What is a 1966-67 Yenko Stinger?

What is the Yenko Corvair Stinger?​

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The 1966 Yenko Stinger Corvair is a special edition of the Chevrolet Corvair, modified by Chevrolet’s Central Office (COPO) and further enhanced by Yenko Chevrolet, known for performance upgrades in the 1960s.

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Designed for SCCA Racing

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The Yenko Stinger was built to compete in SCCA racing, featuring a special suspension system, performance tires, and a modified engine, along with visual upgrades like distinctive striping and badging.

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How were the Yenko Stingers modified? 

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Available in multiple configurations, the Stinger’s most powerful model, the Stage II, featured a turbocharged engine producing over 220 horsepower.

 

How many ​Yenko Stingers were made?

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It’s estimated that around 100 Yenko Stinger Corvairs were produced in 1966, with production numbers being somewhat unclear due to incomplete records.

 

Production numbers for the 1967 Yenko Stinger Corvair are not entirely clear, but it's believed that fewer were produced than the previous year's model. This is partly due to the fact that Yenko Chevrolet was shifting its focus to other performance vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Camaro and Chevelle.​

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Body Styles and Trims

 

The Stinger came in coupe and convertible body styles, with coupes being the more common, while the Stage II model was the rarest and most sought-after version. Around 20 convertibles were produced.

 

The production numbers for each version and trim level are not clear, but it's known that the Stage II model was the rarest and most desirable.​

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Changes for 1967 Model Year

 

For 1967, the Yenko Stinger saw an engine switch to a 165-horsepower 6-cylinder engine and the introduction of the Yenko Stinger II, featuring additional performance enhancements.

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 This engine replaced the turbocharged engine from the previous year's Stage II model, which had proven to be difficult to maintain and tune for many drivers.

 

Another change for the 1967 model year was the addition of a new trim level, the Yenko Stinger II. This model featured a range of performance upgrades, including a high-performance camshaft, an upgraded carburetor, and an improved suspension system. The Stinger II was estimated to produce around 190 horsepower.

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Collectible and Valuable Today

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Surviving Yenko Stinger Corvairs are highly collectible and can fetch significant sums at auctions or in private sales.

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Yenko’s Performance Legacy

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Yenko’s modifications to the Corvair Stinger are often regarded as a precursor to the muscle car movement. By focusing on not just speed but also handling and visual appeal, Yenko transformed the Corvair into a serious contender on the race track, elevating it from a standard commuter car to a performance icon.

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Learn More in Matt Avery’s COPO Book

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The creation and legacy of the Yenko Stinger Corvair is explored in-depth in Matt Avery's best-selling book, COPO.​​