No Reserve: 1975 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega
The 1975 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega showed enormous promise as an alternative performance model during the mid-1970s. It had one major failing that prevented it from becoming a sales success. It was expensive. No, I mean really expensive. Therefore, while Chevrolet had forecast a limited production run of 5,000 cars during the 1975 and ’76 model years, the reality fell well short of the mark. Today, the Cosworth Vega is making a comeback in the classic market. Ignored for decades, values have begun to climb relentlessly. That’s what makes this 1975 example worth a closer look. It is a largely original and unmolested car recently listed for sale here on eBay. Located in Summerfield, North Carolina, the bidding has reached $6,200 off the back of some pretty modest action. What makes this Cosworth attractive? The owner has listed it for sale with No Reserve.
When Chevrolet unveiled the original Vega in 1970, it had many strong points designed to lure potential buyers. It was an affordable sub-compact that was cheap to run and featured sharp styling. It also had a few notable weaknesses. Which of these was the worst has been the subject of debate, but many will single out its deteriorating paint and vulnerability to develop rust as a critical issue. Addressing mechanical problems is one thing, but repairing rapidly dissolving panels is an entirely different matter. The 1975 Cosworth edition was no exception, and we’ve seen some pretty sad ones here at Barn Finds. Thankfully, our feature car has not suffered that fate and is structurally sound and rust-free. This is reflected in the state of its Black paint because apart from a refresh on the rear hatch, the rest is original. It still shines impressively, although it sports the usual swirls that you might expect on paint of this vintage. The distinctive gold striping and decals look crisp, while the chrome and unique 13×6 British-made aluminum wheels appear excellent. I’m not sure if this would be classed as the best ’75 Cosworth Vega in existence, but its overall condition seems well above average.
Lifting the hood reveals what made this Vega stand out above mere mortals. If buyers went all-out in 1975, they could order their Vega with a 2,287cc four-cylinder engine producing 87hp. That was okay, but our feature car offered far more. Chevrolet was desperate to inject some excitement into the Vega range. With Cosworth at the height of its power in Formula One, there could be no better company to approach to develop something special. The result was an all-aluminum 1,994cc four loaded with the best technology money could buy. Its design included double overhead camshafts, sixteen valves, electronic fuel injection, and tubular stainless steel headers. Chevrolet was determined that this motor would be as close to perfect as possible, with each hand assembled in a cleanroom to ensure quality control. So innovative was the Cosworth Vega that it was the first Chevrolet production model produced with fuel injection. The result of this expense was an engine producing 110hp and capable of powering the Vega through the ¼ mile in a neat 18 seconds. However, the performance and cost need to be placed into some perspective. While the car was fast for a four produced during the mid-1970s, it was also expensive. A Cosworth Vega’s sticker price was higher than a Camaro and only $500 lower than a Corvette. That proved a hurdle too significant to overcome, explaining why the Cosworth was a sales failure. Our feature car is in sound mechanical health, with the seller treating it to plenty of recent TLC. The brakes received new rotors, calipers, lines, wheel cylinders, and drums. The front end is loaded with new suspensions bushings, there are new shocks on all corners, and the car rolls on new tires. It runs and drives perfectly, with the seller suggesting that the buyer could fly in and drive this classic home.
Potential buyers won’t need to spend a dime on this Vega’s interior because it presents beautifully. The Black vinyl upholstery is excellent, with no evidence of wear or physical problems. The same is true of the dash and pad, although the machine-turned gold gauge fascia has begun to discolor slightly. There are some aftermarket gauges under the dash, but I can’t spot any further additions. It is pleasing to find that this Cosworth features its original AM/FM radio/cassette player because these have often been replaced by this stage.
It is said that fortune favors the brave. If this were entirely true, potential buyers would have swarmed Chevrolet dealerships in their droves in 1975 to lay their hands on a Cosworth Vega. The reality was completely different, with only 2.061 cars rolling out the door in that model year. A restyle, improved rust prevention technology, and a more comprehensive color selection failed to ignite further interest for 1976. Chevrolet axed the entire program after a mere 3,508 vehicles had rolled off the line. It was a sad end for a brave venture, and these classics spent decades in the automotive wilderness. How many remain in existence today is unclear, but the Cosworth has recently found new legs in the classic market. It is common to see tidy examples fetch prices of $15,000, although figures beyond $20,000 are not unprecedented. The owner has listed this Vega with No Reserve, and it has only attracted three bids. If one of these classics is on your Wish List, it could be worth watching this auction. Today could be your lucky day.
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Comments
Nice car but not 100% original under the hood. Looks like aftermarket oil filter adapter has been installed and the air injection has been removed. Also some electrical mods done with my favorite scotch locks and binding posts. Seems like a lot of these cars were squirreled away when they were relatively new. I remember when I was in high school in the early 80’s these were considered a collectible.
As Dave Barry wrote, ” The chevy Vega was the first car made from compressed rust!” The aluminum engines seemed to molecularly fuse after a while as well. Just common perceptions in the era.
“So innovative was the Cosworth Vega that it was the first Chevrolet production model produced with fuel injection.”
I don’t think so. That honor goes to the ’56 or ’57 Corvette if I recall correctly.
The author was referring to electronic fuel injection which was briefly attempted in the late 50’s but was quickly removed and replaced by carburetors. Bendix sold the patent rights to Bosch who further developed the system into what you see on this Vega. It’s basically a Bosch D-Jetronic system. The Cadillac Seville followed in 76.
The Vette had mechanical fuel injection but the Cosworth Vega was the first successful American car with electronic fuel injection. Plus 1st all aluminum dual overhead cam 4 cyl production engine from a us manufacturer. I have owned 3 and they are fun to drive and got lots of trophies with my 76 Orange and gold Cosworth.
There is a better one that is in Farmington, NM craigslist for a couple of months it seems. The price (a couple of months ago) was between 14 to 15k. Now he has it at 11K. I thought of possibly trading my Elko for it, and I contacted him stating so. He wasn’t interested. And he said he has had offers for 10K, but he is holding out. My concern was parts especially for the engine. The bright side to the one I’m referring to is it has a rebuilt engine and transmission + more.
@Adam Clarke … what have you been smoking ??? ….. ” It had one major failing that prevented it from becoming a sales success. It was expensive.” REALLY ??? LOL
.
The Cosworth Vega failed NOT because of PRICE… it had anemic performance. .. 0-60 in nearly 11 seconds… is NOT ‘fast’ when others are in the 8’s and 9’s ..
After a LOT of Hype by Chevrolet about the Prototype’s 170hp performance, , the engine was not abled to be tuned sufficiently by GM for production, and was released with only 110 hp , and the kind of Hype you write here… but could not produce ANY of the expected RESULTS after all the BS they had released..
I bought two, a ’75 with the 4 speed, then a ’76 with a 5 speed… Both were dogs………….. REAL dogs. No performance, and not a good Tourer either. Driving my ’75 over 90 was not fun !
Many owners dumped the fuel injection and added Dual Webers … then sold the cars anyway, because the expected hp potential could not be produced. These were Autocrossed in SCCA H Production… the Bottom of the Classes… that should tell you something about it’s performance level
They are interesting collector cars… but there are still DOGS when it comes to performance
..
Hello Dave, (if I have the right person)
I expected it to sound and perform like other Cosworth 4 cyl.
I took one for a test drive when they were new. It was a dog that understeered.
I still have the pontoon fender Crosley and Jabro chassis.
David
Right, the loss of power was the real failing. At that point the price was just another insult. They really thought a 4 valve engine that produced less power than most two valve twin cams was something buyers would flock to?
Sad but our local dealer had a new one in the showroom for over 2 years before it sold. Believe but not mentioned often was they had a 12 bolt rear diff as well.
@carsntrucks
Hey David, Glad to hear
send me pics of the two ….. [email protected]
Dave @
OK, I’ll mail them. Lots of stuff go soon.
I heard you were selling the PV racecar.
Are you coming for SVRA next month.
It is only a month….Gotta get in the shop and break in the cam.
And go through the brakes.
Would love to see you one of these with modern engine management and turbo intercooler installation around the original power plant. It would completely transform the car into something it should’ve been from day one if only we could’ve had the Technology we have now around that wonderful Cosworth 4.
Looks pretty straight and clean.
seems like most posts here are OLD from a couple years ago? Correct me if I’m really wrong.
What???
All of the posts in this thread are dated either Apr 18 or 19. 2022, so not sure what you are referring to.
The dash pad has been reworked…look at how puffy it is…probably someone just glued some foam and vinyl over it to make it look better…..the radio is not from 1975…it would have been an AM/FM, am/fm STEREO, or am/fm with 8track, since cassettes weren’t available in a Vega in 1975…
What makes this or any Vega attractive?
Zip-Oh. Crap cars built by disgruntled hippies.
Yes, we had one- not a Cosworth.
Always been big fan of Vegas, thrashed several over the years! eBay listing states 106000 miles on the car, seller with 95% feedback then comments: “She is not perfect but I would drive my grandkids anywhere in this car. If it wasn’t safe and sound they wouldn’t be in it! After 4 back surgeries, I wish I could get in it! lol” Hmmm……
You folks have to be in love with these Cosworth Vega as any time one becomes available you do a post.
So you go to the trouble of installing a dual remote oil filter with braided lines and use worm gear clamps??? Matches the wiring I guess.
I think v-8 Monza suspension and other parts will bolt right in to these. This is a really nice Vega that the seller says runs great, but parts seem unobtainable so a SBC would be the best alternative if this Cosworth engine ever gave out. This one is too nice to dismiss. $7,000 now with a day to go.