The 1969 Chevelle Yenko SC is the most expensive Chevrolet ever sold at auction, commanding $1,320,000 in 2013. Only 37 of these extremely rare, specially upgraded muscle cars were built by Don Yenko's dealership in 1969, making them highly coveted among collectors. This particular Yenko SC represents the peak of Chevrolet collector car values.
When it comes to American muscle and performance vehicles, Chevrolet is an iconic brand with a long history of producing some of the most desirable cars. And for serious collectors and enthusiasts, certain high-end Chevrolet models become invaluable gems worth well into the six or even seven figures. Let’s take a look back at 10 of the most expensive Chevys ever sold at auction to see these stunning pinnacles of automotive history:
Top 10 Most Expensive Chevrolet Car
10. 2019 Corvette ZR1
Now that sounds expensive, but keep in mind this is for a brand new, fully loaded vehicle right off the dealer lot. Powered by a supercharged 6.2 liter V8 pumping out an incredible 755 horsepower, this monstrous ‘Vette lives up to its billing as the most powerful production Corvette in history.
Impressive electronic active suspension combines with Brembo carbon ceramic brakes to give the ZR1 performance capabilities comparable to genuine exotics. It’s the modern American power machine for the discerning high roller.
9. 1965 Chevelle Malibu SS Z16
A very special, limited edition trim of the popular A-body that came equipped from the factory with a 396-inch big block V8 putting down an ample 375 horsepower. The Z16 variant seen here, sold at Mecum’s Indianapolis event in 2018 for $154,000,
Featured unique badging and interior treatments to match its enhanced performance capabilities. Of all Chevelles produced from 1964 to 1967, only around 200 units were the Z16 version making this particular car exceptionally rare.
8. Tri-Five — a 1957 Bel Air convertible
It’s easy to see why these iconic cars maintain such demanded status decades later; lavish amounts of chrome, dramatic tailfins, and two-tone paint schemes over nicely upholstered interiors.
This was 1990’s-era Chevy style at its peak. Add in a continental kit and you have the stuff of Grease Lightning fantasy.
7. 2014 Camaro COPO
Now that may seem outrageous money for a Camaro, but the COPO designation signals something special…Racing special. COPO is essentially Chevrolet’s backdoor program to produce limited-run, dragstrip-oriented machines not technically available to public sale.
The one shown here came equipped for NHRA Stock Eliminator competition — a modern day proverbial “king of the quarter mile” bearing Super Stock credentials. Only 69 were built making this Camaro an instant collectible.
6. 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6
As a flagship Chevy muscle car for 1970, the LS6 option packed the vaunted 454 big block pumping out 450 hp and 500 ft-lbs torque, making it the powerking of production cars in that era. Outrageous by any measure for 1970, which partially explains why this car went for over seven figures when it hammered down years later.
5. 1965 Chevelle Malibu SS Z16
A very special, limited edition trim of the popular A-body that came equipped from the factory with a 396-inch big block V8 putting down an ample 375 horsepower. The Z16 variant seen here, sold at Mecum’s Indianapolis event in 2018 for $154,000,
Featured unique badging and interior treatments to match its enhanced performance capabilities. Of all Chevelles produced from 1964 to 1967, only around 200 units were the Z16 version making this particular car exceptionally rare.
4. #0001 serial number 2014 Camaro Z/28
At the time, this represented the highest price ever doled out for a new Camaro. And for good reason: the Z/28 returned for 2014 after a 13 year absence as the road-legal racing variant cum street-legal track machine designed to outperform the likes of Porsche’s 911 GT3 around circuits — quite effectively from what motoring press concluded.
3. legendary 1969 Camaro ZL1s
a testament to the mythical status these rarely seen beasts have attained. The first example shown here was sold in 2020 at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale event for a healthy $848,000 in pristine condition. The other, from Mecum’s Indianapolis event brought an even more staggering $1,094,500 in 2019, likely due to its more extensive racing heritage.
2. 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS6
As a flagship Chevy muscle car for 1970, the LS6 option packed the vaunted 454 big block pumping out 450 hp and 500 ft-lbs torque, making it the powerking of production cars in that era. Outrageous by any measure for 1970, which partially explains why this car went for over seven figures when it hammered down years later.
1. 1969 Chevelle Yenko SC
Now what could compel someone to pay over one million three hundred thousand for a classic Chevelle? Two words: Yenko SuperCar. Don Yenko was an enterprising Chevrolet dealer who took stock 1969 Chevelles and upgraded them with race-bred Corvette 427 engines, turning them into instant legends.
Only 37 Yenko SCs were built making them extraordinarily rare — almost nonexistent — to this day. Of all 10 cars featured here, this may be the ultimate bowtie prize for die-hard high roller Chevrolet collectors.