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1966 Chevrolet Corvair Yenko Stinger

The Mustangs that were modified by Carroll Shelby ruled the racing circuit. Don Yenko who had been racing Corvettes faced stiff competition and found it extremely difficult to compete. For 1966 he decided to race Corvairs which required many modifications to qualify for SCCA racing. He began by modifying four-carburetor Corsas adding performance improvements such as fiberglass engine covers, spoilers, heavy duty suspension, four speed transmissions, positraction differential, quick steering ratio and engine upgrades. Also, the rear seats were removed.

1966 Chevrolet Corvair Yenko Stinger photo
Coupe
Chassis #: YS 086
View info and history
Homologation requirements called for at least 100 vehicles to be produced, which Yenko satisfied in about a month. Completing this task was monumental. All were white and given various modifications. For instance, some had the spoilers, fiberglass engine covers, etc. The Stingers qualified for Class D Production racing which was dominated by the Triumph TR4 at the time. At its inaugural appearance in January of 1966, the Stinger was able to achieve a respectable second place, just one second off of the leader.

At the conclusion of the 1966 season, Jerry Thompson was the champion of the Central Division. He placed fifth at the 1966 Nationals.

The following year Chevrolet did not offer the Corsa which left the Monza. The Monza required further modifications to prepare it for SCCA racing such as the addition of a four-carburetor engine and necessary instrumentation such as a tachometer.

1966 Chevrolet Corvair Yenko Stinger photo
Coupe
In 1967 there were fourteen Stingers created with an additional three built to Stinger specifications with the AIR injection system. These three vehicles were compliant with California emission laws and ear-marked for Dana Chevrolet, the US West Coast Stinger distributor.

Total production for the Stinger cars is believed to have been 185 with the final vehicle being delivered to Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company as a tire test vehicle. It carried chassis number YS-9700.


by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2008

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1966 Chevrolet Corvair Yenko Stinger Vehicle Profiles

1966 Chevrolet Corvair Yenko Stinger vehicle information
Coupe

Chassis #: YS-313
1966 Chevrolet Corvair Yenko Stinger vehicle information
Coupe

Chassis #: YS 086

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