Jay Leno has quite the personal collection of cars, that’s no secret. On one episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, he showed off one of the more unique models in his collection, a 1966 Chevy Corvair Yenko Stinger. If you haven’t even heard of the car before, you’re not alone, it’s a very limited production edition, so we had to share.
Made from 1959 through 1969, the Chevy Corvair itself was a very popular car, both during production and now with enthusiasts. It was the first passenger car to come on the scene with an air cooled, rear mounted engine. This unique feature is one of things people think about first when a Corvair is mentioned, and a huge reason it got so much attention almost instantly. Don Yenko took note of the car, and wanted to put his special touches on a limited run, the result was the production of just 100 Yenko models, known as the Chevy Corvair Yenko Stinger.
Jay Leno invites the previous owner over to talk about the car. Jay’s Stinger is a Stage 2 model, which is equipped with a 2.7L flat six-cylinder engine and four carbs that makes 190 horsepower. It also has an upgraded interior, 15” wheels, and a fiberglass trunk. The car is largely in its stock format, only with very minor engine upgrades for reliability, and slightly wider 15” wheels.
Jay goes on to call it a “poor man’s Porsche” since it’s one of the most European cars ever made by General Motors. Noting that the Corvair is so different than anything else made under the brand, it doesn’t even have a front grille, something not seen on many American cars at the time. He even goes as far as to call it one of the 10 best GM cars of all time because they handle nicely, are fun to drive, and are really well-built.
Elizabeth is hardcore horsepower enthusiast with unmatched intensity for making things faster and louder. She wakes up for power and performance and only sleeps to charge up for the next project that’s heading to the track. From autocross to drag racing, Elizabeth is there with you, so stay tuned for her unique perspective on horsepower news, builds, tech info, and installs — with her, it’ll never be boring!
