As we cover Chevrolet’s wayward Vega from time to time, the story always focuses on its ignominious aluminum/iron combo lump of an engine. And that’s not surprising as it was the number one objectional aspect of the entire car. Not to worry, it can be deep-sixed and replaced with something more reliable, and more sporting such as a tried and true small-block V8 and that’s exactly what we have for review today. This V8-powered 1973 Vega station wagon, known as a Kammback, is located in Graham, Washington and is available, here on craigslist for $12,500.
This Vega’s first visual standout is its custom Nomadesque C-pillar – it’s quite a departure from the original Kammback design. It looks well-executed and should be as it was an official custom design offered in 1976 only. It’s enough to question whether that would have been a preferred, standard styling element. According to Jalopnik, the “Nomad” trim package was limited in production with every Chevrolet dealership in America receiving just one Vega so equipped. In this case, the seller, or someone prior, lifted the B-pillar from a Nomad Vega and incorporated it onto this 1973 version. Beyond that, the exterior presents really well, it has a deep finish and straight body panels – there is no sign of the Vega’s ubiquitous rust problem. The American Racing wheels, stationed at its four corners, are a nice touch.
This Vega is a bit of a kit-bashed car as it has borrowed parts from other Chevies. Its five-speed manual transmission is from a Camaro, an S-10 pickup donated its front disc brakes as well as the differential contained in a ’76 Vega rear axle. The star of the show, however, is the modified 350 CI V8 engine – origin not revealed. It’s stated that the block has been bored .030 over (which places the displacement at about 355 CI) and has a more aggressive cam handling all things valve-related. It’s claimed to be a “dependable daily driver“.
The interior is pretty much Vega all the way. There is a “seen-on-every-Chevrolet” four-spoke steering wheel, additional engine gauges with a large tachometer, and a more formidable gear shift to row the five-speed manual gearbox. The front seats reveal some split seams but the wear is minor at this point. The plastics used in Vega’s interiors were fairly low grade but this interior has held up surprisingly well and doesn’t appear to need much attention.
I have seen V8 Vega conversions before and have an old friend that had one years ago but this is definitely one of the better examples that I have encountered. It’s a twofer with its V8 and its Nomad styling feature, it has a lot going for it! Now if you’re interested in this Vega, the seller admonishes, “I don’t have time for tire kickers. No offers without being present. Don’t ask if it’s still available” so you better keep your feet to yourself. Regardless, I’d say this one is well-executed, how about you?
Cool car, the Nomad B pillar is great, it would make an awesome daily… until your first power shift scattered the ’76 Vega rear axle…
My guess would be the rear is already upgraded as it is a 5 bolt. The original would have been a 4 bolt pattern.
Write up states that an S10 donated the trans and Diferential
“Its five-speed manual transmission is from a Camaro, an S-10 pickup donated its front disc brakes as well as the differential contained in a ’76 Vega rear axle”
Correct on the axle, the transmission is from a Camaro.
JO
the differential contained in a ’76 Vega rear axle
Meaning a sturdier one than the ’73 and likely used with V8 Monzas
1976 Chevrolet Vega Nomad
The Nomad package was sold to Chevy dealers for $168 (wholesale) by Motortown Corporation of Dearborn, Michigan. A standard Vega Wagon would be ordered from the factory by the dealer, Motortown would pick it up and add the Nomad package, which would transform the Vega into a resemblance of the 1955-57 Chevy Nomad wagon. Motortown would then return the vehicle “to the normal distribution network for shipment”.
Never saw one in person.Like the looks.Nice build owner.
Slick.
No wheelie bars? I remember, for a spell, V8 Vegas were all the rage. The wagon worked a bit better, but was too much. This, I’d have to think, would be uncontrollable. My ex had a ’77 Monza with just a stock V8, that I thought was too much, I think if this hooked up, you’d flip it on it’s roof. Appears someone spared no expense, I just don’t know the appeal of a V8 Vega today.
The Corvette flag insignia on the hatch is a nice touch.
I agree! But the “SS” under the “GT” is dopey, IMO.
Mikey Likey
The later Monza was somewhat based on the Vega, and offered a factory V-8. The #8 spark plug was basically inaccessible. I think you had to make a hole in the inner fenderwell to get at it.
V-8 Vegas were a thing in the 70s and 80s, but honestly if I had a clean Vega today that needed an engine, there are several modern I-4s that would be a better fit and produce as much HP as a small-block.
Am with you there. Remember wanting a Sunbeam Tiger. The 260 put out 164hp. A new corolla puts out 169.
Do like the looks of the Vega now. Not when they were new but have grown on me.
Vega/Monza & derivatives were all H Bodies.
Very nice, surprised he still has it, posted 13 days ago.
Nope, absolutely not I don’t need something that is going to get me that big of a ticket and I wouldn’t be able to afford constantly replacing the back tires
Nomad feature was largely just patch filler panels that covered over portions of the window opening, with the door glass sliding into the cavity. Curious if they did the inside conversion as well as the interior panels have to changed out as well.
This is a true GT model with instrument cluster and upgraded door panels with map pockets. Cannot see the front turn signal lenses under the bumper, but they should be clear / frosted and not amber.
It should have the dual white stripes on the hood, but this repainted car doesn’t need it. I like it as it is.
I have had nearly ever year and model of Vega in time, but the Nomad and the Panel Express delivery wagon have escaped me.
Okay, saw the ad listing. Single wide hood stripe, not dual but tastefully done. The whole repaint is well done.
Interior got butchered with speaker additions sadly. No fixing those holes in the panels.
Still, it presents well.
Looks wierd, to fat in the b pillar
Anyone know the origin of the rear window spoiler?
Factory option on Kammbacks. I have had a few wagons with them. Usually it also has the luggage rack as well if the rear wing is there. It helped to keep dirt and road spray off the rear window.
Always loved the looks of the early Vega, any body style. But I have always loved wagons even more. The original 4cylinder was sluggish with a stick, and downright dangerous and horrifying with the automatic. Like the V-8, but would be even better with a modern I-4 or I-6; better balance, handling with more than enough hp. Overall a nice, good looking ride at a decent price.
When I first got stationed in Sacramento, I bought a 74 Vega ($20 deposit was all it took and the dealer ordered it for me). Before the 75’s came out, it was rusting around both rear windows. Yellow with black stripes, my buddy named it “Bluebird”, and I still have fond memories of it. FWIW, my buddy later named my next car, a 70 Chevelle SS 427, “Caruso”… because it was maroon-ed.
Bob P Was the 427 in your 70 Chevelle a replacement motor? Pretty sure that the 427 was not an option from the factory…