The Bricklin SV-1 (short for Safety Vehicle 1) was a short-lived effort to produce an economic sports car with gullwing doors. It was the brainchild of businessman Malcolm Bricklin, whose previous automotive claim to fame was the importation of Subaru cars into the U.S. in the late 1960s. Only 3,000 Bricklins were produced in 1974-75 and maybe half of them survive today. This one has been in storage since 1998 and its running condition isn’t mentioned, though the seller’s reference to it needing a restoration might be an overstatement.
Besides having gullwing doors, the vehicle is noted for its composite-material body panels, not to be confused with fiberglass. This project was in development for two years and the car was built in Canada, thanks to a hefty loan arranged by the Canadian government. The engines were sourced from Ford, like the 351 cubic inch V8 that’s said to be in the seller’s car, along with an FMX automatic transmission. The short life of the SV-1 can be attributed to quality control problems, supplier issues, and a less-than-healthy relationship between management and labor.
We don’t know a lot about this Bricklin. It went into storage since the last century, but we’re not told why. Nor do we know why it has emerged now. It has just 61,000 miles and looks to be in okay condition with a new custom interior in boxes waiting to be installed (the existing interior doesn’t appear to have any terminal problems). Whether the engine fires up and the car moves around on its own is for the buyer to determine.
While “perfect for restoration” according to the seller, we’re not sure what that will entail. At least the drivetrain has commonly found parts. If the car needs any SV-1-specific parts, we’re not sure where they would be sourced from. Located in Forest Grove, Oregon, this interesting survivor is available here on craigslist for $9,500 OBO. Kudos to Matt H. for bringing this tip our way!
Probably a nice project, and something that you won’t see very often.
Not sure how it is to find the unique parts.
I had a red 75 for a few years, these are not a exotic sports car. The 74’s had a 360 AMC engine. This does look like a good deal.
In North America, the Fuji Rabbit is best known for starting Malcolm Bricklin’s motor vehicle career.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuji_Rabbit
I never knew that about Bricklin. I thought I knew a lot about his career, didn’t know it started with a scooter.
Back in the late 70’s I thought I wanted a Bricklin and was willing to trade my 72 Corvette roadster for a Bricklin a friend was trying to sell. I took the Bricklin around the block and immediately hated it . I thought I was driving a Pacer it was one of the worst driving vehicles I had ever been in you could tell it was made in Canada with no idea of engineering whatsoever. I never wanted a Bricklin after that.
There is one in the 1980 movie The Junkman, check it out !
Ugly color. I’d paint it black so at least the body lines would match better.
Great motor though depending on whether it’s a Windsor or a Cleveland.
Ugly color. I’d paint it black so at least the body lines would match better.
Great motor though depending on whether it’s a Windsor or a Cleveland.
I would also get rid of the butt-ugly front bumper and put in a grill.
I would also get rid of that butt-ugly front bumper and put in a honey comb grill. Lose the Datsun tail lights, fill in the holes and replace with Corvette tail lights.
Those are Pantera tailights! Would you put Corvette tailights on a Pantera too? Not a good idea for either, IMO, tho Vette tailights do look good on ’72-74 [barra]cudas.
The bumper was part of the sv1 concept of offering built in security with every car , it also had a very sturdy roof in case if rollover !
If anyone is interested in the Malcolm Bricklin story (and believe me it is a great story), I would strongly recommend the new book “Dream Car: Malcolm Bricklin’s Fantastic SV1 and the End of Industrial Modernity” by Dimitry Anastakis. Dimitry wrote it with Malcolm Bricklin, who is a character, to say the least.
Thanks for the recommendation KM.