The name Smokey Yunick is legendary among racing fans and hot rodders. He was an innovator who bent the rules and built some of the wildest and most creative machines in American motorsport history. That’s why any car with his name attached is special, even a humble 1972 Chevrolet Vega. A unique Vega with an experimental, Yunick-built turbocharged engine will now cross the block at Mecum’s Larry’s Legacy 2025 auction, giving collectors a rare chance to own a piece of awesome automotive history.

Smokey’s “Best Damn Garage in Town” Magic

At the heart of this Vega is an engine that only Smokey Yunick could have built. He took the standard inline four-cylinder and completely re-engineered it for performance. The experimental setup features a ported iron cylinder head and a re-jetted 350 cfm Rochester two-barrel carburetor. The real magic, however, comes from the Schwitzer turbocharger, a component that turned the economy car into a serious performance threat. Yunick paired this unique engine with a reliable Turbo 350 automatic transmission and a 3.36 rearend.

A Closer Look at this 1972 Chevrolet Vega

The rest of the car was built to match the unique engine. The brilliant coupe features special “Smokey” stripes that were custom-made by T.W. Signs in Mount Airy, North Carolina. A set of N.O.S. (new old stock) front and rear spoilers gives the car a much more aggressive look than a standard Vega. The build is finished with four-lug GT wheels wrapped in period-correct Goodyear A70-13 Polyglas tires and a custom-fabricated chambered exhaust system to announce its presence.

A Well-Known Piece of History

This isn’t some forgotten barn find; it’s a well-documented and recognized piece of automotive history. With just under 15,000 miles on the odometer, the owner has well-preserved this 1972 Chevrolet Vega. Motor Trend featured its story in a 2008 issue, and the prestigious Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (MCACN) previously chose it for display, cementing its status as a significant vehicle.

A Chance to Own a Legend

This Smokey Yunick-built Vega represents an opportunity to own a car touched by one of the greatest minds in American racing. It’s a physical piece of his innovative and rebellious spirit, a proof of his ability to create incredible performance from the most unexpected of platforms. The car will cross the auction block on Sunday, September 21, offering one lucky bidder the chance to become the new caretaker for this incredible piece of history.