LOT 349 ¤
1975 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega Chassis no. 1V77R5U210935
Sold for US$7,280 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 349¤
Offered from the Jack Middleton Collection 1975 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega
Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia Auction|7 October 2019, 13:00 EDT|Philadelphia, Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
1975 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega
Chassis no. 1V77R5U210935
Chassis no. 1V77R5U210935
122ci DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Electronic Fuel Injection
110bhp at 5,600rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front with Torque Arm Rear Suspension
Front Disc with Rear Drum Brakes
*Just two owners from new
*One of 2,061 examples
*The beacon of hope in the Malaise era
*GM's first North American Market twin cam motor
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
The year: 1973, The fall of Rome. Increasing emission regulations and the oil crisis had resulted in a near absolute decimation of the American performance car. The malaise era had begun. Yet, a shining light would rise just as the darkest hour began- A scion of things to come- The Chevrolet Cosworth Vega.
The story of this noble machine would begin much earlier (1970) out of one of the eras greatest minds, John DeLorean. Seeing the writing on the wall, DeLorean had dispatched engineer Calvin Wade to England on a mission to track down advanced cylinder head technology. It was further decided to pursue fuel injection in an effort to ward off control emissions without a great loss of power. Soon after, the legendary team at Cosworth was selected to develop a 16 Valve, twin cam head to be placed atop a motor for the compact Vega. After several years of development, testing, refinement, and even stalls in the project, the final production variant was ready for public consumption by 1975.
The final specification goes as follows: the aforementioned 16 valve head, EFI, ECU, two fuel pumps, a stainless-steel exhaust header, forged aluminum pistons and connecting rods. A thoroughly impressive 110 horsepower was achieved at 5,600rpm. Under the skin, the suspension was tightened up with stabilizer bars, stiffer springs and shocks. The motoring press was smitten. Hailed as an instant classic that could eat BMW 2002tii's and GTV Alfas for breakfast, the Cosworth Vega was a car every American should have been proud of. Ultimately 2,061 examples were delivered to customers.
The example offered here, a 1975 model, can be distinguished up front by its narrower grill and by its two-color taillamps and twin pipe exhaust out back. The car was purchased from its original owner in 1979 and was reported to have had low mileage at the time. Since, it has remained under the dutiful care of its current owner who has done the diligence of maintaining the car properly. Today, roughly 60,000 miles appear on the odometer. The vehicle is unsurprisingly in very good condition and serves as a wonderful example of the model. In 2011 this Vega was selected as the "Car of the Year" at GM Nationals and was further shown at the Greenwich Concours.
Saleroom notices
Please note, this vehicle is titled under its correct chassis number 1V77E5U210935.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Client Services (New York)
Client Services (Los Angeles)
Client Services (San Francisco)
Auction Viewings
- 6 October 2019, 10:00 - 17:00 EDT
Lot symbols
| ¤ | Without reserve |
| Lot to be sold without reserve. |
Bid now on these items
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1926 Triumph 494cc
£4,000 - £6,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1934 Austin Seven 65
£4,000 - £6,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1915 Douglas 350cc 2¾hp
£4,000 - £5,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1921 Triumph 550cc Model H
£4,000 - £5,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1974 Moto Guzzi 750S
£4,000 - £6,000
United Kingdom
A Michaux & Cie Velocipede, circa 1870,
£4,000 - £6,000