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If you're an auto-enthusiast, chances are you’ve heard of the legendary name Don Yenko — and his famous high-performance builds like the Yenko Camaro and the Yenko Stinger Corvair. What you may not know as well is how his legacy continues today through his daughter, Lynn Yenko, who carries forward the spirit, style, and horsepower of the Yenko name.
Here’s a deep dive into Lynn’s story — her roots, her role, her vision for the next generation of muscle-and-performance, and why every gearhead should keep an eye on what she’s doing.
Early life & automotive roots
Above: Great photo of Don Yenko and his daughter Lynn - taken in 1984
Lynn was born into a household that breathed cars, speed, and innovation. Her father, Don Yenko, was already making waves in the car world: dealer, racer, and modifier of high-performance Chevrolets. Lynn herself remembers helping out at the dealership from a young age: stuffing envelopes for her father’s latest promotional efforts, applying decals on performance cars, learning the ins & outs of the business while surrounded by V8s and chrome.
Growing up in that environment gifted her not only with an appreciation for horsepower and style, but also a real-world education in how to run a performance business. From cashiering and stripe application to attending race events with her dad, Lynn got a first-hand view of the unique blend of engineering, marketing, and culture that defined Yenko’s operations.
Taking the wheel
With Don’s untimely passing in 1987, the mantle passed in large part to Lynn and the rest of the Yenko family. Lynn embraces both heritage and forward thinking: honoring the original era of Yenko-built muscle cars, while also looking at how that spirit can be applied in modern performance vehicles.
She remains active on the car show / event circuit, meeting fans, signing cars, supporting gatherings of Yenko vehicles, and keeping the brand authentic.
Vision & values — what she stands for
Above: 1969 Yenko Camaro
Lynn’s approach to moving the Yenko legacy forward is grounded in a few clear principles, especially resonant for the enthusiast crowd:
- Authenticity: The Yenko name is legendary for doing things right—proper engineering, uncompromised performance, and a clear identity. Lynn is committed to preserving that reputation.
- Heritage with innovation: While she honors the classic cars of the past, she also recognizes that performance and enthusiast tastes evolve. From aftermarket upgrades to modern retakes of classic builds, she strives to keep Yenko relevant.
- Community & connection: Lynn doesn’t operate behind closed doors; she’s out there among enthusiasts — answering questions, sharing stories of the early days with her father, signing cars, and connecting with the fans who love Yenko as much as she does.
- Storytelling & legacy: It’s not just about horsepower and parts; it’s about the history, the people and the culture of muscle cars in America. Lynn leverages that story as part of what Yenko stands for.
In short: Lynn is all about preserving a legend, while steering it into the future in a way that resonates with real car lovers.
Why car-guys (and gals) should care
Above: 1969 Yenko Camaro at speed
If you’re into muscle cars, classics, or high-performance Chevy history, here’s why Lynn’s work should be on your radar:
- Collector relevance: Cars with the Yenko badge — whether originally built by Don or newer Yenko-endorsed pieces — carry big name recognition and collectability. Lynn’s involvement helps maintain brand resonance.
- Modern performance potential: If you love the idea of a vintage look combined with modern engineering (better handling, better safety, more reliability), Lynn’s projects with the Yenko brand are trying to bridge that gap.
- Access to the story: Enthusiasts love origin stories — and Lynn is a direct link between the classic era and today. She shares anecdotes, attends events, signs cars — she’s one of us, in a sense.
- Inspiration for restoration and culture: Whether you’re restoring a vintage Yenko-modified Chevrolet or building up a modern muscle car with heritage in mind, the Yenko brand offers a template. Lynn’s stewardship of that brand means the story keeps moving.
Video: Jay Leno's Garage -Yenko Corvair Stinger - 1 of 100 Built
Above: At a 2022 event at the Saratoga Auto Museum, Lynn appeared on a live panel to discuss her father’s history and the modern Yenko impact (Classic Industries).
Looking ahead
- New builds or reinterpretations of classic Yenko models using modern platforms, for Chevy Silverado, Camaro, and Corvette models
- Increased collaboration with performance parts suppliers, custom builders, or event organizers that celebrate muscle car history.
- More involvement in collector events, car shows, and heritage-driven automotive culture, where Lynn puts the Yenko name front and center.
- Plans are being drawn for a new "Yenko and Muscle Car Museum" that will be located close to the original "Yenko" dealership in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, where some of the rarest Yenkos as well as other supercars of the era will be on display. More information is coming soon!
- The highly anticipated "Don Yenko, his incredible life story" . . . is slated to start production soon! Lynn Yenko's involvement will surely make this one of the most anticipated automotive movies ever, right up there with "Ford vs Ferrari", "Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend ", and "Ferrari".
Final thoughts
If you’re passionate about muscle cars, you can’t separate the name Yenko from the story of American performance. And Lynn Yenko is the bridge between the golden era of 1960s-70s high-performance Chevrolets and whatever the next chapter becomes. She’s kept the torch burning — more than just as a curator of history, but as an active participant in the car-enthusiast world.
So, the next time you see a Yenko-badged car or hear someone mention a Yenko conversion, remember that it’s more than just a badge: it’s a legacy that Lynn is helping keep alive, with authenticity, vision, and a whole lot of horsepower.
Classic Industries, Lynn Yenko, and the Yenko Brand
Above: 2022 Yenko/SC Camaro
Given Classic Industries' 50+ year involvement with the mighty Chevrolet Camaro, in particular, and General Motors in general, it makes perfect sense that Lynn Yenko, the Yenko brand, and Classic Industries would have strong business ties and a solid friendship among auto enthusiasts. Meet Ms. Yenko in person at the Classic Industries / OER SEMA booth on November 4th and 5th, 2025, where she'll make an appearance on both days at 1:00 PM, signing autographs. If you're attending, we hope you'll stop by and say hello!
Above: 1970 Yenko Nova tribute in Germany
Yenko's will be on the road for years to come, thanks to companies like SVE (Specialty Vehicle Engineering), where modern, new Yenko Camaros, Corvettes, and Silverados are available through specially selected Chevrolet dealers. If you own an original Yenko, Classic Industries is here to help you with all the parts and accessories you'll need to keep it running and looking great! Click on the button below and fill out the form to have the Camaro Parts & Accessories catalog mailed to you. Classic Industries also offers a wide range of parts for all GM, Mopar, and Ford muscle machines.
