Honoring Don Yenko

[sYc]

Hey, guys, got a question for you. Recently I was contacted by a group of Don Yenko's former associates in regards to a couple of projects they were involved in. Even though this is not the first time I have been approached with such projects, this one was different, as a couple of the ones involved were involved with Don (Bort racing products) back in the day. In addtion, a couple former employees are interested as well.

The first project consists of a concentrated effort to get Don inducted into the Corvette Hall of Fame in Bowling Green, KY. Most anyone who has followed Corvette racing history is well aware of Don's many Corvette related accomplishment's, on and off the track. I pledged my support, as I have felt for some time that Don deserved that distinction. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

The second project is a little more invovled. Because of their respect for Don, and his love of performance based cars, they are considering the idea of building a "Commerorative" edition Yenko, to both honor and, to continue the legacy of Don Yenko. The car would be based on the Corvette, with numerous performance modifications, including a 427 CI power plant. In addition, the car would sport newly designed Yenko graphics and badging.

To me, there can never be another "Yenko", period. But, a "Tribute" or "Commerorative" model, maybe. Of course, any such car would have to meet certain criteria (performance, looks, etc.) before it could even be considered for such designation.

Your thoughts, please /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif

[sixtiesmuscle]

With the various GMMG projects, including the new Motion cars, I see NO reason why not, but, that's just My opinion. Why not honor as many of the Hi Po dealers as possible with some modern muscle?

[LVCamaro]

What year model Corvette would the platform be?

SS

[DarrenX33]

Corvette Hall of Fame is a no brainer. But as far as a tribute car goes. In my opinion when the name Yenko is mentioned I associate it with a man who built Supercars, primarily Camaros. I never think of a Corvette by Yenko. A great idea but using a Corvette isn't giving enough justice to his great name. Is a Yenko Corvette really something to get excited about? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif Now if GM would feed off of the Mustang and bring back the Camaro with retro looks of the 69. Now you've got something to be excited about... Just a wish of mine.

[sYc]

I only have a few details, as I have been busy with other projects, but I believe there is at least one prototype, I think a 2001 Vette. In addition, if memory serves me correct, I did hear about a Camaro a year or two ago, like a 2000 or so. The way it was told to me, they would like to test the waters with the prototype Vette, and if all goes well, continue on with new Vettes. Not for sure C5s or 6s, as I am not into the Vette thing.

[sYc]

Darren, better study your Yenko history if you have a problem associating Don Yenko with Corvettes. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[Jeff Murphy]

I want one. I mean I really want one!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

And I think a Yenko Corvette tribute is the right thing to do for two reasons:

1. While Yenko is better known for bringing big HP drag racing cars to Joe Public, he really made his racing name in the Corvette at Sebring, Daytona, etc.

2. I was going to ask Matt Murphy at the Reunion if he was going to do a C5R Corvette project because I think the Le Mans 427 engine needs to be put in a 'Vette. And no offense to anyone here, but the new 'Vettes look a lot better than the new Camaros. Personally, I think the Camaros lost the uniqueness and attractiveness of their look after the 3rd gen cars.

Mixing a tribute to Yenko's personal racing history with a tribute to Chevy's world beating Corvette race car, can't be wrong. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

PS Tom, I picked up a mint 71 Sebring program that has great pictures of Don and Donna Mae that I will bring to the Reunion to show you...

[DarrenX33]

You asked for an opinion. I am not denying his history with Corvettes. My first line in my post was "Hall of Fame is a no brainer!". But having the name Yenko on a special build of Corvettes doesn't do it for me. Just my opinion and I mean no disrespect. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif
I'm out of this one.

[mmcporter]

It's a sad state of affairs that Chevrolet's only car that could be associated with performance is the 'Vette.

[sYc]

Darren, did not mean to sound harsh. And hey, I asked for everyone's opinions. Just I have always been interested in Don and his Corvettes. I blow a chance to purchase one he had raced at Daytona, which I still kick myself over.

[Yenko Bart]

I own Serial #1 of 2 tribute Yenko Camaros built in 2001. They were built by a close friend and former employee of Don Yenko. Serial #2 is somewhere in Texas and he still owns the 2001 Yenko corvette that he built. The original production # was going to be 51 the first year for camaros. He was stopped in a dispute over who had the right to use the Yenko name by an outside company who claimed they had the rights to use the Yenko name exclusively. By the time this issue was settled he had moved on to another project and no other cars were built.

[sixtiesmuscle]

Bart, not to get off the subject, but, what engine does your car have?

[DaveBonnell]

Any pics of your 01 yenko Camaro Bart?

[DarrenX33]

No problem Tom. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif
Having Don's name on any car he was associated with is a good idea to me. I am just more partial to the Camaros. Three cheers for Don!

[JoeG]

I totally agree with any tribute project for Don Yenko /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif---but as a side thought , I also agree with [sixtiesmuscle ]concerning tribute cars to other Hi-Po dealers --it would be nice to keep the ball rolling.

[Yenko Bart]

The car has a ZO6 Crate Engine that was reworked by Lingenfelter. As far as pics go we can call on our good friend and computer whiz Dave Belk. He has some pics of the car.

[JoeC]

I submitted Don Yenko's name to the Corvette Museum Hall of Fame about a year ago and the woman who emailed me back didn't know who he is!
She said I would need to submit a report with the reasons I thought he was eligible and a list of his Corvette related accomplishments.
I told her to ask anyone who knows anything about Corvette racing history and they would agree he should be a hall of fame member. She said she needs a report to submit to the board for their review. I started to compile the info but have not finished it yet.

[Stefano]

Tom,
Anything to Honor Don Yenko, his achievements and legacy would be a plus.

[Supercar_Kid]

Getting Don Yenko into the Corvette Hall of Fame... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif Building a brand new "Yenko" Corvette /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif

[shor]

A Yenko "tribute" corvette?
He may have raced corvettes, but his Yenko cars were the stingers, camaros, chevelles and novas.
GM doesn't make any of those models anymore.
It just doesn't make sense to me.
And even if I could get used to the idea of a Yenko corvette, Mr. Yenko has passed on and could not lend anything to the project.
Can we know if he would even approve of such an idea? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif

[mc25t190]

the man is deserving!!! sounds like yenko bart has a neat piece in his stable of fine horses!

[JoeC]

I don't thing very many of the people who buy new Corvettes know or care about the old racing history.
Dick Guldstrand did a 50th anniv 427 Corvette. Anyone know how it is selling? It is available through the dealerships.
here is web site
GULDSTRAND SIGNATURE 50th EDITION ANNIVERSARY CORVETTE
http://www.corvettethunder.com/

[Mr70]

I am not against any of it,But as an Enthusiast in Musclecars and SuperCars,I would much rather see a Don Yenko Memorial Museum.
Yes I know he was a Car dealer who just tried to make a decent buck,but you can't deny how he has influenced our Hobby greatly.
A Place where all of his achievements,attributes and Future Ideas could be seen,heard,and touched.
With Memorablia,facts and Cars on Display,soley based on Don Yenko and the cars he created,and Races he participated in.
The Public would pay a small custodial fee,and could Visit this museum anytime of the Year.
Just my Opinion.

[sYc]

Thanks for the posts, PM, emails and phone calls. I knew this would prove to be an interesting subject(s).

First of all, I think we all agree Don deserves to be in the Corvette Hall of Fame. Much like Dick Harrell not being in the Drag Racing Hall, I do not think the ones in charge(vote) realize the impact they made back then, and how they are still impacting the performance world today.

Now, to the cars. I totally understand where each and everyone of you is coming from. I have been debating this issue with myself (and Rob & Jon)) for the past couple of years. As a purist, and one comsumed by the musclecars of the past, and their history, I saw no need to produce modern versions of these cars, in what ever shape or form. But then came along the ZL-1 project. In the beginning, I thought why on earth would anyone who owns a legit 1969 ZL-1 Camaro be even remotely interested in a modern duplicate fo their car. Then at SCR5, I got the chance to spend time around the Berger cars of Clills. In fact, I got to drive the 2002. I was envious, and starting to understand where these owners were coming from. To the ones who own both it, is not about the money, but rather a way to further enjoy our hobby. Here is how. Take me for example. I own 5 Yenkos plus the DH FC. Three are 427 cars, one a road race car and the Vega, well, not for sure what it will be. As much as I love driving them, which I do as much as possible, I am limited in where/how far, etc I can drive them. I would love to participate in the Power tour, and other like events, but would want to do it in a supercar or something related. Thus, the problem. To me, there are 4 options. One, modify one of my cars (engine, gearing, add air, etc), two, build a clone/mule, three, go with a tribute/commemorative late model, or 4, do nothing. Since I will never do 1 or 2, that narrows down my choices. My decision? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

Commence firing /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[LVCamaro]

[ QUOTE ]


Commence firing /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif



[/ QUOTE ]

Wow! Such a big easy, slow moving target! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif [not referring to the car, Tom]

SS /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[sYc]

That is an interesting thought. First of all, there is such a place, sort of, but it is not well known and very hard to get to. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif The sYc owns an old drug store building, complete with show cases and an area to park cars. In the building are hundreds of Yenko memorabilia items. Such items as the reigster book from Don's funeral, his diploma from Penn State, many, many personel items, autographed photos, the 'fridge from Don's basement, lots of stuff from the Canonsburg dealership (lamps, chairs, etc), the list is endless. In addition, not stored there but close, is a large collection of Yenko Chevrolet paperwork. But, I realize something better, more accessible, needs to be done. In the past, I have had conversations with 2-3 different persons about a better place for a Yenko/Supercar museum, and am scheduled to discuss this very topic with some one at SCR6. Basiclly, I am willing to work with any serious effort to see a Yenko/Supercar Museum become a reality. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Charley Lillard]

Atta Boy.......

[Jeff Murphy]

Guldstrand's built an interesting car, but what's with de-tuning the thing from 550hp!!! Also that Gold paint would get tiring pretty quickly. I think GMMG or the Yenko boys could do a much better job. The ZL-1s are much cleaner looking in the engine bay and other styling elements and more aggressive from a power perspective.

[BBIGG BLOCK 396]

I did not know much about Yenko until I found this site,oh I had heard of Yenko camaros before a little, but After reading many post on this site and other articles about The man,and the Caliber of automobiles that he built, I would have to say It is a long time coming for a tribute to Don Yenko.I do not think it really matters if the tribute is a Corvrtte or a Camaro or whatever,but the Man deserves a tribute of some type.I think it would be nice if it is a corvette and a camaro!And last but not least I think one of the greatest tributes to Mr Don Yenko is this site and all you guys that work toward preserving the automobiles that already have his Logo or name on them.I think that if Mr Yenko was still with us on this earth,he would personally shake the hand of each of the people that owns one of the Yenko automobiles,rather it be a corvette,camaro,nova,vega,or corvair.I think they were all special to him just as they are special to all you guys.I also think he would be extremely proud of this site that works to preserve those automobiles and the history of those automobiles.All you Yenko Car owners and the people that run the Super Car Registry site and the people that started this wonderful site, and all the other interested viewers on this site are already paying Mr Don Yenko one of the greatest tributes there are! by preserving the Yenko cars and the Yenko name! Now I hope my choice of words does not get me in any trouble with any members!Ususlly everytime I post something I get in some kind of trouble! Hopefully not this time! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bobby Dodson /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[mahoy78spyder]

Well said Bobby, and no, I'm certainly not offended by your words.

Also, having been privilaged enough to actually "see" the unofficial Don Yenko museum in Alton, MO last year, all I can say is WOW! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif Since I too was born 30 years too late (1968), I only began to learn of Don Yenko in the early 80's when I began my first subscriptions to car magazines. I don't have the history of owning a Yenko, or even being old enough to remember them when they were new, but even with my limited knowledge of The Man, I stood there in awe at the sYc's collection that day. I for one can't WAIT to see this collection, as well as other memorabilia and possibly even "cars" in an official museum somewhere. Maybe it should be in Cannonsburg... maybe it should be whereever we can get someone to donate the land, but whatever the process, it is long overdue.

As for a "car" for honoring Don, I wish they would do a Camaro to be honest. And since they're now gone, maybe the discussion can be started "now" and by the time something is decided upon, Chevrolet will have come out with the "new" Camaro by then and one could be created with that new generation car. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif I agree his history with the Corvette is undeniable, but a tribute car to Don I think, IMHO, is better suited if it resembles something he created long ago - the Yenko Camaro.

Now I hope "I've" not offended anyone. Just my .02 worth.
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif
Ken

[Mr70]

Tom
I had no Idea.
Congrats on accumulating these items.I will never look at another DrugStore the same way again. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[hvychev]

I to agree with Bobby that one of the great tributes to Don Yenko has been this site and the Supercar Reunion. Tom & Rob have done a great job in imortalizing Don Yenko and his cars through this site by creating awareness for his cars & acomplishments. It has been a great accomplishment for the Yenko Legacy for so many people to share all there knowledge of the supercars. I have been fortunate to learn a life time of info in such a short period of time that was collected by most of you through years of experience & research. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[sYc]

As per a museum, I feel it needs to be a Supercar Museum, not just Yenko. Yes, I favor Yenko built cars, but respect and admire the other dealer built cars. The first reunion, and even this web site/club, were first just about Yenko. But, as I became more involved in the hobby, I soon realized how much all of the dealer built and COPO cars had in common. Thus the Yenko reunion became the Supercar Reunion, and now we are the Yenko/Supercar Registry and web site. The way it should be.

Now, where and how? To me, somewhere in the St. louis/Indy/mid IL area, some what center of the US and easy to get to from most parts of the country. But a lot of this would depend on what was available and who was involved. And, I think an extension of an existing buisness. This would reduce the operating expenses a bunch. Something like a auto dealer, hotel, theme restuarant, restoration shop/business, etc. A draw for that business, which in turn would maintain/staff the museum. I feel the easiest part would be the cars and memorabilia. Many owners of supercars own more then one, thus could loan the museum one/two of their autos. Every so often, the cars on display would be rotated. And, to me, one of the biggest advantages/draws, what better place to have the annual Supercar Reunion?

I realize that a Supercar Museum could never be as big, or have the impact as the Corvette museum does, but I honestly feel that there is need for such a place in the world of musclecars. And, it can be done. It will just take $$$, hard work and cooperation of ALL supercars enthusiasts, old and new. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Mr70]

Tom
I am in the same line of thinking as you.
I have always wanted to start a Museum about Chevrolet Dealership memorabilia,but felt it was to narrow of an Idea.
The Idea of a Supercar museum sounds better,and could include the items of the average Joe Dealer No?
Would it be Chevrolet specific,or Gm...or all manufacturers from back then?
I would glady love to display my General Chevrolet & Hi-perf Chevrolet items there.If it would fit along the Museums guide lines.
I could get my 2nd Bedroom & Basement back too...
Rick

[BBIGG BLOCK 396]

Mr 70, you sound like me about garage space,I have so much stuff,mainly junk according to the wife! I am having to EXPAND,working on a new shop and hope it to be completed soon!Keep us all informed about the Museum,I am sure that you will have many many visitors! Including me and some members of my family.Sounds like it will be a very nice place to visit and have a vacation in the general area.Look forward to viewing all the cars and items that will be displayed.

Bobby /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[DaveBonnell]

Tom, having a "Yenko" museum as an extension of an already established business is a great idea! I think I know of the perfect candidate for such a project, Fastlane Classic Cars in St. Louis. www.fastlanecars.com (http://www.fastlanecars.com) This place has expanded at an incredible rate and the guy who runs it (David Williams) is a muscle car guru through and through. He's always on the look out for a "new idea" and I think would seriously look into a project like you guys have mentioned. His Museum/Sales/resto shop/future restaurant, is a muscle car lovers mecca. Let me know if you need anymore info.

[Souperhigh]

I met David and his wife four years ago at the big Collector Car auction in Branson, Missouri. I still see him at least twice a year. Both he and his wife are muscle car lovers and I have done business with them and I feel they are of the highest degree of people. Their place (or nearby) would be centrally located for all of us in the mainland and an nice flight for those members living in other areas.