Vacant Vega: 1971 Chevrolet Project
The Chevy Vega should have been a big hit and did sell quite well with more than two million copies in seven years. A lot of work went into designing Chevrolet’s subcompact response to the VW Beetle but it fell short in the execution phase. GM got a lot of bad press for the car back in the day, so they’re not popular cars with collectors today, except for the interesting Cosworth Vega. The seller’s first-year edition is a rolling body with its engine and transmission long gone. So, it’s suggested this car might serve as the basis for a pro street drag car. Located in a backyard in Arlington, Texas, this project or parts auto is available here on eBay. The bidding is just $810, but a reserve above that has been set.
Famed car guy John DeLorean was one of the men behind the fast-paced development of the Vega, which began in 1968 and came to fruition in 1970 for the 1971 model year. At the same time, Ford was bringing the Pinto along to also debut in 1971. The initial public reaction to the Vega was positive and Motor Trend bestowed Car of the Year honors on the Chevy almost out of the gate. But the engines were quickly found to overheat and cook their aluminum blocks and GM’s rust-prevention methods did nothing but encourage corrosion. If it had not been for the OPEC oil embargo in 1973 and the new-found demand for economy cars, the Vega may have died quickly.
More than 277,000 Vegas were built in 1971, including 168,000 hatchbacks like this one. Other than apparently being all used up, we don’t know any history of this Chevrolet. The troublesome 4-cylinder engine that the car came with is long gone as is whatever transmission it may have had, likely a 4-speed manual. So, it’s down to being a roller, but given its exile outdoors, we’re not sure how easily that might happen.
We’re told there is some rust in the right rear wheel opening and hood, so borrowing sheet metal for another Vega project could be hit or miss. The interior is rough and possibly incomplete, and some furry creatures may have been at work in there as well. Also, there is a lot of stuff stored inside which may or may not go to the Vega. For whatever you might decide to do with this vehicle, the seller is throwing in two brand-new fiberglass cowl hoods and a spare windshield/cowl section. And for good measure, the seller is also throwing in a Monza rear end.
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Comments
Based on the other cars on the lot I’d leave this one where it sits as the best place for it to be.
I wonder how many folks saw that Motor Trend voted these things “Car of the Year,” went out and plunked their hard earned cash down on one of these? My rule of thumb has always been: If the so called experts at Motor Trend tell you the car is great? Don’t even consider it.
I did, a beautiful dark blue Vega GT. Very sweet until it hit 20k. Then multiple system failure and massive RUST. Crying shame
I agree Bic C! I owned two Vega’s, a 1971 and a 1973 Kammback. I liked their looks and hey- they were named car of the year! They had to be good- right? Wrong. The first one fried the engine before 12,000 miles. The second one did the same. Not to be deterred, in 1983 I bought another great Motor Trend Car of The Year, a Renault Alliance- “The One To Watch!” Built in Kenosha Wisconsin. 50,000 miles and three engines later, I traded it in on a 1987 Honda Accord. Sometimes I wonder about Motor Trend’s Car of the Year Methodology…
1971? That would have had the 3 speed Opel manual transmission, a very lightweight unit wasn’t until late 72 / early 73 that saw the 4 speed Saginaw, with a rare 5 speed option.
This one is just a shell, not even a GT. I’d suggest a 4.3L and TH400C. With the Monza rear end installed, it will be a good reliable combination.
My ’71 notchback had the 4-speed. Only option the original buyer ticked.
My 71 had a 4speed. Bolted right up to the 327!
Now there’s a great drive train in a Vega! Put a light cam in that 327 and you’d have a real tire burner that wouldn’t eat you up with fuel costs and a fun car to drive with that great-looking body. After John Delorean designed the car GM shouldn’t have been so tight-fisted with the drive train and put a hot little v8 in it instead. It wouldn’t have such a terrible reputation if they had.
5 speed wasn’t an option until 76…a4speed Opel based Trans was available from ‘71 on to ‘73…it was replaced with a heavier iron cased Saginaw 3 or 4 speed…my parents bought a hatchback and a wagon new in ‘71…hatchback was a 3 speed and wagon was a 4.
While i agree with your engine choice , the transmission is pretty old school, a multispeed auto or manual sounds way better
Ah yes. The Chevrolet m24.
Half a z28. The 73 had a 5sp.thrasher stick.
I loaded a 18ft canoe on the roof of that hatchback, and headed to the U.P for some of the best fishing of my life. ( Snyder lake, and lake nickawowa) both tierods were coat hangered in place, as well as the exhaust. But it just kept humming along. Good times
Considering the named the Renault Alliance Car of the year also. It must have been based on who bought the most ads.
I’m just really wanting to know how much they want for it? I’m VERY VERY VERY INTERESTED in buying if the price is right. Been looking for years. Really wanting a 76 but this would work great for a restoration
Maybe you can bid on ebay !
Scrap it
The chassis dyno shop I go to did a nice LS V8 Vega tribute car. Cragers, radial TAs, nice multiple color paint job.
Might not be the most desirable car at cruise night, still light, plenty of power, not a bad looking car done right.
Sold for $1,075…and the seller is laughing all the way to the bank.
My 1st new car was a 73 Vega Kannback GT, Black with White Stripe. 4speed car. Most people out there opted for the hatchback model. The engine was huffing at little over 60k miles. If I had known what I know today, I’d kept the car and made a Pro-Street out of it. Any Small block engine and an upgraded 4 speed transmission. along with a 9 inch rear end. Oh well, Life happens
Already sold, just under $1,100
I owned a 71 Vega wagon in dark green maual trans. Never could get the hot water choke to function right but it drove fine after it warmed up. Trade up for a Volare wagon and it was way worse than th ega except for more room. Traded that for a pinto wagon, so all the auto makers had issues back then! Vega had nice stying and if it had the cast iron duke, I would swap it out and drive it again!
Unbelievable- I also traded my 1973 Vega Kammback for a Volare wagon! It was red with a 225 slant 6 an automatic and no AC. You are correct, those slant 6’s were indestructible, but the smog controls made them run terribly, especially when they were cold up in the Northwest!
I remember Vegas rusted like IH Scouts. Which is like Fiats & Yugos. Captains of industry signed-off on this stuff.
My name is Mark and I owned an identical 71 Vega GT. Dark blue, 4spd, custom interior. Front fenders rusted and engine burned oil but after installing a header and free flow exhaust the car still was a dog. Paid $2785 for it.