A long-lost muscle car icon has returned to the spotlight for the first time in nearly half a century. The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko, known in its racing days as “Motivation,” made a surprise appearance at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Illinois last fall—its first public outing since 1976.
Owned by noted Camaro collector Doug Perry, the Olympic Gold Yenko Camaro is one of just ten examples finished in the rare hue and one of only 201 built in 1969. Even more remarkably, this street-and-strip legend retains its original L72 427-cubic-inch big-block V8 and has logged fewer than 22,000 miles since new.
Originally sold at Nankivell Chevrolet in Indianapolis, the Camaro was purchased by professional drag racer Richard L. Barratt, who campaigned it in NHRA Super Stock D under the name “Motivation.” The Yenko Camaro proved highly competitive, running at Beech Bend, Raceway Park, Edgewater, Milan, and Muncie dragways. It racked up wins and recognition before being sold in 1972 and ultimately retired from racing by 1976.
Despite being passed between multiple performance-minded owners, the car remained largely intact. In 2019, Perry acquired the Camaro from the owner who had converted it for street use in the late ‘70s. It has since undergone preservation and detailing, but remains largely original—including the drivetrain and four-speed transmission.
The return of this rare Yenko drew major attention at the MCACN event, especially among enthusiasts familiar with its competition history. Perry, who also owns the final 1967 Yenko Camaro built, says this ‘69 example is among the most complete and historically significant in his stable.
“It’s incredible to see a car with this much provenance survive,” said Lou Costabile, who profiled the car on his YouTube channel. “It’s a true time capsule.”
For now, Perry plans to continue preserving “Motivation,” giving muscle car fans a rare glimpse at one of the ultimate expressions of Yenko’s high-performance legacy.
Elizabeth Puckett