Chevy Corvairs have never really gotten a good rap, whether its because of its uncharacteristically European styling cues or the holy grail of slander, Ralph Nader’s book Unsafe at Any Speed, published in 1965. But if someone like Don Yenko opted to modify it, is it really that bad of a vehicle? Check out one of the rare 1966 Corvair Yenko Stingers in this week’s episode of Jay Leno’s Garage above.

Regardless of the Corvair’s unfair reputation, the classic Chevy is one of the most innovative American cars of its time. Not only was the Corvair European-like in its style, it was also powered by an engine mounted in the rear- one that was air cooled. This not only set it apart from other performance cars on the road, it also gave it plenty of perks, leading to road racing titles for many years.

One noted Corvair model that really set the stage for performance was the 1966 Corvair Yenko Stinger, a car prepped by Chevy enthusiast and performance guru Don Yenko. And yes, this is the same guy who was behind the Yenko Corvettes, Camaros, Chevelles and Novas.

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Unlike any other American car on the race circuit at the time, the race-ready Corvair featured a rear-mounted engine.

Taking the original 4-carburetor, 146ci Corvair Coras flat-6 engine, Yenko spiced things up a bit in stages, with this genuine Stage II car getting about 190hp. Set up for road racing, the car also received a heftier suspension, Posi traction limited-slip rearend, dual brake master cylinders, and a four-speed manual transmission straight from the factory, per Yenko’s request. 

To give the car its race-ready appearance, other features were added, like the fiberglass rear hood lid with special air vents, stiffening sail panels and the car’s classic white with two blue stripes racing livery. The back seat on each Yenko Stinger was also removed to make it ready for competition.

Leno’s car in particular was given 3.89 rearend gears from the factory, but this was dropped down to a 3.55 rearend later in the car’s life.

The Corvair has also had its engine bored 1 over, but the rest of it remains nearly stock thanks to a full factory restoration. But its not just what this car brought to competition that makes it truly incredible. It’s the fact that Leno’s Covair is just one of 100 Yenko Stingers ever made.

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In order to race, the Sports Car Club of America required that 100 examples of any race vehicle be created, so Yenko ordered and refined 100 Corvair Corsas. Almost 50 years later, around 70 of those original Yenko Stingers still exist, with Leno’s holding the identification number 54.

Though this car may not be your style, or really an American style back in the day, the Yenko Stinger version is truly unique and worth its weight in collective history!