by JULES » Sun Oct 04, 2015 3:55 pm
Hi Slothead,
I spent some time researching this car and along the way managed to get some time with David Tom who restored the car prior to its sale to the Edelbrock family (current owners). I trimmed done all the available info and wrote it up on the Vehicle Data Card that comes with this model. Below is a brief synopsis from the card:-
Jules
This notorious Camaro, built by Smokey Yunick in 1968, made its debut at the Sebring Trans-Am race. When it finally passed the SCCA technical inspection, it got out to qualify and equalled the time set by Mark Donohue. Success in the race was short lived as the 302 motor let go in a spectacular way at nearly 10,000rpm on lap 43. What secret engine developments was Smokey testing in that race? History does not record the exact details but the special developments under hood had proved it to be a very quick car.
Very few of the original Trans-Am cars have held the attention of race fans and continue to generate as much interest as this #13 Camaro. Oddly enough, this car never actually won a race whilst run by Smokey Yunick. The fame and notoriety surrounding #13 mainly stems from the subsequent discoveries over the years of exactly what Smokey had done to this car in a rule-bending (creative!) and innovative way using all of his engineering expertise. It was not just pushing the limits of the 302 engine that Smokey was renowned for – many adaptations of the running gear and impressive innovations were employed by Smokey to gain extra speed. Unusual techniques were also used to lighten any component or body panel that could loose a little weight and aid performance and these stories have all added to the mystique of the car and contributed to the legendary status of Smokey Yunick.
Don Yenko purchased the car in 1969, painted it white and went on to win the 1969 Daytona GT race. It remained in Don’s possession until his death in 1987. Some time after this, the car was discovered by David Tom. It was buried in a snow bank in Syracuse, New York. David then instigated a major restoration to bring it back to life. More information can be found in David’s excellent book entitled ‘The Cars of Trans-Am Racing, 1966-1972'.