- Seller: Salvador R (Contact)
- Location: Compton, California
- Mileage: 99999 Shown
- Chassis #: 1V11A4U207484
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 327cui V8
- Transmission: 4L80 Automatic
Chevrolet introduced the Vega in 1971 as a lightweight compact aimed at fuel efficiency and style, but it didn’t take long for hot rodders to realize the platform had real potential once you dropped in a V8. This 1974 Vega GT coupe, now available through Barn Finds auctions, takes that concept to the next level. With a built small-block 327, a heavy-duty transmission, and a long list of upgrades, it’s a project car that’s already well along the path to becoming a serious street or strip contender.
The seller, based in Compton, California, invested a great deal of time and money into turning this Vega into something special. Under the hood sits a 327 fitted with Comp Cams roller lifters, an MSD ignition system with ACCEL coil, and a Brawler 4-barrel carburetor. Cooling is handled by a Champion racing radiator paired with high-performance “Fan Man” electric fans, while exhaust gases exit through a Flowmaster dual exhaust setup. The engine still needs a valve job and some final fine-tuning, but when dialed in, the seller says the little coupe is extremely fast—thanks in no small part to the Vega’s 2,000-pound curb weight.
Backing the V8 is a 4L80 transmission with a manual valve body and shift kit, controlled by a B&M ratchet shifter. Out back, a posi-traction rear end with 4.10 gears ensures the power gets planted effectively. This drivetrain combination gives the car serious performance credibility while still leaving room for the next owner to finish it their way.
The chassis features a full roll cage, a set of period-style Cragar offset rims—14×6 up front and massive 14x10s in the rear—and new front tires. Also included with the sale are a Wilwood brake booster and an aluminum fuel cell that the buyer can install, rounding out the performance potential. The Vega also wears LED headlights for improved visibility, a thoughtful touch that blends modern usability with classic muscle styling.
While it still needs some finishing work, this Vega GT is far from a basket case. It’s already a running, driving project with the hard (and expensive) work largely complete. For someone who’s always wanted a lightweight V8 Vega with a big personality, this is an opportunity to step into a project with real performance bones. The seller notes that the reason for parting with it is simply to redirect funds toward buying a family home.
With its combination of rarity, performance parts, and untapped potential, this ’74 Vega GT is ready for a new caretaker who can take it across the finish line. Would you leave it as a wild street machine, or refine it into a sleeper that surprises everything at the stoplight?
Yes it does need some work, but i think you could get it very cheap.
It needs the brackets for the radiator to be welded lower on the car so the radiator sits lower. Then the hood can be installed. Yeah I secured the top of the radiator with zip ties because I don’t plan on working on it anymore. The new owner will have fun doing that. Im going to throw in a Wilwood master cylinder and an aluminum fuel cell too.
That isn’t a GT. The hatchback and wagons were available in GT trim, not the sedans.
The dash is standard. GT dashes were faux wood grain with round gauges including a large tach. Nobody would want to go from GT to standard. Changing the dash also requires a complete wiring harness change as well .
It does have GT correct black headlight buckets and clear front turn signals.
I put a GT dash in my ’71 notchback – was actually pretty easy, since I had to pull it myself at the junkyard and left the harness intact.
The ’74-75 grille is my least favorite of the three Vega ‘faces.’ The early Camaro-like grille is still my fav.
You beat me to it. I suppose it doesn’t matter at this level of modification, but I’ve never seen a GT coupe, and did not think it ever existed. Thanks for the confirmation!
My mistake it not being a GT. It is a notchback though.
It looks like the radiator is zip tied in place
Did you tead the owner’s first comment?
That’s a pretty big transmission for a 327 cubic inch Vega.
I went with the 4L80 so it could handle my heavy foot. It also has a shift kit and a manual valve body. I had a lot of fun in it.
As others have indicated this would not have been a GT. Maybe an LX given the vinyl roof. Silk purse, meet sow’s ear.
That explains why I’ve never seen a notchback GT.
Better get a frame under that thing ASAP. Ask me how I know…
With that chassis rake the front end geometry went all to h-e-double sticks, as Radar O’Reilly would say. Could be a mite squirelly.
Double Hump Heads.
Junk then, junk now. Not all Salvador’s fault
Reasonable price for a drag car. Lower the radiator and install the hood. Elizabeth, I don’t think that you are going to surprise ANYONE atvm the traffic light with the wheel size and rake to this car. And yes, sub-frame/mini frame/body reinforcement is needed to keep the body twist down. Otherwise you will be looking for a new donor shell. The roll bar helps,but not as much as you need.
Finally someone who doesn’t criticize… this is barn finds isn’t it? You ain’t gonna find a fully built car for $1000 sheesh! These guys are brutal. The car needs work. It’s a promising start with this one. Price is negotiable Wayne
That alternator bracket is a doozy ……. :-) between that and the zip ties holding the radiator in and who knows what else this thing needs a lot of workshop time before taking it out and romping on it
I’ve never seen a Vega with a vinyl roof.
It looks like vinyl but its paint. Don’t know what kind cuz I myself got it that way.
A couple of additional tubes and plates inside and you would have a roll cage to help strengthen up the shell/chassis for drag race duty. It would take quite a bit to be a nice street car. But as Elizabeth said, “A lot of the heavy lifting is done” to make a good drag race car. With the beefed up automatic it would be great for bracket racing. HD transmission, 12 bolt rear diff, roll bar and various other upgrades make this perfect as a weekend warrior with some additional elbow grease. I know that this is not primarily a drag race crowd. (I’m not) But I took my SCCA Spec Racer to the local drag strip to do some acceleration runs to try and dial in the jetting. I was welcomed with open arms and many nice comments. After looking at all the cars running and the different classes. They try to accommodate everyone to “run what you brung”. Providing it passes safety inspections. This car is being built to run the 1/4 mile and just needs some completion work. I say cut this owner/seller some slack and look at the positives we see here. He is not asking a stupid price for the equipment supplied and a rust free Vega of any kind had some value. We see rusted chunks of crap here all the time with people asking stupid prices. Go price a 12 bolt posi rear diff, a 4L80 automatic, roll bar, and just the wheels on this car and you will have spent way more than he is asking. If I was looking for something to run at the stip, I would strongly consider this car.