More than two million Chevrolet Vegas were built between 1970 and 1977, and it was Motor Trend’s Car of the Year in 1971. With European inspiration and a novel aluminum engine block, the car was innovative for General Motors, but when did you last see one?
eBay is offering a rare Vega survivor with an eye-catching custom paint job and added extras rarely seen on entry-level cars. It’s a 1974—midway through the model’s run—and retains its original 140-cubic-inch four-cylinder engine with a three-speed manual (on the floor). The odometer reads just 50,038 miles.
Most important, it’s rust free. Rust that attacked the thin sheet metal, and cooling problems (later corrected) that warped the cylinders, hurt the Vega’s reputation. But, at least initially, the Vega sold extremely well, with this car’s year being the high water mark—452,886 units sold.
The ’74 Vega here sports a custom gold paint job with huge yellow and purple contrasting stripes. The fiberglass hood has a giant scoop with working cowl induction - opens in new window or tab., and there’s also a tail spoiler - opens in new window or tab. (with “Viva Lost Vega” script). Was the car being set up for V-8 power? The Vega hatchback is shod with American Racing wheels - opens in new window or tab. and Performer GT radial tires - opens in new window or tab.. In short, it looks fast but retains stock performance.
In 1974, the Vega’s four-cylinder engine put out either 75 or 85 horsepower, depending on whether the owner sprang for the two-barrel carburetor. Power was actually down slightly from previous years, because of new smog equipment. A CD player (unknown in the Vega’s lifetime) from Kenwood is in the dash - opens in new window or tab., and the upholstery is black velour.
According to Classic Auto Mall - opens in new window or tab. President Stewart Howden, the seller, “The engine and transmission are solid and it runs great. This car was originally donated to the Boyertown Museum of Historical Vehicles - opens in new window or tab., which specializes in vehicles built in Pennsylvania, and that’s where we acquired the car. You’ll be the only one at the car show.”
Howden added, “The Vega is an interesting car, and it has a following. We see a lot of interest in this one.” Howden says he inherited the Vega when he took over the Classic Auto Mall in Morgantown, Penn. The former outlet mall has space for 1,500 cars—and is currently showing some 400 barn finds - opens in new window or tab..
The car on offer—a clean, low-mileage Vega—is a surprisingly rare find. “Today a running Vega is a far less-likely sight on American roads than, say, a ’55 Bel Air or ’69 Camaro, or even the scandal-plagued Corvair,” noted Popular Mechanics - opens in new window or tab. in 2010. “Save for a bare few running with V8s on drag strips and a handful of limited-edition, twin-cam Cosworth models, the Vegas are practically all gone.”
The highly collectible Cosworth, a limited-run high-performance version of the Vega, was built in 1975 and 1976. The Cosworth cars, developed with U.K.’s Cosworth Engineering, added a state-of-the-art 16-valve aluminum cylinder head with double overhead cams. Solid lifters and forged components added to the exclusivity, as did the four-speed gearshift. Output jumped to 110 horsepower.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.