Could the Vega be GM’s first modern attempt at a high-performance vehicle? At first glance, the Chevrolet Vega is nothing special. However, although the Vega was produced from ’70-77, there was one year that stuck out.

In ’76, GM got frisky with their Camaro-like sub-compact sedan and added an all-new 2.0L 4 cylinder with twin cams and electronic fuel-injection to boot! While GM took care of the bottom-end, Cosworth took care of the cylinder head design, headers, and exhaust system. So, why didn’t they sell?

At a few hundred clams short of a new Corvette,  buyers were scarce and it’s no wonder the Vega’s never sold in large quantities. Some new Cosworth Vega’s even sat on the lot for years before they were purchased.

What’s more, if you can find one in Black with Gold lettering, it’s most likely an original Cosworth. While not everbody is necessarily looking for a Cosworth Vega, they are out there. For example, flipping through various craiglist.com ads, we came upon this Vega out of San Rafael, California. It’s s a poster child for what’s still available if you happen to be in the right place at the right time.

The seller admits to having 2,000 miles on a fresh engine rebuild, with new radiator, and clutch too. Transmission seems to have had no work performed. The Cooper Cobra tires are new, too, and even seems to come with a spare. Although the right front fender was repainted, the remaining bodywork is all original. What’s more, everything works including the factory installed AM/FM radio.

Who knows, this may be the car you’ve been looking for. At $12,000, it’s double what you would have paid for it new from the factory. But, you’d be rolling around in a super-rare GM subcompact with modern day electronic fuel-injection. For some, the Vega is nothing more than a mistake. If you take a look back, you can see that GM was definitely heading in the right direction. Please, leave the disco-ball at home though.