Purpose-built to take on the Porsches that dominated SCCA sports-car racing in the mid-1960s, the Chevrolet Corvair-based Yenko Stinger was conceived by successful Corvette racer Don Yenko. While Chevrolet was officially out of factory-backed racing by self- enforced edict, Yenko sought to build a competitive Chevrolet road racer, beginning with a Corvair Corsa modified at Yenko Chevrolet. While the Corvair had already been disqualified from SCCA sports-car classification due to the factory-fitted rear seat, Yenko made a proposal to the SCCA regulators for the Yenko Stinger, featuring a deleted rear seat and tweaked engine, brakes and suspension. The SCCA conditionally accepted the car in November 1965, provided Yenko could produce 100 Stingers by January 1, 1966. Early in December 1965, Chevrolet delivered 100 Ermine White, 4-speed Corvair Corsa coupes to Yenko Sportscars, with the Yenko team working continuously to meet the deadline. SCCA approval for D-Production racing came in early January 1966. Stinger engines were heavily reworked inside and out and available in four tune levels, while suspension tuning and braking improvements ensured the Stinger would be competitive in all disciplines. Blue stripes and fiberglass rear sail panels provided an eye-catching presence. According to marque experts, Yenko Sportscars built approximately 115 Stingers in all between 1966 and 1969, including the original 100 1966 cars built in late 1965. Another approximately 30 Corvairs were upgraded for customers by Yenko and assigned Yenko serial numbers, allowing them to compete in SCCA races. The potent Stinger lived up to its mission on the track, with Yenko driver Jerry Thompson scoring a regional D-production title in 1966 and going on to take the national title in 1967. Numbered YS-021, this Stinger is car number 21 of 100 built for SCCA racing. The originating dealer was Yenko Chevrolet in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, with the car transferred to Stocker Chevrolet in State College, Pennsylvania, for sale. This restored Stinger features an engine built by McGil Auto of Kent, Ohio, with the Ermine White paint and blue stripes and accents by Chuck Minick of Suffield, Ohio. The potent 164 CI air-cooled 6-cylinder engine features a high-performance camshaft, heavy-duty valve springs, modified pistons with notched crowns, a polished crankshaft, 10.0:1 compression, a 350 cfm 4-barrel carburetor and lightweight flywheel. A 4-speed manual transmission and Positraction 3.55:1 rear transaxle deliver the power. Heavy- duty underpinnings include Koni shocks and a dual master cylinder braking. The black vinyl interior features a roll bar and even an AM radio. The handsome exterior includes adjustable air scoops and a rear spoiler. Accompanied by the window sticker and a restoration photo album, this rare and potent Stinger also includes a binder containing receipts, letters and Yenko parts lists.
