1975 Chevrolet Vega Is an All-Original Survivor With a Rare Surprise Under the Hood

However, one certain version is getting a bit more attention nowadays. I'm talking about the Cosworth Vega, a performance-oriented rig powered by a four-cylinder engine developed by the same company that built some of the greatest race-spec powerplants out there. The list includes the DFV V8, which won seven consecutive Formula One championships (1968-1974).

The Cosworth Vega was born in early 1975, shortly after the nameplate enjoyed its best-selling year with 460,374 units delivered. Unlike the regular Vega, which came with a 140-cubic-inch (2.3-liter) four-cylinder, the Cosworth relied on a smaller, 122-cubic-inch (2.0-liter) four-banger. But it hit showrooms with significantly more oomph.

Featuring an aluminum-alloy block with forged components, electronic ignition, electronic fuel injection, and stainless steel headers, the 16-valve twin-cam unit generated 110 horsepower. It may not seem much today, but it was plenty potent for a Malaise-Era subcompact. For reference, the regular Vega was rated at 70 and 84 horsepower.

But the Cosworth Vega was way too expensive. Priced at $5,918, nearly double the sticker of a base Vega, it came only $892 short of the 1975 Corvette. Chevrolet sold only 3,508 units in 1975 and 1976, failing to meet its 5,000-example target. Due to a lack of demand, the company had to scrap nearly 1,500 Cosworth engines.

Today, many Cosworth Vegas are rotting away in junkyards and barns, waiting for a second chance they won't get. However, some are still in one piece, running and driving nearly 50 years after they rolled off the assembly line. This example from Fort Collins, Colorado, is likely one of the very few Cosworth Vegas enjoying unrestored survivor status. And it's looking for a new home.

One of only 2,061 units built in 1975, this Vega shows only 73,000 original miles (117,482 km) on the odometer. The seller claims it "runs and drives well" and has been "garaged most of its life." The ad is rather brief, but the small batch of photos provided confirms the description. The vehicle is very clean inside and out, and the engine appears to be original.

The seller wants $11,000, which is well below the average auction price for Cosworth Vegas in Very Good and Excellent condition. According to classic.com, the average is $20,366 for units sold over the last five years. Conversely, most examples sold for more than $20,000 had significantly lower mileage. Is this Cosworth Vega worth the asking price? Let me know in the comments section.