The name Don Yenko is legendary in the muscle car world. But before the Canonsburg, PA, Chevy dealer built Yenko Camaros, Yenko Novas, or Yenko Chevelles, they made the Corvair-based Yenko Stinger.
Don Yenko was interested in SCCA racing, and in 1966 he applied to the SCCA to approve the Chevrolet Corvair Corsa for competition. The Corsa was green-lighted with the removal of the back seat and engine power upgrades. Yenko ordered and modified 100 1966 Corvair Corsas into Yenko Stingers.
The 1966 Yenko Stingers were all Central Office Production Order (COPO) cars, optioned with four-speed manual transmissions, Positraction axles, special suspensions and steering equipment. When they arrived at Yenko Chevrolet, the rear seats came out and the C-pillars were beefed up. The standard decklid was replaced with a fiberglass unit that had a spoiler, and adjustable air scoops. All Yenko Stingers finished in Ermine White, had Yenko emblems on the sail panels, and came with exclusive serial numbers. Most were painted with blue stripes and accents.
The Yenko Stinger could be had in a number of different performance tunes. The Stage I would produce 160 horsepower. Stage II was good for 190 horsepower, Stage III made 220, and the purely competition Stage IV made a staggering 240 horses from the 164 cubic-inch flat six.
Our featured Yenko Stinger is Number 50 out of the 1966 100 car run, christened serial number YS-050. It is a Stage II Stinger, producing a very potent 190 horsepower courtesy of 10.1 compression, a high-performance cam, four carbs, dual exhaust, and lightweight flywheel. It is finished in the Yenko colors of Ermine White with blue stripes. It has had only two owners since it was purchased new from Yenko Chevrolet. It has been the subject of a thorough restoration, both mechanical and cosmetic, returning it to as new condition, with the exception of a set of BFGoodrich radial tires. It is headed to the Mecum Glendale, AZ auction March 18-20, where it will be sold with no reserve.
Be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Corvair news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Don Yenko’s entrance into the performance scene, and the rest is history. The Corvair was limited on what he wanted so he moved up to the Camaro, Nova, and Chevelle with the 427 cubic inch V8.
That was one of the prettiest cars ever to be built by Chevrolet. In fact, even the four-door version of it looked good.
Always wanted one
I owned a 66 Corsair Convertible in Black with tan Interior
Wish I owned it today
I’ve been saying for decades: People that don’t like Corvairs have never driven one.
I currently have a very custom 1965 Corvair Corsa. It has been the talk of many car shows. This is Chevrolet’s best kept secret. AIR COOLED IS A WAY OF LIFE!!!
Had a 1965 Monza. 4 speed. Headers. And ran it stock at Miami Hollywood Dragway. Got a few trophies. Later modified it with a Carter AFB. Recurved distributor and Sunoco 260 fuel. Got more trophies. Glacier Grey with white interior. Keystone mags. Should not had sold it.
The Corvair was a great car. I never saw a Yenko Stinger but I did see quite a few Spyders on the street and they were very cool. My family had a’63 coupe, 102 hp, power glide, a blast to drive.
Screw Ralph Nader.
Now driving our 5th Corvair, a 23,xxx mile1965 Monza 4-speed 110-hp Marina Blue Metallic convertible with white top and interior-
I started off with Dad’s 1960 Power-glide sedan but years later enjoyed a pair of Corsa 140 hp 4-speed models a 1965 convertible and a 1966 coupe – and another 1966 convertible , but this one a Power-glide Positraction 2-carb 110 hp model
I need one to ride around Mar a lago (sans Melania).
Maybe Ivanka would like a ride….just sayin’
Yenko #4 is silver.
Dona Mae mims 1927-2009the pink lady”worked for don yenko one who the first female a s c c a championship,she also raced a stinger and other sport s cars ” think pink ” pink outfit she had a 1979 pink corvette
I’ve heard a lot of good things about these cars I now own my first it’s a 65 2 door partially restored I’ll finish it hopefully before I leave this world and I’ll be leaving it for my son to deal with.