To John DeLorean’s credit, the Cosworth Vegas more than just a trim-and-decal package. Working with British racing shop Cosworth, they built a unique, twin cam fuel-injected engine found in no other model. But years of delays and an exorbitant price (just a few hundred less that a new Corvette) sealed the model’s fate and it was discontinued after two years and a disappointing production run of just over 3,500 cars. This 54,328-mile surviving example is located in Dade City, FL and can be found here on Craigslist with a modest price of $5,500. Thanks to Rocco B. for submitting this!
All 1975 Cosworth Vegas were available only in black with gold trim. The seller states there has been a partial repaint; but the hood and sides still sport the original finish. No mention is made of rust, which despite being a southern car would warrant further inspection. From the photos supplied, body panels and glass seem otherwise decent.
Here’s what makes these car more than just a footnote in history – the twin cam mill. Notably missing is the electronic fuel injection, here we see it has been replaced by a pair of Weber carbs. The seller states he has an EFI setup as well as other Cosworth-specific parts. In other underhood matters, they also note that the brake system has been rebuilt and the original aluminum engine has been treated to a new water pump and timing belt. The gas tank has been cleaned and lined and a new fuel pump installed.
The interior looks original and largely intact. The gold-colored engine-turned dash bezel and gold plaque (above the radio) appear to have survived. The cloth seat inserts look great, and were no doubt a much-appreciated option in hot weather. The car also boasts a groovy AM/FM/8-Track Tape Player unit.
With a modest price and low mileage, this southern car could be a fun little retro cruiser for someone looking for a unique part of Detroit history. An active owner’s association helps track down rare parts, find tech info, and connect with other owners. The replacement carbs likely make it easier to drive and maintain, although unlike other early Detroit EFI systems that could be within the realm of possibility to restore and run. Is it Cos-worth it?
If it runs fine with the webers I would leave them and save the FI for the next owner to deal with.
I happen to think it’s not a bad deal 👀✅
I like it for a Vega 🤠
I don’t want to take out a loan to buy such, but that’s an investment worth chasing for that price. It’s going to need a paint job, but the stripe kit is available to return it to proper appearance.
I’d love to have it. Doubt that will ever happen.
Thank baby Jesus it’s far away in Florida otherwise I would find myself with another little project.
Groovy?……gosh you are old….lol…
I would agree with Jimmy, if it works fine with the Webers then keep them. Fuel injection in those days could be iffy but I do not have specific info on that particular set up. I do remember these cars when new, with the Vega name and price it was doomed to fail. It is a cult car and this one seems to be worth the effort.
Another Dade City car.
Lots of interesting vehicles popping up in Central Florida these days.
Maybe a deal at that price or close soffer.
I think it was 1970 when John Player tobacco began its sponsorship of Lotus F1. The elegant and striking black cars with the gold striping are the forebears of this combination that GM co-opted in the mid-70’s with the Cosworth Vega and the Blackbird Trans Am.
Vegas, on the other hand, were ill-conceived and poorly made. They were shipped on rail cars stacked nose-down. The resultant motion tended to gall the wheel bearings so they were defective right out of the show room. They rusted in high humidity and had an alarming tendency to split apart at the k-member.
Cute cars, crappy seats.
Not to be picky, but Lotus in 1970 was sponsored by Gold Leaf Tobacco. The JPS Black Gold cars began in 1972 when Emerson Fittapaldi was the lead driver and became the youngest driver to win the world championship at 25
I wonder how that engine would react to a modern EFI setup?
This is the cleanest Cosworth Vega I’ve seen in this price bracket for a long time. My bank account is glad it’s on the wrong coast. 😆😆
Those quarter panel/roof seams look rough. Do all Vegas fall apart there? Needs the five speed. Wish my garage was as neat as this guys!
Drop “Do” and “there” from your second sentence and you’ve pretty much summed up Chevy Vegas.
Sure go ahead and do it for $4000.00 as a start or less depending on rust and other Florida visitors. These are fun cars and remember that there’s still some GM atrocious assembly parts in it. A reader suggested a 5 speed which is an excellent idea.
& frnt discs?
A nicer/lower suspension?
I believe that these came with 4 wheel disc brakes.
I once had the opportunity to interview a Chevrolet power train engineer and asked him about the Cosworth Vega. He said the engine was pretty much unbreakable!
DeLorean cannot be held responsible for the poor quality of these Vegas, as he wanted to build a high quality product. Ed Cole was the culprit, looking to cut costs and make them more affordable to customers, the two men did not see eye to eye on this platform at all. At least that’s how I understand it. Neat car here.
My friend had a 1975 in 1978 with under 10k miles on it, and let me take her out one fine Georgia day. I held nothing back. I was very surprised at the way the car accelerated & handled ! It certainly dismissed my preconceptions of a Vega. They are really nice cars, for what they are.
I remember reading about these when new. Not much bottom end torque, but once wound up, whey GO!! American public wasn’t ready for little screamers in the ’70s. EFI was unknown in the US , now it’s everywhere and better than ever. I wonder what this Webber’d engine puts out? I’ve heard of 300-375 HP at 9k + rpm. Interesting find, good luck to the new owner.