Don Yenko was a race car driver best known for creating a high performance version of the Chevrolet Camaro called the Yenko Camaro. In 1967 when the Camaro debuted Don had a plan as soon as they started arriving at his dealership. A General Motors corporate edict prevented the Camaros from carrying an engine larger than 400in putting it at a disadvantage to Ford’s Mustang and Plymouth’s Barracuda, but Don knew there was a market for a more powerful Camaro.

He began by swapping the L-78 equipped SS Camaros with the Corvette’s L-72 427in engine. He added a Yenko ID plate, Yenko badges, 427 emblems and a fiberglass hood similar to the “Stinger” hood featured on the ’67 Covettes. It is estimated that he sold 50 of the conversion cars that year.

Encouraged by the success of the 1967 Yenko Camaro, Don had bigger and better plans for the ’68 model. Though it soon became clear he could no longer keep up with the demand for 427 Camaros. Having a dealership network in 19 states earned clout with Chevrolet so he approached them about the possibility of getting factory equipped 427 Camaros. At first the team was hesitant but management in the Specialty Projects Division was willing to give it a try as long as Yenko kept the program quiet.

The discussions led to the birth of the COPO 9561 program and by 1969 Don Yenko was ordering his Camaros with factory installed 427 big block engines, power disc brakes, a 4.10 Positraction rear end, a stronger front stabilizer bar and a heavy-duty 4-core aluminum radiator. Buyers had the option of either the Muncie M-21 or 22 four speed manual transmission or the Turbo Hydramatic 400 automatic transmission and choice of 6 colors. At the dealership 427 emblems were attached, and sYc (Yenko Super Car) badges and stripes were added to the interior and exterior. A total of 201 cars were sold in 1969.