Don Yenko was a Chevrolet dealer and racer who got into the business of modifying vehicles adn selling to consumers who wanted the ultimate performance version of certain Chevy models. Yenko’s Corvairs, Camaros, Chevelles and Novas were are the stuff of legend and high auction prices. They even offered a modified Vega at one time; but, as our seller points out, they never offered a hopped up truck or van. Our seller has attempted to create the Yenko Super Van.
The bad news here is that the powertrain is essentially unmodified. The good news is that the four-barrel 350 probably moves this thing well enough for most van use and likely sounds great with the side pipes. The Yenko-ization is pretty tasteful and comes off well.
Although it would be a cool parts hauler as-is, we’d like to give this the mechanical upgrades it needs to back up the Yenko claim. Retro big block van, anyone? Or, perhaps a more modern SBC? Great news is this is a 1975 model, so smog checking is not an issue in CA. We just wonder if the entry price is a bit high for anyone thinking of pouring in more money. Ideally, we’d love to see Gas Monkey Garage get their hands on this…
Click for Craigslist ad
Norwalk, CA
$11,000
Ad text:
1975 Chevy G10 Shorty Panel Van “THE YENKO / SV”
I looked for more than a year just to find a decent van to start with. Trust me when I say “these are hard to find”. These G10 Shorty Panels are rare. I thought a YENKO TRIBUTE was a awesome idea and these are the results of our work. The YENKO CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP built many different specialty cars that are famous today. Sadly they never made a specialty van or truck. I’d like to think if they were still around in 1975 this is how a van might look from YENKO. I put a “SV” instead of a “SC” to stand for “SUPER VAN” instead of “SUPER CAR” which all YENKO cars had.
I started with a straight bodied, rust free, and good running panel. Over those few months I did all of the things listed below to restore it. All work done has less than a hundred miles on it. As you can see by the list the van has had a lot of thing replaced or repaired. It’s Not a 100% restoration that sits in a museum but it is a super cool daily driver. The engine and transmission are original to the van but actual mileage is unknown. It’s a basically stock 350 four barrel carbureted motor with duel exhaust. Automatic 350 transmission, power steering, power brakes, disc brakes in front, and NO air conditioning. Everything on the van works except the horn which was deleted. It now looks good and runs good. I spent a van full of money to restore this beauty and to get it to the point of reliable and looking custom. I have the Pink Slip and the tags are good until June 2014. NO SMOG required for vehicles 1975 and older in California.
Be prepared to get a lot of attention with this van. People love it. It would be perfect to haul your Harley Davidson to the bike show and then sleep in the van. I left the back of the van empty so the new buyer could use it as they see fit. It has many options. Great to use for advertising as well. Vehicle is sold AS-IS with NO warranty. If interest call or text 562-682-33eightzero for inquires. 11,000 obo and possible trades. I have about 25 pictures. If this ad is still up then it’s still for sale. Thank you for looking.
The following is new or repaired over the last 2 months.
Exterior:
2 Stage Paint job with a 5 year warranty
New vinyl graphics (decals are removable)
All outside chrome was re-chromed or polished
Vintage mag wheels restored plus new center caps and bolts
New exhaust
New window tint
New side marker lights
New wiper arms
New antenna
New YENKO front plate
New YENKO plate frames
New Window felts
Interior:
New linoleum flooring in back
New carpet in front
All new upholstery
New speakers
New arm rest
New bolts and screws
New rear view mirror
Mechanically:
New starter
New alternator
New battery
New front brakes
New rear brakes
New aluminum radiator
New hoses
New belts
New steering box
New pitman arm
New bulbs
Oil changed