When Chevrolet was developing its Vega model, they toyed with the idea of several different engine choices. Some proceeded as far as the prototype stage, but others were deemed unviable. While it was marketed as a subcompact, one car became home to an all-aluminum version of the 283 V8 that was bored to 302ci. Although it showed promise, the project never proceeded further and was scrapped in late 1972. Not to be deterred, the owner of this 1972 Vega GT Kammback Wagon has built his own interpretation of the prototype. Like the original vehicle, its engine bay also houses an aluminum V8. It runs and drives and needs somebody to perform a cosmetic refresh. Located in Smiths Grove, Kentucky, you will find the Vega listed for sale here on Craigslist. You could drive away in this interesting classic by handing the seller $7,800. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this thought-provoking Wagon for us.

If potential buyers consider dropping their hard-earned cash on a Vega, this one is worth a closer look. Early examples were renowned for their rust issues (amongst other problems), but our feature Wagon has spent its life in the drier climes of Arizona. That means that any rust problems are confined to little more than surface corrosion. Don’t get me wrong, because there is a reasonable amount of corrosion, but it hasn’t deteriorated to penetrating rust requiring a grinder or welder. It is visible in various areas emerging from under the Code 65 Orange paint. If I were to buy this classic, addressing these issues would be a priority before they had a chance to deteriorate further. I’m not sure how easy it would be, but it could be worth sourcing a set of the inner fender liners that Chevrolet fitted from 1974 because that would reduce the chances of rust developing in the prone area between the inner fenders and the cowl. The panels have accumulated a few dings and bruises, but the buyer could easily repair these before applying a fresh coat of paint. Somebody has cut the front bumper to create an appearance reminiscent of the bumperettes from the Camaro RS, but with what appear to be raw edges where they are cut, the buyer may choose to source another bumper. The glass looks good, and the overall impression is that restoring the panels and paint should represent a straightforward cosmetic refresh.

Lifting the hood reveals this Chevy’s party piece. As a GT variant, its engine bay would originally have housed a 140ci four-cylinder engine producing 90hp. With a four-speed manual transmission bolted to that motor, this Kammback would have covered the ¼ mile in 18.2 seconds, which would hardly set pulses racing. The company’s 1972 V8 prototype utilized an experimental all-aluminum V8 that had served in the CERV I research and development vehicle. Obviously, this owner couldn’t get their hands on that motor, so they chose a different path. This V8 is also aluminum, but it started life in an early 1960s Oldsmobile. With a capacity of 215ci, it was a small motor by the era’s standards, but in unmodified form, it would have produced at least 155hp. That is a noticeable horsepower increase over the Vega’s original four, with the power finding its way to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. However, the reality may be slightly different because this V8 appears to wear an upgraded intake and carburetor. That could have pushed the power output even higher. The Kammback would originally have tipped the scales at 2,333lbs, and the new engine will not have added significantly to that figure. Therefore, I wouldn’t rule out this Wagon’s ability to cut a low-16-second ¼-mile ET. The seller bought the Vega as a non-running project a few years ago and worked through returning it to a roadworthy state. He replaced the carburetor, fuel pump, water pump, timing chain, timing gears, belts, hoses, wheel bearings, front suspension bushes, and reconditioned the radiator. He admits that the dual exhaust is cobbled together, so the buyer may want to fabricate something better. If you seek a turnkey classic, this appears to be it. The seller says that the Kammback runs and drives well, and with the extra power available, you would have to think it would be a riot when the driver pressed the pedal to the metal.

If the buyer wanted to save some money on this Vega’s refresh, they could get away with leaving the interior largely untouched. The headliner is missing, but it appears to be otherwise complete. The seat upholstery looks pretty respectable, as does the carpet. There is some wear visible on some of the door trim edges, but there are some high-quality vinyl dyes that could address that shortcoming for a few dollars. The factory radio has made way for a radio/cassette player, and there are some aftermarket gauges under the dash. It would look okay if the buyer cleaned everything and tied the loose wires hanging under the dash. If they wanted to improve the appearance further, they might consider searching for a headliner and an uncracked dash pad. If these are found at a reasonable price, they could prove a worthwhile investment.

The pages of motoring history books are loaded with “what if” moments, and the concept of a Vega V8 is one of them. Even in Kammback Wagon form, the Vega is not a heavy car. The Vega Cosworth experiment of 1975 and 1976 proved expensive and wasn’t the sales success the company envisaged. An all-aluminum V8 would not have added substantially to overall weight but offered the promise of greater power and torque than produced by the Cosworth motor. This GT Wagon may demonstrate what could have been, and it should provide an entertaining driving experience. The Vega is unlikely ever to make a Top 10 List of America’s most desirable classic cars, but would the mechanical upgrades be enough to tempt you to park it in your garage?