It was early 1968 when Bill Rea first met Don Yenko. They hit it off and became immediate friends. Other noteables such as Donna Mae Mims, Bob McClure, Warren D, Ed Cole, Fred Gibb, Dickey Harrell, Jon Moss, Dave Heinz and Bobbie Allison were frequently involved in the events and escapades over the next several years.

Bill and Don dined, socialized, traveled, raced and talked shop together till Dons untimely death in 1987. When racing competitively AGAINST each other, Bills Mustang out-dueled Don on more than one SCCA or IMSA occasion. That lead to Bills contribution to the famed 69 Yenko Camaros. Dons cars were bullets in a straight line but needed help in the "curlys". Bill, with the help of Koni, Hotchkis and Heller Spring, designed a handling package for 39 of the 198 Yenko Camaros built in 1969. As Dons good friend, Ed Cole, at Chevy took notice, GM invented what became known as the Gymkhana handling package.

Bill Rea has been a car guy since the 1960s. The "patients" have ranged from a 1937 Chevy Coupe to the 2004 Cadillac CTS-v, AND NOW OUR 505 HP COMMEMORATIVE VETTES.

From 1982-1987, Rea branched out from the Yenko tree. He produced a limited series of vehicles known as Wildfire. These were Camaro, Firebird, Monte Carlo SS and Chevy S-10 prototypes. The cars were good handling, high horsepower versions of their factory counterparts. Wildfires were marketed through a dealer network in 16 states as well as direct, as a result of positive press in several major publications. These cars preformed equally as well on the racetrack, with victories at Texas World Speedway (3), Mid-Ohio, Watkins Glen, Pittsburgh International Raceway, and the Copperas Cove Grand Prix.

When Big Brother put his foot down on the emission/horsepower game, Rea opted to sit back and run the family business for a few years. When his 50 year old factory up and decided to go union, Rea retired (on the surface anyway), but kept his corporation active.

While driving home from the SEMA Show in Vegas in 2000, Bill said to his wife, Linda, "YENKO". She got the message immediately. In early 2001, the first YENKO-Wildfire Commemorative Edition rolled out the door. No publicity was utilized but 3 very special vehicles were built and sold to collectors.

In 2001, the first YENKO-Wildfire Corvette was commissioned. It was snapped up and is now featured in the showroom of the largest Freightliner Dealer in the world. The car has won multiple BEST OF SHOW awards throughout the U.S.

In 2002, a pair of YENKO-Wildfire Camaros went to Yenko aficionados in Arkansas and New York respectively. Though offered really big bucks, these cars are not for sale today.

In early 2003, the SSR was chosen. When completed, it was named the Worlds Best SSR by the very team from Chevrolet that designed it. The car was featured at the 2004 Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit, where GM Chairman, Rick Wagoner and his wife requested their picture be taken in the car.

For 2004, since Chevrolet was falling on its proverbial face, the most likely supercar candidate was the Cadillac CTS-v. Our 550 hp prototype is sitting in our showroom.

Barrett Jackson, Chip Foose, George Barris and the old grump, Boyd were waking up the classic car industry like a Starbucks Triple Chocolate Sugar Latte to a drowsy commuter. The term "RESTO-MOD" was coined, possibly by Craig Jackson, though Bill has been "ruining" numbers matching collectibles since 1960.

Yep, Bill was in the middle of all the automotive fun in the 50s and 60s. Hes never outgrown the "car crazy" attitude and today brings over 45 years knowledge and expertise to the game.

Enter Bill Rea III. When Bills Son, Bill showed the desire to bring his many talents on board, the decision was made to get back to the roots, the really good "ole" days.

Bill III contributes nearly 20 years of automotive expertise to the table. His specialty is Corvette, but Pontiac and select Chevys not far behind.

Today, Bill Sr. sticks to specifications, design, and business functions while young Bill runs everything from parts procurement to engines to paint. Hands on, you will have trouble finding someone better and/or more thorough [picky].

The spray gun is handled by our award winning painters. In 50 years of painting, we've never seen better and only one as good. From custom fabrication to high end graphics, we can handle your needs.

Bill III and his team built a stunning '65 Vette that was named BEST OF SHOW at Kruse Scottsdale Auction in 2005. A pair of his '66 creations were just sold to the well known LEGENDARY MOTOR CARS of Dream Car Garage fame and a gorgeous '62 was snapped up by PRO TEAM just as it was coming off the trailer.

Thank You for your interest in Yenko Wildfire Garage!