Gull-Wing Project: 1974 Bricklin SV-1

More often than not, I’m guessing conversations at automobile gatherings about gull-wing doors usually revolve around the DeLorean.  That’s understandable, as these unusual cars are cool, fun, and in short supply, with top-tier examples changing hands for some pretty big bucks nowadays.  Before John DeLorean created his two-seater, another auto guru named Malcolm Bricklin had already put a similar idea into production under his namesake, known as the SV-1.  This 1974 model here on Craigslist needs restoring, but it seems like a worthwhile project, especially since the owner reports that all of the needed parts are included.  Priced at $7,500, this one is in Penn Valley, California, and we’d like to thank tipster Tony Primo for finding this first-year Bricklin and letting us know about it!

Mr. Bricklin’s vision was to build the safest sports car on the market, with the SV actually standing for “Safety Vehicle”, and it’s a plus that the finished product was so aesthetically pleasing.  The gull-wing doors were attached to the roof, since Malcolm reasoned that upper hinges could help prevent the doors from swinging out into traffic.  Both bumpers were designed to absorb low-impact strikes without structurally damaging the vehicle, and the outer finish options were highly visible colors, with the hue manufactured directly into the acrylic-fiberglass panels.

The story goes that the seller bought this car at the Bricklin factory auction in 1978 while it was still registered there, technically making him the second owner.  In the 1990s, it was partially dismantled in hopes of correcting a few issues, such as improper door fit.  It never moved forward, and the seller says that it has been sitting ever since.  Thankfully, all necessary parts are reported to be present to restore this one to its original condition, although some body cracks will need to be mended during the process.

The Bricklin used engines sourced from other manufacturers, with the 1975-76 examples featuring a 351 Ford Windsor.  The earlier cars came with an AMC 360, which is what’s under the hood here.  There’s no information on whether it will still run, but given how long this car has been inoperative, it’ll probably need at least some attention before it’s ready to be a daily driver.  The V8 is paired with a Chrysler 727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission, and the 13,000-mile odometer reading is also confirmed as original and accurate.

The interior will have to be put back together, but with the car’s low mileage, hopefully some components will clean up well enough that they won’t need to be replaced.  For someone with the right skill set, this may be a fairly straightforward project, and the asking price doesn’t sound unreasonable for such a rare vehicle.  Would you be interested in bringing this 1974 Bricklin SV-1 back to life?