Incredibly rare turbocharged Camaro is so forgotten barely anyone knows it existed

More than 40 years ago, a Chevrolet dealership in McMurray, Pennsylvania, gave birth to a rare gem: the 1981 Yenko Turbo Z Camaro.

In the 1970s to early 1980s, American automakers made muscle cars that were far less powerful than their predecessors.

This was due to the oil crisis at the time, combined with widespread emissions regulations and general economic instability.

However, this turbocharged version of the Camaro Z28, which was produced in extremely limited numbers, managed to put the muscle back into muscle cars.

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Only 19 Yenko Turbo Z Camaros were ever built, making it the rarest of all Yenko Camaros.

This model was not a factory offering, but a conversion performed by Don Yenko, a racer-turned-performance-tuner.

The base vehicle was a 1981 Camaro Z28, modified with a Turbo International turbocharger kit, producing 7 psi of boost.

Additional enhancements included a fuel heating system and water injection, resulting in an estimated output of up to 250 horsepower, a significant increase from the stock 175 horsepower.

The Yenko Turbo Z was also designed to offer improved performance over the standard Z28.

It featured a 350-cubic-inch V8 engine, Knoi shocks, and a functional hood scoop.

The car’s performance was notable, achieving a quarter-mile time of 14.51 seconds.

Despite these enhancements, the Turbo Z Camaro did not achieve widespread recognition or sales.

As such, it remains a collector’s item today.

While it may not have achieved the fame of other Yenko-modified vehicles, its rarity and unique features make it a coveted piece of automotive history.

Today, the Yenko Turbo Z Camaro is a rare find, with only a few examples believed to still exist.

In the world of classic American muscle cars, it’s definitely a hidden gem.

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