Don Yenko
Don Yenko | |
|---|---|
| Born | 27 May 1927 Bentleyville, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | 5 March 1987 (aged 59) |
| Occupation(s) | Automobile dealer, racecar competitor |
| Known for | Developing the high-performance Yenko Camaro |
Donald "Don" Frank Yenko (born May 27, 1927Template:Spaced ndashdied March 5, 1987) was a prominent American automobile dealer and racecar competitor, renowned primarily for developing the high-performance Yenko Camaro, a specially enhanced variant of the Chevrolet Camaro.
Early life
Raised in Bentleyville, Pennsylvania by parents of Ukrainian descent, Yenko began flying airplanes at the age of 16. He subsequently served in the United States Air Force before enrolling at Pennsylvania State University. During his time at Penn State, he founded the institution’s inaugural flying club, held the position of debating club president, and was affiliated with the Kappa Delta Rho fraternity.
Career
Throughout the 1950s to 1970s, Yenko earned global recognition as a Corvette racer, competing in regional events as well as notable endurance races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He achieved the title of national driving champion four times under the Sports Car Club of America.
In 1957, Yenko established a performance modification division within his family’s Chevrolet dealership located in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Customers had the option to purchase high-performance components or have their vehicles upgraded by Yenko’s expert technicians. The first widely acclaimed aftermarket vehicle from Yenko appeared in 1965: a reworked version of the Chevrolet Corvair known as "The Stinger." These cars featured various body enhancements and engine improvements delivering up to 240 hp, along with refined steering, transmission, suspension systems, and positraction differentials. Approximately 185 Stingers were produced between 1965 and 1967. When Chevrolet introduced the Camaro in 1967, Yenko began transforming SS Camaros by swapping out the standard L-78 396 in3 (6.5 L) engine for a more powerful L-72 427 in3 (7.0 L) engine from the Chevrolet Corvette, alongside upgrades to the rear axle and suspension. Additionally, he enhanced other Chevrolet models such as the Chevelle and Nova with L-72 engines. This exclusive line of vehicles often bore the "sYc" designation (an acronym for Yenko Super Car), reflected in distinctive hood and headrest graphics.
As muscle cars declined during the 1970s due to rising insurance costs and stricter emission regulations, Yenko adapted by applying his signature modifications to the 1970 Nova. Rather than installing a large 427 c.i. engine, he persuaded General Motors to equip it with a potent small block 350 c.i. (360 h.p.) engine shared with the Z-28 Camaro and LT1 Corvette. The resulting "Yenko Deuce" featured significant enhancements to suspension, transmission, and rear axle components, complemented by striking stripes, badges, and interior decals. Later in that decade, Yenko also customized the Chevrolet Vega, adding spoilers, turbochargers, and unique graphics under the name "Yenko Stinger II." Due to certification challenges with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, turbocharged versions were not sold directly; instead, turbochargers were offered separately through his dealership.
In 1972, Yenko ceased direct sales of modified cars and shifted focus toward publishing a performance parts catalog covering cosmetic to engine upgrades. Among his notable offerings was the ZL-1 engine produced under Chevrolet’s authorization. His final modification project occurred in 1981 with the Turbo Z Camaro, which involved fitting a turbocharger onto a 350 in3 (5.7 L) engine.
Beyond Chevrolet, Yenko’s dealerships also represented brands such as Porsche, Audi, Fiat, Honda, Subaru, and Saab.
Fatal Accident
On March 5, 1987, Yenko lost his life along with three passengers while attempting to land his Cessna 210 near Charleston, West Virginia. During the approach, the aircraft experienced a hard touchdown that caused it to bounce, resulting in Yenko losing control. The plane subsequently collided with a dirt embankment, tumbled into a ravine, and crashed. Yenko was 59 years old at the time of the accident.
See also
Notes
External links
- 1927 births
- 1987 deaths
- American automobile salespeople
- People from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania
- Sportspeople from Washington County, Pennsylvania
- Racing drivers from Pennsylvania
- Trans-Am Series drivers
- World Sportscar Championship drivers
- Pennsylvania State University alumni
- Aviators killed in aviation accidents or incidents in the United States
- Accidental deaths in West Virginia
- Victims of aviation accidents or incidents in 1987