Honoring Don Yenko

[mahoy78spyder]

Well said Bobby, and no, I'm certainly not offended by your words.

Also, having been privilaged enough to actually "see" the unofficial Don Yenko museum in Alton, MO last year, all I can say is WOW! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif[/img] Since I too was born 30 years too late (1968), I only began to learn of Don Yenko in the early 80's when I began my first subscriptions to car magazines. I don't have the history of owning a Yenko, or even being old enough to remember them when they were new, but even with my limited knowledge of The Man, I stood there in awe at the sYc's collection that day. I for one can't WAIT to see this collection, as well as other memorabilia and possibly even "cars" in an official museum somewhere. Maybe it should be in Cannonsburg... maybe it should be whereever we can get someone to donate the land, but whatever the process, it is long overdue.

As for a "car" for honoring Don, I wish they would do a Camaro to be honest. And since they're now gone, maybe the discussion can be started "now" and by the time something is decided upon, Chevrolet will have come out with the "new" Camaro by then and one could be created with that new generation car. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif[/img] I agree his history with the Corvette is undeniable, but a tribute car to Don I think, IMHO, is better suited if it resembles something he created long ago - the Yenko Camaro.

Now I hope "I've" not offended anyone. Just my .02 worth.
[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/[/img]
Ken

[sYc]

As per a museum, I feel it needs to be a Supercar Museum, not just Yenko. Yes, I favor Yenko built cars, but respect and admire the other dealer built cars. The first reunion, and even this web site/club, were first just about Yenko. But, as I became more involved in the hobby, I soon realized how much all of the dealer built and COPO cars had in common. Thus the Yenko reunion became the Supercar Reunion, and now we are the Yenko/Supercar Registry and web site. The way it should be.

Now, where and how? To me, somewhere in the St. louis/Indy/mid IL area, some what center of the US and easy to get to from most parts of the country. But a lot of this would depend on what was available and who was involved. And, I think an extension of an existing buisness. This would reduce the operating expenses a bunch. Something like a auto dealer, hotel, theme restuarant, restoration shop/business, etc. A draw for that business, which in turn would maintain/staff the museum. I feel the easiest part would be the cars and memorabilia. Many owners of supercars own more then one, thus could loan the museum one/two of their autos. Every so often, the cars on display would be rotated. And, to me, one of the biggest advantages/draws, what better place to have the annual Supercar Reunion?

I realize that a Supercar Museum could never be as big, or have the impact as the Corvette museum does, but I honestly feel that there is need for such a place in the world of musclecars. And, it can be done. It will just take $$$, hard work and cooperation of ALL supercars enthusiasts, old and new. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif[/img]

[Mr70]

Tom
I am in the same line of thinking as you.
I have always wanted to start a Museum about Chevrolet Dealership memorabilia,but felt it was to narrow of an Idea.
The Idea of a Supercar museum sounds better,and could include the items of the average Joe Dealer No?
Would it be Chevrolet specific,or Gm...or all manufacturers from back then?
I would glady love to display my General Chevrolet & Hi-perf Chevrolet items there.If it would fit along the Museums guide lines.
I could get my 2nd Bedroom & Basement back too...
Rick

[BBIGG BLOCK 396]

Mr 70, you sound like me about garage space,I have so much stuff,mainly junk according to the wife! I am having to EXPAND,working on a new shop and hope it to be completed soon!Keep us all informed about the Museum,I am sure that you will have many many visitors! Including me and some members of my family.Sounds like it will be a very nice place to visit and have a vacation in the general area.Look forward to viewing all the cars and items that will be displayed.

Bobby [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

[DaveBonnell]

Tom, having a "Yenko" museum as an extension of an already established business is a great idea! I think I know of the perfect candidate for such a project, Fastlane Classic Cars in St. Louis. www.fastlanecars.com This place has expanded at an incredible rate and the guy who runs it (David Williams) is a muscle car guru through and through. He's always on the look out for a "new idea" and I think would seriously look into a project like you guys have mentioned. His Museum/Sales/resto shop/future restaurant, is a muscle car lovers mecca. Let me know if you need anymore info.

[Souperhigh]

I met David and his wife four years ago at the big Collector Car auction in Branson, Missouri. I still see him at least twice a year. Both he and his wife are muscle car lovers and I have done business with them and I feel they are of the highest degree of people. Their place (or nearby) would be centrally located for all of us in the mainland and an nice flight for those members living in other areas.