Back in 1970, Chevrolet built a small economy car that surprisingly won several awards in its first couple years of production. It was surprising only because those awards were followed by multitudes of complaints and criticism due to the problems with it’s new, all-aluminum sleeved engine block.

With poor sales following the redesigned 1974 model, the Vega only lasted through 1977 with under 80,000 cars sold that year. It gained more popularity as a platform for small block V8 swaps than it had in its last couple years of production.

There was even a famous name behind the Vega: then GM VP John DeLorean, who was appointed Chevrolet’s general manager prior to the launch of the Vega. In the early 70’s DeLorean authorized the Cosworth Vega, a hopped up 185 horsepower, twin-overhead cam engine with 12:1 compression and a fat fuel curve.

But problems with the increasing EPA requirements and the fuel crisis of the mid 70’s eventually delayed the 1974 release and the horsepower and compression estimates rapidly decreased in an effort to meet standards.

In 1975, the Cosworth Vega was released, all of them black with gold stripes, cast aluminum wheels, gold accents and a stainless steel header, backed by a four speed transmission. 1976 saw eight more colors and an optional Borg Warner 5 speed trans.

However, being downgraded to 110 HP, about 8.5:1 CR and showing very weak performance figures, the little twin cammer only lasted another year. Few enthusiasts flocked to the dealers to save the Vega from it’s eventual demise.

But for those of you who missed out on the launch in 1975, you can now get your own, low mileage, pristine Cosworth Vega like this one on eBay for a mere $38,000. Just tell all your friends you picked up a black on black Z09 with only 291 miles on it, they’ll never know. But act now, operators are standing by.