The Most Famous '69 Yenko Camaro Ever; Then and NOW!

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 *2026 MCACN Sneak Peek




1969 Chevrolet Yenko 427 Super Camaro
Owner, Ryan Snyder, Florida
MCACN 2026 "Six Pack" Feature Car

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The Most Talked About Camaro Ever To Be Featured at MCACN 2026

When the Mecum Auctions team hits Kissimmee in January, we all know that records will be set in the Muscle Car world. That has been true for years now, as we have all seen the numbers! And this year the tone was set when the Cliff Ernst Collection hit the block. Those of us that follow the Yenko market knew this was going to be very interesting, but I don't think anyone knew how this would play out.


Cliff Ernst was one of the most knowledgeable and well known collectors of very real and well documented Yenko Super Cars and much more. He managed to acquire a complete collection of '69 Yenko Camaros, meaning one each of all six colors that Don Yenko built back in '69. (Of course he also had '67's and '68's in the collection!). Cliff found great cars and did whatever it took to make them among the very best. He didn't do it as an investment, he did it because he truly loved the cars and the history. And that brings us to the "new" caretaker of what is certainly now the best known Camaro ever. You see, that beautiful Olympic Gold Yenko Camaro is the actual car that was tested in the July 1969 issue of Super Stock & Drag Illustrated magazine. It is also believed to be the very first car that Don converted for the '69 model year and most likely the first adorned with the now instantly recognized Yenko stripe package. And how do we know that? Well, several of the guys that were at that test session have verified it, and yes...they are still around! Dubbed the "Yenkamaro Z/427/28/SS" by the SS/DI team, they told the story of how Yenko took the best features of the Z/28, the COPO 427 and with a few tweaks and tricks created an "11 second street bomb that works!" Yes...those are the facts.


Sadly we lost Cliff a few years ago. Mecum Auctions was the obvious choice to re-home these historic cars, and they did their usual outstanding job spreading the word. While I personally know of several collectors who were "on it", I am happy to say the last man standing when the gavel fell is a great friend and huge supporter of the MCACN show that shares the passion and enthusiasm that I have. Ryan Snyder has acquired some of the most significant vintage and modern Yenkos, COPO Camaros, (including a ZL1) and some other great cars that you have seen at the MCACN show. Remember the gorgeous Fred Gibb Little Hoss that was unveiled up front? Yep; another one of Ryans!


From Ryan: Quick backstory...at 16 years old, my first Camaro was a 1994 V6 salvage title car that I had re-painted at Maaco. I slapped some Z28 badges on it, added flowmaster exhaust, and thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. I made a promise to myself then that if I was ever in a position to do so, I was going to acquire the baddest Camaros on the planet. Fast forward 25 years, I've started buying those Camaros.


I'd say Ryan is committed not only to collecting, but to supporting the hobby in a huge way, by sharing these cars and their history whenever possible. He has been on board with us for several years now and believe me when I say, we have big things in the works! How about a different kind of Six Pack? Well; the plan is to spotlight all six of the colors Don built in '69 and as of this writing, Ryan has five in his collection, (he bought the Cliff Ernst Rally Green '69 also!) and he is finalizing a deal on the sixth! Plan on seeing all six of them at the show, November 21-22. Thank You, Ryan!


It is not too early to make your plans for the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals show. As always, the event will take place the weekend before Thanksgiving, which is November 21-22, 2026. We have SEVEN Official Host Hotels, all offering MCACN exclusive rates, extra perks and reduced rate parking for not only our participants, but also for our spectators. The links are up now for the DoubleTree and the Embassy Suites and will be up soon for the aLoft, The Hyatt, the Crowne Plaza, the Leows and the Hilton. And remember; ALL SEVEN are within walking distance of the beautiful Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, (SUBURBAN Chicago area), Illinois.


If you have a prime Muscle Car or Corvette, a Muscle Bicycle or a Mini Bike you'd like to show, send good clear pictures and information to bashton426@gmail.com for Pre-Approval (required). Automotive related vendors ONLY may also apply but if you aren't automotive related, please don't waste our time!


Be Safe, Be Kind and please help us spread the word.


Bob Ashton
MCACN, LLC
Managing Member


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In 2009, a group of car enthusiasts banded together to form the MCACN LLC.


Each LLC member brings in a wide variety of ideas and perspectives that allows us to produce a show unlike any other. Click Here to learn more about all the MCACN LLC Members


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