopping power, and cosmetic changes such as side stripes or “Yenko” badging on the exterior. Additionally, some Yenkos were equipped with engines originally intended for other models such as the L78 396 Big-Block V8 found in certain Corvettes or Camaros. All Yenkos came with special badges indicating they were part of a limited production run; only about 200 cars (exact numbers vary) were built each year while they were being produced between 1967 and 1969.
Today’s Yenkos are highly sought after collector’s items due to their rarity and potential value –– making them some of the most desirable classic muscle cars around!
How Much is a Yenko Nova Worth?
The Yenko Nova is a classic car that has been in production since 1968. It was designed and built by Don Yenko, a legendary performance car builder who had a remarkable career building high-performance vehicles. The first generation of the Nova featured an L79 327 cubic inch engine with 360 horsepower and special suspension components.
While there were only about 1,500 Novas made during its brief two year production run, it quickly became one of the most sought after muscle cars of all time due to its rarity and performance capabilities. Today, these cars are incredibly valuable as collector’s items, with prices ranging anywhere from $50,000 to more than $150,000 depending on condition and originality. This makes them one of the most expensive American classics around – but if you’re lucky enough to find one in good condition they can be well worth the price tag!
How Many Yenko Novas are Left?
The number of Yenko Novas left in existence is difficult to determine, as many have been lost due to time and some may still be tucked away in garages or barns waiting to be discovered. Estimates range from as few as five known survivors up to a possible 200, with the vast majority believed to be residing in the United States. The rarity of these cars makes them highly sought after by collectors, who are willing to pay top dollar for one that is still roadworthy.
Despite their scarcity, however, Yenko Novas remain an iconic part of automotive history thanks largely to its association with drag racing legend Don “Big Daddy” Garlits and its short-lived production run from 1968–1969.
What Year Did They Make a Yenko Nova?
The Yenko Nova was a limited production muscle car made by Chevrolet and Don Yenko in 1969. It was the only year this special edition of the Chevy II Nova coupe ever rolled off the assembly line, making it one of the most sought after collector cars today. The Yenko Nova had an impressive 427 cubic inch V8 engine that cranked out 425 horsepower and 460 ft-lbs of torque as well as several other performance upgrades to help handle all that power.
With its distinctive looks and powerful engine, it quickly became coveted by collectors and enthusiasts alike who wanted something more than just your average muscle car. Today, original models are highly sought after with prices reaching into six figures for some examples; making them a true investment grade classic automobile.
True Yenko Nova?
How Many Yenko Novas were Made
The exact production number of Yenko Novas is unknown, but it’s estimated that there were only around 200 made between 1967 and 1969. Most of these cars were Super Sport (SS) coupes with a few convertibles also produced. All Yenko Novas featured the potent L-78 396 engine, along with other performance upgrades such as suspension modifications, heavy-duty brakes and transmission improvements to make them formidable vehicles on the track.
What Years were Yenko Novas Made
Yenko Novas were made from 1967 to 1969. These cars, produced by Yenko Chevrolet in Pennsylvania, featured a powerful 427 cubic inch V8 engine and could reach speeds of up to 140 mph. They quickly became sought after collector’s items due to their unique design and performance capabilities.
Today, these classic muscle cars are highly valued by collectors around the world.
Conclusion
Overall, the Yenko Nova is a unique piece of automotive history that can bring joy to any car enthusiast. While not easy to find, it’s worth the effort in order to acquire such an iconic vehicle. The key points for telling a real Yenko Nova are its badges and trim, engine details and paperwork.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to identify if your potential purchase is genuine or not.