Danbury Mint 1969 Chevrolet

The '69 Yenko Nova 427 is without a doubt a heart-pounding replica of an outstanding automobile. Yenko Chevrolet, based in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, roughly 25 miles from Pittsburgh was known as one of the best high performance dealers on the east coast. Don Yenko was a successful racer and first dipped into the performance market in 1965 with his "stinger" Corvairs. Yenko Chevrolet offered a few other super cars but they are not of concern for this review. His wildest creation was the Yenko Nova S/C, which featured a dealer installed 427 engine. This Nova was the fastest of the Yenko Super Cars because it was very light and its weight distribution was spot on enabling it to go from 0-60 in under 4 seconds.

Now that you know a little about the car lets move on to our review of the Danbury Mint creation. Upon opening the box and holding it in my hands I have to tell you I was mesmerized by the amount of detail noticeable throughout the replica. I have to admit the 'Wow and 'Bling meter went off the charts; it was definitely love at first sight.

Where do I begin? This is undoubtedly one of the most detailed, eye-popping replicas in my collection. It is a blast from my past, a recreation from my youth, a car all young motor heads like myself could only dream about. Having spent my entire youth or so it seemed at the local drag strip, I remember reading about the Yenko cars. I vividly remember the claim that the Yenko Nova could do 0–60 in under 4 seconds. Think about that for a second, 0–60 under 4 seconds, guys that is what dreams are made of for a drag strip junkie, trust me.

The Danbury Mint painstakingly recreated the Yenko Nova 427 in precise detail. Fit and finish is outstanding. All body panels flow seamlessly from front to rear. Hood, trunk and doors have no noticeable gaps and function properly. It has excellent eye appeal; I am referring to stance, scale and color.

Speaking of color, it is Rallye Green, with white racing stripes and "sYc" badging, all applied flawlessly. It sports a black vinyl top, which in my opinion is the best of the best, very realistic and applied flawlessly. All body scripts were coved with a protective covering, none missing or damaged. Side marker lights run straight and true, tires and rims outstanding. Carefully pull down the rear license plate; surprise there is the gas filler tube, nice touch Danbury. Bling, bling, bling...Take a close look at the wipers, pay attention to the detail on the arms. They are so realistic it is amazing; the only thing missing was a little black paint on the very edge of the blade to give the illusion of rubber, bling.

The attention to detail is evident throughout this model but the engine compartment puts the exclamation point on what is sure to be known as one of the best replicas ever produced. The precise engine detail is mind-boggling; you can't help asking yourself how did they do that. The engine is FULLY plumbed and wired. Fuel lines, brake lines, dipstick, belt, battery cables, GM part numbers on the radiator hose and much, much more. Pay attention to the scissor hood hinges, they are done correctly painted flat black along with the spring. Gorgeous is an understatement; bling off the chart, you have to view it first hand to appreciate the detail and thought that went into this creation. What amazes me is a model of this caliber can be had for a mere $124 I am impressed.

I am not done yet; opening the drivers' door to view the interior placed a silly smile on my face. The window crank had the orange knob on it remember that? Bling… The dash is very detailed and accurate. Danbury Mint has the best readable gauges in the business; they have depth and a 3D look, nice, very nice.

The stick shift looked correct in the car with good eye appeal not seeming out of proportion. It has the shifting pattern etched into the ball, bling. The seatbacks fold forward along with seatbelts front and rear. The front seat headrest has the sYc logo on them too. One other item that caught my eye was the dimmer switch located on the driver side floor, talk about detail... bling.

The trunk contains a spare tire, jack and the infamous spatter paint. I especially like the realism of the spatter paint it looks very good not gaudy or incorrect. I sprayed many a trunk with spatter paint so I do know the look first hand Danbury captured it perfectly.

Rolling the model over produced that silly grin again. Brake lines, emergency brake cable, gas line, exhaust pipes, muffler and lower engine detail that goes WAY beyond the norm for any model in this price range. The bottom of the A-arms has what appears to be the shock base attached to it, bling, bling, and bling...

Manny, Moe and Jack did their homework with the Yenko Nova 427. Bottom line this is one sweet ride that needs to be in your collection whether you collect muscle cars or not. I place FIVE BIG stars on this model, and it deserves every one of them. A model of this caliber for $124 is truly amazing. Quality and detail is evident throughout this release, which in my opinion raised the bar another notch for all future releases coming down the die cast pike. That can only be a good thing for 1:24 th die cast collectors in the future.