1973 Chevrolet Vega

The Chevrolet Vega is a subcompact automobile that was manufactured and marketed by GM's Chevrolet subdivision from 1970 to 1977. Available in two-door hatchback, notchback, wagon, and sedan delivery body styles, all models were powered by an inline four-cylinder engine with a lightweight alloy cylinder block. The Vega first went on sale in Chevrolet dealerships on September 10, 1970. Variants included the Cosworth Vega, a short-lived limited-production performance model, introduced in the spring of 1975. The car was named for Vega, the brightest star in the constellation Lyra.

For consignment, a 1973 Chevrolet Vega and long gone are all those pesky engineering problems that the Vega was known for particularly in the engine department. This car takes on a whole new personality with a hefty race engine, some wide racing slicks, and a roll cage stripped down interior, this is a bracket car that is within the 10 second 1/4 mile range.

Exterior
When you have a “car toon” on the side proclaiming Nasty Bastard, you know you may have your hands full. The car has been stripped of some parts, (wipers and window trimming on the windshield), and the hood has a center cut out to accommodate the scoop for the engine. The hood is also pinned and hingeless for easy access for wrenching. All the bodywork is bathed in satin black and there are still the bumpers remaining. A set of wheelie bars are on the back and Cragar Drag Trick wheels have MT slicks on the back to the tune of 28.0x10.5-15's on back.

Interior
Stripped of all the interior seating, a roll cage has been put in and dual high back bucket racing seats now stare at the dash. The dash retains its factory wood grain and instrumentation, but a large shift light equipped tachometer is now mounted to it. The radio has been replaced by a panel of toggles and 3 additional gauges take up the pace for the former air vent. A removable racing steering wheel is seen and floors are stripped to bare metal. Some slight surface rust is noted in the floors. A Hurst shifter rises from the center of the hump.

Drivetrain
Gone is the factory 4 banger mill, now replaced by a large and in-charge 358ci V8. Inside it sports a steel crank and rods, domed pistons, and a solid lifter cam. There are 202 heads installed on either side. On top is an Edelbrock tunnel ram working with dual Holley 450's. There is an MSD ignition with a rev limiter. A Super T-10 with a blow proof bell housing is on back and the rear axle is a narrowed 8-3/4 4.56 posi setup. Drop your arms!

Undercarriage
Underneath we see some surface rust and corrosion on various parts. Braided stainless hoses abound. Invasive rust is noted on the rear fenders just behind the rear wheels. The rockers also have a bit of invasive rust and floor pans remain solid. Independent coil spring suspension is up front and ladder bars with coil springs are on the back. Disc braking is upfront and drums for the rear. Headers drop down however they are just open pipes underneath.

Drive-Ability
It starts and runs but we did not take it to the test track. Stopping was good, and functions were working at the time of the short test drive.

A Vega, now aptly called Nasty Bastard and this is true on many fronts. A racer for the straight line with a big engine and lots of power.

VIN DECODE
1V77B3U426908
1-Chevrolet
V-Vega
77-2 Door Hatchback Coupe
B-140ci I4 2bbl
3-1973
U-Lordstown, OH Assy Plant
426908-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.