Unless you count the one prototype built in 1972, Chevrolet never put a V8 in a Vega, although it’s encouraging to know that they were at least thinking about it.  The one-off car had an all-aluminum engine, but unfortunately, the idea never made it into production.  However, numerous enthusiasts over the years have yanked the factory four-bangers and installed more robust powerplants, with this 1972 model featuring a V8 that reportedly makes 450 horsepower!  It’s said to need some work, but overall, this one seems like about as much fun as a Vega is likely to provide.  This mini wagon is in Jamestown, Rhode Island, and can be spotted here on Craigslist, where the seller has posted an asking price of $7,600.  Rocco B., thanks for your excellent tip here!

The concept of creating a 383 is intriguing, and thankfully, it’s not all that difficult to accomplish.  You just start with a 350 and bore it .030 over, then stuff in a 400 SBC crank to increase the stroke, and with all the humdrum math details omitted, it comes out to 383 cubic inches, rounded up.  We don’t get a whole lot of information about the build here, but when all was said and done, the magic horsepower number is said to have reached 450.  The seller mentions that this one’s been garaged for about three years, but hopefully, it’ll be ready to tear up much more pavement after some work.

It’s a little surprising that there aren’t three pedals inside, but at least the automatic is controlled by a cool aftermarket shifter, which sends the power to a 12-bolt Positraction rear end.  A large tach ably conceals a crack in the top of the dash, with a couple of additional gauges mounted to the right of the factory speedometer.  Besides the steering wheel, most of the rest of the interior appears stock, with the bucket seats seeming to be in nice condition.  The carpet is showing some wear on the driver’s area, but sticking a black floor mat on top should solve that issue quickly and inexpensively.

This one’s a Kammback wagon model, and while some of the yellow paint is peeling and chipped, the panels appear strong and solid overall.  The affected areas could either be touched up as well as possible, or perhaps it’s time to do some minor body work and prepare for a new paint job.  It’s also written twice that the seller is entertaining any cash offers, so maybe he’s ready to make a deal.  All things considered, what’s a fair price to pay for this potent V8 Vega?