Yenko brand reborn?

Les Quam · #1 10-22-2009, 06:54 AM

I think the new 725 HP Shelby Supersnakes and several other Mustangs converted at the Shelby factory have plenty of street cred. I own a 65 GT 350, a 67 GT 500, a 69 GT 500 and two Supersnakes. The new ones are every bit as signficant as the old ones and a whole lot faster too.

sYc · #2 10-22-2009, 11:25 PM

A lot of the argument I am hearing in regards to new Yenkos is the fact Don Yenko is dead, thus there cannot be another Yenko, while there can be more Motion cars and Shelbys, as Josen Rosen and Carrol Shelby are alive and kicking, and even though they are not "hands on" involved in their projects, they have endorsed the projects, and most likely were involved in the design as well.

My question is this, if Don's daughter(s), who actually worked at the dealership and were the heirs to Yenko Sportscars, INC, were to become involved in a Yenko project similar to what Joel and Carrol are doing, would it then be a Yenko?

**markjohnson** · #3 10-22-2009, 11:35 PM

Some would argue that not if their name changed after marriage. Is the Yenko name still around or has it been "married off"? Any sons? I really don't think the daughters had an open line of communication with Vince Piggins like their father did so that takes a lot of mystique away from the idea of a "Little Susie Yenko Camaro".

sYc · #4 10-23-2009, 12:09 AM

Hum..so if married, daughters cannot continue the family business/traditionlegacy, but sons can? I bet Valerie (Harrell) Vanderwoude and Connie (Gibb) ?, among other daughters of famous people will love to hear that.

Until just recently, when they sold their interest in Yenko Honda, the daughters had been very involved in the business side of things, taking over for Don following his untimely death in 1987.

And though I have yet to meet Terri, I do know that Lynn shares her dad's passion for cars.

**Steve Shauger** · #5 10-23-2009, 01:06 AM

For the people who don't want a new Yenko, it's simple don't buy one. The Yenko family is behind the project that Tom and his group are doing. That is validation enough for me.

Les Quam · #6 10-23-2009, 05:10 AM

Shelby is still reasonably hands on with his cars. When in town he takes them home and drives them and tells his guys what he wants done when he brings them back. The mods on these new cars are for the most part dreamed up by him. In fact he is the one that mandates the HP levels and he helped think up the new Shelby/Prudomme drag car. Shelby isn't finsihed yet he has instructed his guys to build some mind blowing stuff that is being developed right now.

I don't know how much time he spent turning wrenches back in the day as opposed to brainstorming and marketing? Maybe Colin call shed some light on this? Colin's new Shelby book is out and it's thoroughness is a stunner. Never been another Shelby book like this one.

Les Quam · #7 10-23-2009, 05:15 AM

And yes I think the surviving Yenko family involvement in a new Yenko is huge because it gives a stamp of approval and sets a standard that no one else on earth can give. When Don's daughter a former employee says my dad would have loved this new car or this is what he would have built how do you top that? In other words if a tribute car is built with the input of the family that is a special, very personal tribute IMHO.

1970Bluel78 · #8 10-23-2009, 09:57 PM

[ QUOTE ]
For the people who don't want a new Yenko, it's simple don't buy one. The Yenko family is behind the project that Tom and his group are doing. That is validation enough for me.

[/ QUOTE ]

If there was a real yenko from Don being offered, I would think many would buy them, but that can never happen. If you are " validated " from this endevor By all meands buy the car and enjoy same

Les Quam · #9 10-23-2009, 11:17 PM

The only reason I own two Yenko's (aside from Colin finding them for me) is because of this site and the registry of VIN numbers and the wealth of information long time members have about these old cars.

Same for Shelby's without the registry in my opinion they would not have the following they do today so if anyone is going to be involved in a Yenko tribute car it should be the guys that have put in the years to preserve the authenticity and history.

Not to mention the fact they are the only ones to my knowledge who had the respect for Don Yenko to actually ask his surviving Yenko family members for permission to use the Yenko name as opposed to running down and obtaining a trade name and trade mark without the permission of the rightful owners of the Yenko name that being Don's heirs.

**Steve Shauger** · #10 10-24-2009, 03:35 AM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
For the people who don't want a new Yenko, it's simple don't buy one. The Yenko family is behind the project that Tom and his group are doing. That is validation enough for me.

[/ QUOTE ]

If there was a real yenko from Don being offered, I would think many would buy them, but that can never happen. If you are " validated " from this endevor By all meands buy the car and enjoy same

[/ QUOTE ]

What muscle car/s do you own now. Have you ever owned a 67, 68,69, 70, or 80 Yenko.

This car is a tribute to Don period, and that is what this site and members are all about. The SYC people behind this project have the passion, desire and knowledge to produce a fantastic car. To condemn this project is way out of line.

Dedicated to the Promotion and Preservation of American Muscle Cars, Dealer built Supercars and COPO cars.