Summary

NASCAR-connected Smokey Yunick collaboration. Built in 1967 using 1963 GM race program Z11 and 427 Mark II Mystery prototype parts. Original time capsule, hidden away since 1968.

Details

In 1960, Chevrolet began working on a prototype racing engine they called the Mark II 427. A Hot Rod magazine article in 1963 states 'Chevrolet's 427 Mystery V8: The most powerful high-performance engine at the 1963 Daytona 500.' The engine and parts were not available to the public. Experts guess anywhere from only 17 to 50 engines were produced before GM banned all divisions from racing activities. All engines and associated parts were ordered destroyed except those that already had been furnished to race teams. One such team was Smokey Yunick's team. This particular 1962 Impala SS was a personal collaboration between Smokey Yunick and Charlie Sanden in 1966-1967. Sanden, an engine builder, was a good friend of Yunick's, and it was through this friendship that Smokey offered to provide all the GM racing prototype parts so that this '62 Impala could be put together in the very likeness of the '63 Daytona race-season Impalas. Smokey provided the prototype Mystery engine, cast exhaust headers, Z11-style air induction system and other race accessories. The base engine used in the build was from a brand new 1967 Corvette 427/435hp Tri-Power coupe. The engine is built to full race specs, using the 427/435hp Corvette engine, the Mystery motor exhaust and induction components, and a period Weiand dual-quad manifold with 409/409 dual carbs. This is all mated to the '67 Vette's original close-ratio 4-speed transmission. The Impala was completed in 1967 and then hidden away from the public in 1968. It did not emerge again until Sanden's death in 2016. A complete preservation effort was performed on the car to get it back up and running. It is a true original time capsule.