Who owns the Midas Monkey Corvette? This question has sparked intense curiosity among car enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The Midas Monkey Corvette, a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette, is not just any ordinary classic car; it holds a unique place in automotive history. This article delves into the fascinating story of the Midas Monkey Corvette, its owner, and the legacy it has left behind.
The Midas Monkey Corvette was originally purchased by the late Don Yenko, a renowned car dealer and restorer in the 1960s. Yenko was known for his innovative marketing strategies and his passion for modifying Corvettes to appeal to the emerging muscle car market. The Midas Monkey Corvette was one of his most iconic creations, featuring a custom paint job with a monkey theme and a powerful engine that made it a head-turner on the streets.
Don Yenko’s vision for the Midas Monkey Corvette was to create a car that would stand out from the crowd. He achieved this by combining the classic beauty of the Corvette with a playful and whimsical design. The monkey theme was a nod to the car’s performance, as monkeys are often associated with speed and agility. The custom paint job, which featured a monkey face on the hood and a series of playful monkey graphics, was a testament to Yenko’s creative genius.
The Midas Monkey Corvette quickly became a favorite among car enthusiasts and was featured in numerous automotive magazines and shows. Its unique design and powerful engine made it a sought-after vehicle, and it was even rumored that the car was driven by famous race car driver and actor, Steve McQueen. However, the true identity of the Midas Monkey Corvette’s owner remained a mystery until the early 2000s.
After Don Yenko’s passing, the Midas Monkey Corvette was passed down to his son, John Yenko. John continued his father’s legacy by maintaining and preserving the car, ensuring that it remained in pristine condition. In 2004, the Midas Monkey Corvette was sold at auction, where it fetched a record-breaking price of $1.2 million. The new owner, who chose to remain anonymous, took great care in preserving the car’s originality and has since become a guardian of its legacy.
The Midas Monkey Corvette’s journey from Don Yenko’s vision to its current owner is a testament to the power of automotive passion and the enduring appeal of classic cars. The car’s unique design and powerful engine have made it an icon in the automotive world, and its story continues to inspire car enthusiasts and collectors alike. The question of who owns the Midas Monkey Corvette may have been answered, but the car’s legacy and the memories it holds will forever be a part of automotive history.
