Even though Chevrolet built more than two million Vega’s in the 1970s, the car is not fondly remembered today. Except for the performance-oriented Cosworth Vega of 1975-76. Those cars stand out because of their Twin-Cam engines which were a huge improvement quality-wise from the standard Vega fare. This ’75 Cosworth is a non-running project with a great interior that doesn’t look to be too rough on the outside. Located in Vista, California, this Chevy is available here on craigslist for $5,950.
The Vega was a well-thought-out but poorly executed response to the sub-compact imports from Japan and Europe. Introduced in 1971, Vega’s problems quickly came to light such as engines that would overheat and warp and bodies that would rust prematurely from the inside out. As the Vega itself was winding down, the idea came up to produce a limited production performance model using a 122 cubic-inch inline-4 with a die-cast aluminum alloy cylinder block and a Type 356 aluminum alloy, 16-valve cylinder head with double overhead camshafts (DOHC). The motor also had a stainless-steel exhaust header and Bendix electronic fuel injection (EFI). So, this was a Vega on steroids. 5,000 of the motors were built for use in 3,500 cars, with the balance being scrapped when the Cosworth Vega ended.
In 1975, Chevrolet built 2,061 Cosworth Vega’s and the seller’s car has a placard on the dash saying it was # 1870 (real or otherwise). This auto has been in storage for the past 15 years for reasons unknown and it may have been outdoors given the photos provided and flat tires. But if you’re a car that stays outside, Southern California is a better place to be. The original black/gold paint has loads of patina and some rust, primarily on the hood which the seller recommends replacing rather than fixing.
We’re told the car has never been modified or tricked out and the odometer reads under 41,000 miles, which could be real. If you bought one of these new, they didn’t come cheap and were only $900 less than what you would have forked out for a new Corvette. The seller has not attempted to start the Vega and he got it as part of a deal when purchasing a ’63 split-window Corvette, so this is a project he has no interest in working on. Maybe you can get in running without a lot of issues, or maybe the motor will need to be torn down. As the seller says, “what you see is what you get.” But if you just have to have a 1970s Vega, the Cosworth Vega is the one to have.
Could be a good rust free project. Loose the ugly bumpers and do the work needed to uncork the engine restrictions and make this a good runner. I understood that before these engines passed the EPA certification they were making considerably more power. John Delorean had a good idea unfortunately it got watered down by the time it came to market. Maybe the right idea at the wrong time?
Added advantage of not having to worry about California smog.
It is worth the asking price and more. A rebuildable engine core is nearly $5k by itself these days. As rough as the outside is, it is just metalwork. The interior is intact with the very rare center console. Driver seat would rip and tear quickly, so that is a plus.
Suspect hood latch has broken as the cable is hanging loose inside, indicating a broken handle or seized latch.
I would gladly pay $5k for this car.
It’s ironic the author talks about competition from Japan and simultaneously condems the Vega for premature rust. When everything from Japan had…… premature rust.
No matter how worn out a car is, there will always be someone who covets having one.
“The seller has not attempted to start the Vega…”
Danger, Will Robinson!
How sad that someone let it get in this condition.
For almost price of a Corvette, you could get a Vega with about 10% more horsepower than a Standard Vega GT, but no air conditioning
looked at ne of these about a year ago…the motor was out but all there and they would have taken $1000 for it. when I did some research and found out they made 110hp only,2 more than a bmw 2002 with a single barrel ,I was out,,,,nice concept,but unfortunately regulation and detuning compromised it…
It was GM, mostly. Cosworth wanted GM to strengthen the block so that the aluminum block could cope with much more horsepower
Per usual, the bean counters said no, and another half-assed Vega was born
No Vega is worth saving.
I have a different opinion and wish there was an affordable Vega near me.
It’s good people have different opinions. I personally dislike all Mustangs and wouldn’t lift a finger to save one.
Could be a fun little drive-way project but the asking price is too steep for the average joe looking for a tinker toy. At least it’s under $10k! Would love to have this but it’s about $4k too much and too far away!
Nobody mentioned these cars were great for Chevy small block swaps!
Frankly, so were Ford Pintos!