<VV> Yenko, but no Corvair

[Bill Elliott]

Yep, also called "Stingers". Rajaj turbo.

http://www.yenko.net/features/2001/January2001.htm
http://www.mclellansautomotive.com/sales-lit/bysub/coachbuilders/yenko/

 From copo.com:

YENKO STINGER VEGA HISTORY


The year was 1971 and Don Yenko was certain that his latest product 
would be a winner.

Remembering back to 1966, Don's first undertaking, the Yenko Stinger, 
had worked out well. The Corvair racing program had been very 
successful, leading to a national SCCA championship. It took him some 
time, but he was able to sell all of the 100 original units ordered and 
had high hopes for future years of great Stinger sales. That all changed 
with the introduction of the Camaro.

By early 1967, Don knew the Corvair program would end soon, and he 
decided to make the natural jump to modifying Camaros. His Super Car 
program was a modest success in 1967 and 1968, but it was too labor 
intensive to continue.

Undaunted, Don was able to work this problem out by directly ordering 
his Camaros and Chevelles from the factory during 1969. Sales were 
excellent initially, aided by sales to his Super Car Dealers, but before 
long. the insurance companies stepped in and made it almost impossible 
for someone to insure these cars.

Don was again down but not beaten. In 1970, knowing that the days of the 
Big Block bashers were numbered, decided to use the highest performance 
small block that Chevrolet had in its arsenal, the 350 cubic inch LT-1. 
He would continue the COPO program of having the performance package 
installed by Chevrolet in the lightweight Nova. The Yenko Deuce ended up 
to be a popular ride, selling 175 units. His success was again 
short-lived, as new emmissions laws would but an end to the LT-1 engine 
as we have known it.

Don decided not to fight this issue again, but to embrace the popularity 
of the new small car market. He would take a popular car, the new 1971 
Vega, improve the handling, and provide the necessary performance which 
would make it a fun car to drive and enjoy. It was destined to be his 
biggest success.

Calling his new product the Yenko Stinger, Don had hoped to bring back 
the glory of the earlier Corvair years.

Don specially ordered his Vega GT Hatchback coupes with pistons which 
could withstand the punishment of a turbocharger. He had intended to but 
a Schweitzer supercharger on each car, but ultimately would not be able 
to due to emmissions problems.

In addition to HD pistons, the Yenko Stingers came equipped with a 
Holley electric fuel pump, anti hop traction bars, and optional Thrush 
mufflers.

On the decorative side, front and rear spoilers were available, along 
with neat body graphics.

Simulated rear window louvers and flared fenders completed the custom look.

SPECS:

Engine: 155 Horsepower 4 - Cylinder OHC

Z-29 handling package

13 x 6 Wheels with A70 White-Lettered tires

Torsion bar rear suspension

Alloy-Plated 8:1 Compression Forged Pistons

Custom Tailored Exhaust System

Transmission: Four-Speed

Differential 3.36:1 axle with Positraction

Z-29 Sport Wheel and Full Instrumentation

The Vega Stinger came with a full factory warranty. Turbochargers had a 
Yenko 90 day/4000- mile warranty.

The Yenko Stinger Vega was introduced on January 26, 1971 at the Speed 
Equipment Manufactures Association show at Anaheim, California.

Stinger sales extended through the mid-1970's.

Bill Elliott



RKB wrote:

>In a Cosworth Vega club, someone mentioned that they found a Motion Performance Vega and then someone else said that there was a rumor that Yenko made some Yenko Vegas, although no one can give any specifics or show an example.  Does anyone here know anything about a Yenko Vega that was ever made?  I thought maybe some of you might know for certain.
>
>Ron Byers
>63 Spyder Convert
>62 Monza
>66 Monza rustbucket
>75 CosVeg 0442
>Largo, FL
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