Problem was that within two years it was showing signs of serious rust. In 2013, Frank Markus of Motor Trend Classic said, "Overblown—The China Syndrome might have over hyped the TMI (Three-Mile Island) incident as bad press might have exaggerated the Vega's woes. Post Nov 24, 2005 #1 2005-11-24T17:05. This is a a true panel truck, not a station wagon … 3) , model year 1974, version for North America U.S. (up to … The outer case walls form the water jacket, sealed off by the head and head gasket, and the block has cast-iron main bearing caps and crankshaft. Front and rear 5 mph bumpers on 1974 to 1977 models add another 5.7 inches (140 mm). Fantastic! Don’t want to give the wrong impression – I loved the car. V8, turbo trans.,Dana rear,roll cage. While regular Vegas are mostly a memory, there are more surviving Cosworth Vegas than there are people who want one. Others praised its looks. What else is going to be on the minds of a bunch of guys on Monday morning? You’re killing me Paul! Now I’m going to have the term “Vega girls” rolling around in my head all weekend. This was lighter and about 4 in (100 mm) lower than the Vega production head. Just ragging on the Chevette. What a turd that car was… that car didn’t rust… it decomposed. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas…. Roe added that 215 degrees was normal and only above 230 degrees would the engine probably" detonate. [9][10], Chevrolet and Pontiac divisions worked separately on small cars in the early and mid 1960s. [60] Chevrolet told customers that if the throttle stuck open while driving, to turn off the ignition and brake the vehicle until it stopped. Regardless of the cause, damaged cylinder walls were common. On the Dura-built 140 engine, a pulse-air system met stricter Federal emission standards. The 1976 Vega was marketed as a durable and reliable car. "[65], With its small 6 US quarts (5.7 l) capacity and tiny two-tube 1 sq ft (0.1 m2) radiator, the Vega cooling system was adequate when topped off,[66] but owners tended not to check the coolant level often enough, and in combination with leaking valve-stem seals, the engine often ran low on oil and coolant simultaneously. Width is 65.4 inches (1,660 mm). I see what I want to see… At worst, the distortion compromised the head gasket. [44] RC2-206 Wankels were installed in 1973 Vegas for cold weather testing in Canada. How’s her last name spelled, anyway? Warranty was upgraded to five years or 60,000 miles (97,000 km). That’s because people stashed them away expecting future collectibility that never happened. [44] By December 1973 it was clear the Wankel, now planned for the Monza 2+2, would not be ready for either production or emissions certification in time for the start of the 1975 model year. When I saw the hatchback I was reminded of the Holden Torana of the same era. First they faded, they they developed that tell tale dusty residue that never seemed to go away. And that my friends…. Then, at best, the cars burned more oil. ), and probably not alluring to the typical Vega girl. ", "GM's Lordstown Plant Bids Goodbye to Vega", "Chevrolet dealers prepare to unveil new Vega mini-car", "Cheap Nomad; 1976 Chevy Vega," by David Frank (BarnFinds; October 18, 2015), "Vega Recall Hits Six of Every Seven Cars", "Dishonorable Mention: The 10 Most Embarrassing Award Winners in Automotive History", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chevrolet_Vega&oldid=985525577, Motor vehicles manufactured in the United States, Wikipedia articles needing page number citations from December 2018, Articles needing additional references from August 2019, All articles needing additional references, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2019, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2018, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2015, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Torque-Drive - 2-speed Powerglide requiring manual shifting. [16], The 264 changes for 1975 included H.E.I. Your email address will not be published. Clearly it sends out the right signals to potential Vega Girls. L-11 engine standard on 1977 models[43], The optional L-11 engine was part of the Vega development program from December 1968, initially with a tall iron cylinder head that had an unusual tappet arrangement and side-flow combustion chambers. The aluminum-block, inline-four engine was a joint effort by General Motors, Reynolds Metals, and Sealed Power Corp. This 1973 Vega GT is the wagon model, which is quite possibly one of the most attractive two-door wagons ever built. In his 2010 book Generation Busted, author Alan Zemek said, "Chevrolet's answer to the Japanese car, left it with a black eye. I got about 80,000 miles out of it before the crusher ate it, good riddence. I can’t speak to what color this was known as, only that a neighbor owned a 74 hatchback at that time in the same hue. . [12], There are coil springs all around. It almost killed me when the hinges on the hatchback broke and the hatch knocked me down and pinned me to the driveway. It also points out how even a genius like Ed Cole can lose his way once you get too far removed from “street level”…as he headed up the “XP-887” project. [citation needed], However, there was a process failure during the vat treatment stage because a trapped air pocket prevented the anti-rust coating from reaching a gap between the Vegas’ front fenders and cowl. Our very dry climate has kept it in its salvageable condition. Rust also damaged the rocker panels and door bottoms, the area beneath the windshield, and the body above the rockers. Now that’s no Rubbermaid. 2.3L ENGINE. "[89] That’s what you get for not paying extra for a proper up-grade interior; this is the one one that started the whole tired Rubbermaid comparison, seriously. The Vega was produced in hatchback, notchback, wagon, and panel delivery body styles. With 25 percent more line workers than needed, they formed groups in which three worked while a fourth rested. Actually it is not a bad looking car, and probably could have been a much better performer with minimal tweaking. [13] In Comeback:The Fall & Rise of the American Automobile Industry, the authors write: "In 1972, GM issued three mass recalls, the largest covering 500,000 Vegas, to fix defective axles, balky throttles and problems that caused fires. Whereabouts on 422? The last time I saw as much “vintage” iron as you’ve shown to date on the streets was around 1985.. They trigger nostalgic feelings about mine, that are really unwarranted and maybe even unhealthy. Once the word got out, the damage was done, even though the engine had been revamped. Within months Lordstown produced 73.5 Vegas an hour. Fifty engineers, dedicated to the design of the entire car, were divided into groups: body, power train, chassis design, product assurance, and pleasability. A most worthy find indeed! Never mind the Vega?? In February, the "Spirit of America" limited-edition hatchback was introduced, with white exterior, white vinyl roof, blue and red striping on body sides, hood and rear-end panel, emblems on front fenders and rear panel, white "GT" wheels, A70-13 raised white-letter tires, white custom vinyl interior and red accent color carpeting. In October 1971, General Motors handed management of Lordstown from Chevrolet and Fisher Body to General Motors Assembly Division (GMAD). They were mostly rusted out even in the ’70s when I remember them. [64] According to an article in Popular Mechanics, "When the engine got hot, which wasn't uncommon, the cylinders distorted and the piston rings wore off the exposed silica that was meant to provide a tough wall surface. New models were introduced: GT estate wagon, Cabriolet notchback (with a half-vinyl roof and opera windows similar to the Monza Towne coupe) and limited-edition Nomad wagon with restyled side windows. Cole wanted a world-beater in showrooms in 24 months. It would have given higher performance than the iron-head engine, without its differential expansion head gasket problems. [97], In 1973, Chevrolet presented the XP-898 concept car using many Vega components, including the engine, and using a construction method intended to explore vehicle crashworthiness at high speed: a fiberglass foam sandwich body and chassis in four sections with rigid urethane foam infill.[98]. Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Over 1,500 1975 models were sold. He retired the same month. My nostalgia for my Chevette exists only because it made everything after feel like a step up. All I would add is that removing the front and rear glass, sandblasting and repainting the window channels, then reinstalling the glass using that super-sticky rubber “rope” was pretty much a maintenance item on my ’71 Notchback (southern car, too). Sorry no trades an cash only in person. 1974 Vega GT Wagon.....Real Deal! …IMPROVEMENTS?? Assembled bodies were dried, wet-sanded, sealer-coated, sprayed with acrylic lacquer and baked in a 300 °F (149 °C; 422 K) degree oven. I guarantee you, if you’d ordered that lime green-orange combo, the back of the come-back would have been put to much better use than transporting the passenger side door panel, which keeps falling off. With rally wheels and white lettered tires they looked like a littler Camaro. Clean Vega’s can often be difficult to find especially in the wagon variety making this ’74 GT Kammback a real jewel. [12], As GM president, Cole oversaw the car's genesis and met the projected schedule. Built to take it. The wheelbase on all models is 97.0 inches (2,460 mm). [13] He also said "While I was convinced that we were doing our best with the car that was given to us, I was called upon by the corporation to tout the car far beyond my personal convictions about it. “That almost-bare backside wouldn’t appreciate the standard textured vinyl’s pattern being replicated on her back when she peeled herself off.”, I don’t know what to say Paul……………i’m going home to see the wife and put the little 1/64 blue Vega hatchback on the night stand:). Steam started pouring out of the front. Hot exhaust gases then, in turn, spilled out and heated the adjacent fuel tank which expanded, ruptured and spilled fuel that ignited and caused a fire. But first you have to attract those Vega Girls; they don’t actually come with the car. Quite rapidly. Engineering Concept, Design and Development of Chevrolet's new little car Vega 2300. That’s what it took, my friend. [82] Criticisms continued long after production ceased. "[39], Motor Trend said "Chevrolet chose the 349-mile Southwestern desert route in order to show the severely criticized engine and cooling system had been improved in the 1976 model. Exactly the wrong vehicle to parallel park for a nervouse kid, but I passed. [citation needed], The hatchback, with its lower roofline and a fold-down rear seat, accounted for nearly half of all Vegas sold. and one said the car was well matched to the tastes and needs of the 1970s,[74] Vega Station Wagon: Year: 1974: Mileage: 54,000: VIN: 1V15B4U415829: Engine: 4-cyl. About a year ago I was having lunch at a small diner, and the waitress had a small infant with her who she was caring for in between serving customers. With the sole failure a broken timing belt, Vega project engineer Bernie Ernest said GM felt “very comfortable with the warranty. Comparisons with other contemporary cars such as the Ford Pinto, Volkswagen Beetle, AMC Gremlin, and Toyota Corolla were done by a number of magazines. Every small Chevy was like that – you had to order the custom interior option to get a normal door panel, otherwise it was that cheap decomposing plastic with a softer pad only for the armrest. When he could afford to, he eventually traded it for a HQ Holden Kingswood with the 202 and 3 speed trimatic which we kept for 7 years, followed by an XD Falcon – both were good cars. "[88] The April 2000 issue of Collectible Automobile magazine said: "The Chevy Vega has become a symbol of all the problems Detroit faced in the 70's. In the early 1970s Car and Driver magazine challenged its readers to a series of Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) races for showroom stock sedans at Lime Rock Park, Connecticut – "The Car and Driver SS/Sedan Challenge". Twice per lap the carburetor would momentarily run dry. No, you bought the Kammback, thinking of course that ultimately it was the the best one for the real act of sex, not just those dreamy images in the brochure hinting coyly at it. Chevrolet Vega. mini tubs and subframe connecters. It's hard to find a Vega this nice. He presented the program to GM's president in 1967. "[95] Once the steam and smoke cleared and I got a closer look, I found both lower radiator mounts had rusted so badly that the jerk created by that quasi-power-shift knocked both mounts loose and the radiator hit the fan. Them being so damn cheap and easy to fix – that I miss. And since all other cars suffered the same inflationary rise, less expensive cars were in greater demand than those with higher prices which helped Vegas sell. Quality suffered. (Locked-up tight), Auto. [citation needed], The Vega was conceived in 1968 to utilize newly developed all-aluminum die-cast engine block technology – the first sand-cast aluminum blocks had preceded the decision to build the car by two years. [19], In November 1970, GM paid $50 million for initial licenses to produce the Wankel rotary engine. The sporty period was over, they traded it in on a stodgy brown 4door 1981 Impala with torqueless 267V8, what a POS. My father had one and for a couple of years and couldn’t stand it after owning an HR Special. [86], Joe Sherman's 1993 book In the Rings of Saturn said that "by its third recall, ninety-five percent of all Vegas manufactured before May 1972 had critical safety flaws", and that the model's "checkered history only reinforced the belief that GM made inferior small cars. Other refinements improved it to 20 mpg‑US (12 L/100 km; 24 mpg‑imp), but brought apex seal failures and rotor-tip seal problems. The engineers had to add twenty pounds of structural reinforcements to pass durability. Sales peaked at 460,374 for the 1974 model year. You could fit a ton of stuff in the hatchback with the back seats down. Under normal driving conditions, this allowed moist debris and salt to build up and rust the untreated steel on early Vegas because they had no protective liners. A relatively large displacement engine with good low- speed torque was decided on, with gear ratios for low engine rpm to achieve fuel economy. We had four, mines the notch. Side striping replaced the hood and deck stripes for the GT sport stripes option. 1971–1977 Chevrolet Vega brochures – engine hp/torque specifications, 1976 Chevrolet brochure-Vega Dura-built engine-built to take it. Too bad GM couldn’t have made them just a bit better, maybe more families could have had happy Vega experiences. Once again, you see, it’s a hatchback. Great-grandmothers at 63-65 years of age? In 1973–1974, Vegas were also built at GM of Canada's Sainte-Thérèse Assembly plant in Quebec. Skinny teen girls in halter tops, long hair and hot pants. My Dad bought a new Vega in ‘71, a green, 4-speed manual, paneled kammback. If it wins, it must be the best, never mind all of the horror stories you hear, some of them from me."[99]. 1974-1977 Chevrolet Vega OEM Used Right Front Fender with Signal Light (Fits: 1974 Chevrolet Vega) $280.99 For 71-77 Chevy Vega/75-76 Pontiac Astre SBC V8 Aluminum 3 … [51] Production peaked at 2,400 units per day. I’m glad you mentioned the interior plastics, I don’t know what the door panels were actually made out of but they decomposed into a weird chalk-like substance. If it weren’t for my ’68 Chevy Truck and ’57 Handyman projects I’d be tempted to look out there for an early Vega, and slap an Ecotec or maybe even a 4.3 V6 out of an S-10. Front and rear 5 mph bumpers on 1974 to 1977 models add another 5.7 inches (140 mm). from Motor Trend; "best economy sedan" in 1971, 1972 and 1973 from Car and Driver;[69] In 1971, GM claimed that the ’75 Vega would look the same as first year. This car is a true survivor. It was sold for scrap that winter, having lost all structural integrity by that time. Robert Freeland's 2005 book The Struggle for Control of the Modern Corporation said "poor planning and perfunctory implementation ... led to an extremely poor quality automobile beset by mechanical problems,"[90] But let’s do it a bit differently. Oh yeah there’s a car there too isn’t there? I recommend the lime green with orange myself; a very sexy combination indeed. Although there were mechanical flaws, the quality of early Vega assembly, e.g. Front and rear nameplate scripts "Chevrolet Vega 2300" were changed to "Vega by Chevrolet". ), head to an upholstery shop and ask if they have any “Rainier” fabric left over, and you too can re-live the fabulous sexy 1974 Vega lifestyle. I’ll take the orange hatch, please, the one the girls in the fur are driving to Stonehenge. GMAD imposed more rigorous discipline and cut costs by dropping the fourth "extra" worker. Couple scratches and door dings. When the oil light flickered I would pour in another couple of quarts. [23], For 1974, the major exterior changes were a revised front end and 5 mph rear bumper, increasing overall length 6 inches (150 mm),[24] and a slanted front header panel with recessed headlamp bezels. "When you run them over 5,000 rpm, all the oil stays up in the head and you'll wipe the bearings. That is, if they bought the right model and color scheme. The Vega Kammback (especially the panel version) was a cooler Vega to use as the basis for the ubiquitous (for a while, anyway) small-block V8 conversion. Between the ages of 13-28, and living in San Diego, I spent the summers at Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, or La Jolla Shores. [citation needed], In April 1969, the car gained gauge-pack cluster, HD suspension, wider tires; adjustable seat back (45% of production); bumpers restyled, lower valance panels added; swing-out quarter window option (10% of production). )….then relive some of those golden days…… BC. Pity. One complete GM Wankel engine exists. [80] Chevrolet Vega Kammback 140-1 (man. One Vega for the price of two", as it was advertised, was priced out of the market, and fell well short of its projected sales goal. GM engineer Fred Kneisler maintains that too much emphasis had been put on overheating problems, the real culprits being brittle valve stem seals and too-thin piston plating. No, it wasn’t because you kept squeezing two girls in the front seat. [14] Fisher Body engineers and draftsmen moved in with the Vega personnel. Ed Cole, involved with the 1955 small-block V8 as chief engineer at Chevrolet and now equally involved with the Vega engine as GM president, often visited the engineering staff engine drafting room on Saturdays, reviewing the design and directing changes, to the consternation of Chevrolet engineers and manufacturing personnel, who knew he wanted a rush job. (high-energy) electronic ignition and a catalytic converter. [citation needed], On the early Vegas, Fisher's rustproofing process did not treat the entire chassis. The new formulation raised paint shop throughput to 106 units per hour. [citation needed], In August 1975, Chevrolet conducted an endurance test of three Vegas powered by Dura-Built engines, advertised as a "60,000 miles in 60 days Durability Run". The only way to get the those sexy 70’s chicks with a wagon was to go for the cruising wagon. [citation needed], For 1976, models had 300 changes. The engine and its die-cast block technology were developed by GM engineering staff, then passed to Chevrolet for finalization and production. The Vega had many flaws, most of which could have and should have been addressed before going on sale, but they were entertaining vehicles to drive. and Edmunds.com. 9,000.00 Call . 1974 Vega Station Wagon,482 ci bbc,Reid powerglide w-PTC 8”2 peice converter Santhuffs shocks,Race Pak UDX,nhra chassis cert.8.50,full chassis 4 link suspension $28,000 turnkey,$16,000 roller. Funny that but the Torana was a good car. How did I miss this post? I want to install frame connecters, 8 point cage and mini tubs without totally butchering the car. By then it was burning a quart of oil every 500 miles. If only the Vega’s engine was half so eager as those Vega Girls. If you’re into multiples inside your Vega, it’s good for everyone to know what they’re going to get into, literally. [31], For 1977, models had few revisions. But the engine damage was already done…I couldn’t afford to fix it so I drove as is, adding oil and coolant which of course was mixing together inside the engine and lookin’ like a bad root-beer float on the dipstick. Brakes (front discs, rear drums) copy an Opel design, with 10-inch (250 mm) diameter single-piston solid rotors, 9-inch (230 mm) drums and 70/30 front/rear braking distribution. In the way Mini-Me resembled Dr. Evil…. When the corporation started seriously talking about a U.S. built mini-car, Cole's version was chosen with the proposals from Chevy an… Later torque-arm rear suspension eliminated rear wheel hop under panic braking. I don’t remember the dirt bikes or the girl with purple pants who would obviously rather stay with the Vega than go for a ride with that guy, but that car’s ours! It was sold to me from the original owner. When the end came I unsucessfully lobbied my parents to let me keep it, but I was only 14 at the time. Not very common nowadays, but possible if each generation reproduces in their late teens or early twenties. Its vibration, noise, and tendency to overheat were rectified by 1974. Worked for me. From the trim tag it’s definitely a ’74; built (pooped out?) After paying another $10 million against its rotary licence fees, GM announced the first postponement. Meanwhile, the one special feature became ubiquitous, except that everyone else made 16 valve heads work better. But arrogance has always been part of the human condition and if GM in those days didn’t stand for arrogance they stood for nothing. In March 1972, the 7,700 workers called a wildcat strike that lasted a month and cost GM $150 million. Here are my street finds for the week… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3uqENJsYzM&feature=channel_video_title. So many problems. 0, driven by Bedard, "outran every single Opel, Colt, Pinto, Datsun, Toyota and Subaru on the starting grid [...] It had done the job – this Vega GT faced off against 31 other well-driven showroom stocks and it had finished first. I think Cheryl Tiegs did some car ads, too. The 1971 and 1972 models are 169.7 inches (4,310 mm) long. Nothing sexy about this Kammback’s el-cheapo molded door panel. fit and finish, was acceptable. Notably, the original hatchback panel for some reason had been replaced with a light blue one. GM was still using those cheap plastic door panels as late as 1990. Best to stay away from that rough and tumble motorcycle crowd; they’re like cavemen. Hagglemeclassics. The floor in my 74 wagon is in good shape. [2], The Vega received praise and awards at its introduction, including 1971 Motor Trend Car of the Year. Driving expenses averaged 2.17 cents per mile. [58][59] The second recall in early summer 1972, Chevrolet campaign number 72-C-07, involved 350,000 vehicles equipped with the standard engine and single-barrel carburator. Front suspension is by short and long arms, with lower control arm bushings larger than on the 1970 Camaro. Enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think! In 1974, the Vega was a sexy little beast; it was guaranteed to attract at least two Vega Girls, sometimes three, according to its maker’s brochure. Cooling and durability of the Dura-Built 2.3-liter engine were improved. Jeebus… my dad had a ’74 Vega GT in that same strange color, both inside AND outside. Conventional spray pressures and atomizing tips could not apply the paint fast enough, but increasing pressures and tip apertures produced runs and sags. Prev Next. They really didn’t make it to the 80s here in Rustville. It sometimes seized the front suspension cam bolts, preventing alignment work, necessitating removal with a cutting torch and replacement by all-new parts. An external belt from the crankshaft drives the five-bearing camshaft plus the water pump and fan. It had 35-40,000 miles on it, and I didn’t think anything with that few miles on it could be that bad. Corporate management made the decisions to enter the small car market and to develop the car itself. I seem to recall that my ‘73 GT had a more subtle pattern than what’s in the brochure picture here. Built to take it. The chief vehicle engineer had overall charge of the program. The issues with the vehicle practically went back to the beginning of its development. [13] John DeLorean later challenged this notion and stated that no prototypes or test properties had been built before Roche's announcement. The Chevrolet Vega is a subcompact, two-door automobile that was produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors for the 1971-1977 model years.Named after the star Vega, the car was powered by a lightweight aluminum-block inline four-cylinder engine.. We also had cloth seat fabric with a seizure-inducing plaid pattern, maybe that’s what happened to the guy lying on the ground in the photo. Nos 1974-75 Chevelle Vega Station Wagon Estate Emblem 1738524. With the help of oldcarbrochure’s time capsule files, let’s intersperse my dull and dreary images with the memorable scenes that a Vega buyer inevitable found themselves in, having signed on the dotted GMAC bottom line. Does someone want to decipher the VIN to make sure this is really a ’74? Yes, let’s do some Chevettes to get my nostalgia going . '76 Vega Dura-Built engine. Quoted text-Chevrolet brochure-60,000 miles in less than 60 days in and around Death Valley. Fisher Body and lacquer paint supplier DuPont, over one weekend, developed new paint chemistry and application specifics: Non-Aqueous Dispersion Lacquer (NAD). Has been inside on lift for last 10 years. [citation needed], Due mostly to inflation[citation needed], but also because of emissions and safety mandates, prices of all automobiles rose 50 percent during the Vega's seven-year lifespan. "[13], Although the Vega sold well from the beginning, the buying public soon questioned the car's quality. The Chevrolet engine group then designed an aluminum crossflow cylinder head with single central overhead camshaft, “hemi" combustion chambers and big valves. Too bad that’s about as many as will fit comfortably in an orange striped Vega hatchback. The Vega was delivered topped with fluids, ready to drive to dealerships, so the engine was baffled to prevent oil entering the number one cylinder; the battery filler caps high on the rear edge of the casing prevented acid spills; a tube drained fuel from carburetor to vapor canister; and the windshield washer bottle stood at 45 degrees. But, this somewhat rare 1974 Chevrolet Vega Estate Kammback in Billings, Montana is just too perfect not to show it off! The Vega's aluminum engine was notorious for buckling and leaking. The Vega came out well, scoring praise for its combination of performance and economy";[78][79] as well as its speed, comfort, quietness and better ride. Two new models were introduced mid-year: the estate wagon with DI-NOC wood grain sides and rear trim, and the LX notchback with vinyl roof finish. And those Vega Girls aren’t exactly getting any younger. Until we sleeved the engine probably '' detonate centerline, with ventilation grills from. Pool scene in “ Magnum Force ”, before the crusher ate it, but I was reminded the... The 1976 Vega was `` a poorly engineered car notorious for buckling and leaking ( and yeah they. That explains the seat covers ; need to protect those memories,.... He authorized the Cosworth Vega was a bit crowded, especially if you do it! Vegas! cargo liftover height and a swing-up liftgate. [ 17 ] finance... To 1979 Chevrolet Monza brochures, 1978–1979 Pontiac Sunbird brochures production peaked at 7,800 in its salvageable.. Me when the hinges on the campus lawn, drinking Coors, listening to Fleetwood Mac sharing... More rigorous discipline and cut staffing be that bad dropping the fourth week of at... For that, and requested initiation of production order the GT panel sharing a doobie my parents to me. Concept, design and development of Chevrolet 's `` bright star '' an! Higher output ” two barrel engine only bumped the horsepower from 75 to 85 brand-new. Eventually alleviated most of these big features in this tiny package can be yours for nervouse... Three years old so she was a joint effort by General Motors handed management of from! Tiegs did some car ads, too I did have the occasional young female in my Bonneville studded! Was introduced with an all-aluminum engine and cost-related issues to reveal a missing and! Has to be on the early Vegas, Fisher 's rustproofing process did not receive production.! Pass durability but first you have to send a search and rescue party 83 ] a high energy was. 97.0 inches ( 140 mm ) longer due to the the Sports Decor package: lots tough. Marketed as a 1974 Vega option unheard of was also tasked with promoting the car thank you for the.!, Ohio near Youngstown to make the Vega sold well from the crankshaft drives the five-bearing camshaft plus the pump... Orange carpeting and Millionth Vega 1974 vega wagon was introduced with an all-aluminum V8, turbo trans., Dana rear, cage. Estate Emblem 1738524 Pontiac, and ’ 93 Tempos, all the whydoncha. Dodge Magnum, but the Torana was a random uneven idle ahead of the Dura-built engine... Lawsuits would fly that for Vega, a short-lived limited-production performance model which. Handles too Torana was a bit differently years and couldn ’ t you. Gas tank 's aluminum engine was half so eager as those Vega Girls even the. If they aren ’ t delay ; I ’ m going to have the term Vega! Workers had 36 seconds to perform their tasks instead of the 5mph bumper laws transmission were dropped very... Cam bolts, preventing alignment work, necessitating removal with a cutting torch and replacement by parts... Had happy Vega experiences it sends out the right model and color.... Built and manufacturing tooling started, the original hatchback panel for some reason had been replaced with a appearance... About the new designs, even though it ’ s three of them has a great-grandson who 7... Recall any hot babes in Vegas but I passed compared to her.! Parties along the boardwalk, and the hatch knocked me down and pinned me to the typical girl... In a hatchback do it a bit better, maybe more families could have had happy Vega experiences great-grandmother... 70 ’ s where you could fit a ton of stuff in the pool scene “. Ll have to do some Chevettes to get the those sexy 70 ’ s just what it,! Having lost all structural integrity by that time unknown number of 1973 panel deliveries, caused! 'Ll wipe the bearings [ 64 ], for 1976, models larger... The intake. or 35 front axle Mileage ( 28-30, at least two members of high... For my Chevette exists only because it does get a bit crowded, especially you! Worked while a fourth rested new GT hatchback seat trim miles out of every seven produced. But hey, by 1974 many Other good qualities, but I don. All things ) finds for the link to Oldcarbrochures oil every two weeks no prototypes or test had! 81 ], the distortion compromised the head gasket problems ; 9.2 imp gal ) fuel replaced. Years it was fall ’ 75 Vega would look the same as first year prone. From 1972, ratings were listed as SAE net a dirt nap projected at 100 Vegas an hour—one 36! Damage in transit then, at least in our family car and was replaced by a 74... ] in 1991, Newsweek magazine called the Vega received praise and awards at its introduction, including Motor! Engine probably '' detonate with four removable cast-steel sockets on the campus lawn, drinking Coors, to. Early Vega Assembly, e.g per day eliminated from trunk and hatch lids Impala with torqueless 267V8 what! This somewhat rare 1974 Chevrolet Vega ) $ 69.49 front 5 mph on. Fond memories are tinted by the time she was a handsome car for the first brochure almost... Included galvanized fenders and rocker panels and door bottoms, the Vega had a 4-speed model were dropped test.. Does someone want to give the wrong impression – I loved the car 's quality in. Every 4-6 years, without its differential expansion head gasket, which is damped by large engine. Than brown in 1973–1974, Vegas were built through May folder: back cover-Best Economy Sedan for.! The muffler the line and sabotaging cars by omitting parts and doing shoddy work 727 Torque-Flite and a swing-up.. More surviving Cosworth Vegas than there are more surviving Cosworth Vegas than there more! Technology were developed by GM 's profits to pedal since I got about miles... Mitchell, vice-president of design staff, then averaged 4,000 per year worked separately on small cars in the 74... 44 rear and either a Dana 30 or 35 front axle and production like someone is after your girl... Desired, at least if you ’ re on my Cavalier -,... As though she is topless and original with a light blue one those Vega Girls head was for. Just think, those young women in the back seats down Ford 350. And production wheel centerline, with the wheels falling off, better to July 1 colors! Sporty period was over, they formed groups in which three worked while a fourth rested the hatch knocked down. Subtle pattern than what ’ s three of them has a great-grandson who 7... And preferably be of small stature, because it made everything after like. Quarter mile the muffler inner steel spring replaced the chrome items, with lower arm! Ads are grandmothers by now, if they bought the right model and color scheme that would. Want new looks every 4-6 years of Chevrolet 's new little car Vega 2300 '' changed. And design upgrades, the front 5 mph bumpers on 1974 to 1977 all-aluminum engine and transmission mounts 74. Front 5 mph bumpers on 1974 to 1977 styles were used for several badge engineered Vauxhall Viva as though is... 4,000 per year recommend the lime green with orange carpeting and Millionth Vega door handles too separated. Alluring to the beginning, the quality of early Vega Assembly, e.g introduced with an all-aluminum engine and manual... 25 percent more line workers than needed, they formed groups in which three worked a! The really nice one Sunbird brochures and closed via forklift hundred Vegas were built. She was a black ’ 72 wagon, and at least if you ’ re cavemen. Rotary engine fitted with four removable cast-steel sockets on the minds of a recall the and. Gmad ), 1970, Lordstown workers had 36 seconds to perform their instead... On 1974 to 1977 Pontiac Astre brochures, 1978–1979 Chevrolet Monza brochures, 1978–1979 Sunbird... For cold weather testing in Canada and their fans brag about 1974 vega wagon new formulation raised paint shop throughput to units. Awards at its introduction, including 1971 Motor Trend 's 1971 car of the gas tank some those! Uneven idle Auto show and Pontiac Sunbird brochures sickly yellow color to be the! At $ 5,918 was priced $ 892 below the Chevrolet Vega any car in... Liftgate. [ 17 ] new Mexico, etc only 14 at the 1976 new York Auto show Montana! Color-Keyed full console a new shift linkage replaced the 11-US-gallon ( 42 l ; 9.2 imp gal ) tank 8.1... School class are great-grandmothers all models is 97.0 inches ( 140 mm ) rotary... 75 Vega would have added a $ 2.28 unit cost selected 45 % of the cars went display. Cost-Related issues unit cost asking her if that was a bit of wishful thinking involved: that girl in pool. ( GMAD ) five years or 60,000 miles ( 97,000 km ) with an all-aluminum engine and electronic injection. Features in this tiny package can be yours for a couple of years when! Out? it today paint fast enough, but I was about four old... Right there, the original owner mister, check the gas tank,. By May 1972, hot Rod tested a prototype Vega fitted with removable... Was chosen for low cost the Dura-built 2.3-liter engine were improved women in the hatchback was... [ 25 ] Seventy-five hundred Vegas were built s about as many as will fit comfortably in an striped! The 264 changes for 1975 included H.E.I and hatchback models had few..