When the Vega entered the marketplace as a fresh 1971 model, consumer demands were changing in the auto world, and the timing was excellent for the addition of an all-around economical offering to the Chevrolet lineup. More than 277,000 units found homes during the first year of production alone, with sales peaking in ’74, when 460,374 rolled off the assembly line. However, early reliability issues, recalls, and corrosion problems eventually tarnished the Vega’s desirability, with production ceasing after the 1977 model. This final year example here on Craigslist is a GT station wagon, with the owner’s assurance that he’s gone to great lengths to make sure this one is a capable daily driver, and it also scores high marks in the looks department. Head over to Lubbock, Texas, to check this one out in person, and bring along $9,500 if you’re prepared to pay the full asking price.
We’d like to thank reader Rocco B. for sending us the tip here! At first glance, this one appears to be a Panel Delivery model, one of the more obscure styles from the Vega roster. However, that designation was dropped at the end of 1975 due to slow sales, so it’s likely that the rear side glass has been replaced with a body-colored covering here instead, or perhaps the pane was just painted over. The entire exterior looks more than good enough for a fun driver, with the yellow finish assuring you’ll have no problem finding this little wagon in a crowded parking lot. The black hood and bumpers are nice accents, as are the slotted Anson wheels.
While this Vega GT is plenty attention-getting on the outside, probably the most exciting area is the engine compartment. The factory four-cylinder has been swapped for a V6 sourced from a 1995 Chevrolet Lumina, which appears to be a rather tight fit in the bay. The 3.4-liter is of the DOHC variety and features fuel injection, with a factory HP rating of 210, but the seller states that it is currently producing 235. Shifting is provided by a 700R4 transmission, a reliable automatic praised for its overdrive, and there’s also a positraction rear end outback.
Much of the interior is stock, with the Stereo and B&M shifter a couple of obvious exceptions. I wouldn’t necessarily expect to find a tilt steering column inside, but this one has it, and another plus is that everything is stated to be working. This 1977 Chevrolet Vega GT station wagon seems like a cool driver with lots of power, and considering the amount of love it’s received, $9.5k doesn’t sound too unreasonable to pay. What are your thoughts on this one?
Nice one! Clean modifications on a good looking car. Bet it’s a lot of fun too.
There’s a lot to like here. The Vega itself looks like its in great shape, it doesn’t seem to have any rust issues which is a major plus. The mods look like they were done to a very high standard. The engine is an interesting choice, and I like it. The 7004R is a stout transmission that should last forever behind that V6. Love the color combination too. And that’s a very fair price too, especially with all that work involved. I can’t get over the tight fit though, but very nicely done.
Odd choice for an engine swap, considering the Vega-based Monza and its derivatives used Buick’s V6. It would have been an easy bolt-in, and could be built to deliver more power than this 3.4 twin cam.
I did the old school V6 (Olds Starfire version) swap with my 74 Vega Wagon after the original 4 cylinder took its well known overheating induced dirt nap at 25k miles. Knowing the commonality of the front clip, transmission, and drive line with the little GM products, it was a pretty easy swap. Dazzled a few gas station attendants, too. It made it a better car in more than reliability.
But this one will probably be the only one at Cars & Coffee.
As horrible as those engines were to work on in a W-body, I shudder at the thought of doing much to it in a Vega. Warranty time allowance just for alternator replacement was over three hours!
that is actually to tight of a fit to work on.
AC car with no room for that stuff!
My pick for an engine swap in a Vega is the Buick or Rover 215 V8 (lightweight and doesn’t affect handling negatively as would an SBC), but I like this 3.4 in this car. Nice build, good price, and probably a blast to drive.
I did the old school V6 (Olds Starfire version) swap with my 74 Vega Wagon after the original 4 cylinder took its well known overheating induced dirt nap at 25k miles. Knowing the commonality of the front clip, transmission, and drive line with the little GM products, it was a pretty easy swap. Dazzled a few gas station attendants, too. It made it a better car in more than reliability.
This is interesting and fun. Had one of those engines in a Lumina and GM quality was not good. In 50 k miles the AC went out 3 times and the dreaded alternator. Engine ran fine and was fast for the time. Would get lots of attention at the local show
This looks like fun. I had one of those engines in a 93 lumina and it was pretty quick, especially for the time. The rest of the car had problems with quality. AC went out three times along with the alternator. The alternator is a pain. I bet this is fun quick.
I miss the Vega.