1975 Bricklin SV-1 

Malcolm Bricklin made his first million in hardware/plumbing supply franchising in Florida before he was 25.  He followed that by starting Subaru of America and imported the Subaru 360.  He left Subaru of America to build his own automobile; not a 'one-off', a kit or repli-car, but a production car; his own car company.  The New Brunswick government put up the lion's share of the capital hoping to provide jobs at two plants in Minto and Saint John.  Since the drivetrain, suspension, and many other components were from Detroit, Bricklin was continually fighting a losing supply battle.  It became increasingly difficult to obtain more money from the New Brunswick government for manufacturing when the production volume just wasn't going up.  The lack of additional capital, along with poor quality and high scrap count body panels, the troublesome electro-hydraulic door system, leaky door weather-stripping, and generally inferior manufacturing quality when compared to Detroit, all lead to the demise of the Bricklin as a production car.

This interesting build of a car in the form of a 1975 Bricklin that will never rust on the body because it's an all color infused acrylic body.  This one is in Suntan, (between mustard and gold), on the panels, with wide black rockers.  It has both the doors working perfectly, does not leak, and is in excellent condition.  This is due to the fact that our consignor, the original owner, put the car into storage right after the company's demise in 1976.  He drove it sparingly, and kept it maintained while in deep sleep.  It is a 48 yer old car but runs like new!

Exterior
Showing in Suntan this gull winged and neoprene inserted to the front crash bumper car presents in its factory infused acrylic and it is all in good shiny condition.  Wide black accenting is surrounding the lowers of the car as well as the rectangular rear bumper.  Gullwing doors and a separate crash bumper which inserts into the grille area as well as hidden headlights are associated with this car.  Id have to say a front view of this car looks like its sticking its tongue to at you…Raspberries..!  The fit and finish are good with some cracking in the hood at the faux vent panels being noted, a bit of rust is seen under the rocker trimmings, and scratching on the neoprene black bumpers as these have encounters with walls or curbs are the flaws to be noted throughout the body.   Looking closely at the lines it resembles the Datsun 240 and 260 Z cars that were invading from Japan at the time.  This totally low-slung body rests on 15-inch turbine style wheels and old skool kewl BF Goodrich tires in 245/60R15 format all around. 

Interior
A lift of the doors, actually they open on their own with the press of a button, and we see Phoenix Brown, (the only color available), vinyl bolsters with square paneled buttoned suede-like inserts all on high back buckets.  A vinyl wrapped center console houses the handbrake, door opening switches and door lock toggles.  In front of this, towards the dash is another molded panel which has a place for the shifter.  A faux leather tan textured dash front  has the instruments and plenty of warning lights, along with air flow controls and a radio.  Mustard vinyl is molded around this insert and created the upper dash, and the overall frame for the complete dash. On the lower portion of the dash is a butterscotch colored insert that runs to the passenger side.  Faded brown carpeting carpet covers the floors and rear hatchback area and smooth vinyl covers the headliner and pillar trim, as well as door panels.  A rally steering wheel is fronting the dash and appears to be original to this car. Noted door panels are coming off at their aft edges.

Drivetrain
1975 models came with a Ford 351ci Windsor V8 and that's what resides in the unmolested and dusty engine bay.  It is topped with a 4-barrel carburetor and has a FMX 3-speed automatic transmission on back, (the only option available in 1975).  This engine has a bit of paint wear off and slightly oiled  blue painted valve coverings.  The rear axle weighs in with a 3.15 ratio, providing the perfect mix of performance and economy.

Undercarriage
Some surface rust and plenty of patina is noted on the unibody undercarriage.  All suspension, (independent coil springs up front and leaf springs on the rear), is in good condition.  Power disc brakes for the front and power drums for the rear are noted.  The exhaust pipes are very slightly rusted but still very solid.

Drive-Ability
Very similar to climbing into a Corvette, you ride low and cozy in the contoured bucket seats.  This car started quickly, idled smoothly, and with a pop of the shifter to D I was off like a prom dress.  The car cruised around very nicely, with good handling and I felt like I was piloting a time capsule, and was looking for the flux capacitor but I realized that it was built by another eccentric rich guy.  All functions were operating as they should during my time behind the wheel with the exception of the horn not blowing.

A rare bird indeed, many have heard of one, but few have seen one, and even fewer have owned one.  Here is a original factory Suntan infused and one owner working example of an automotive startup that just did not see the numbers needed to stay in business.  To your benefit, because now you can own this interesting gullwing sports car.  

00051BX5S000998

000-Bricklin
5-Suntan
1-Phoenix Brown Trim
B-351ci Windsor V8
X-FMX 3-Speed Auto
5-1975
S-St. John, New Brunswick, Canada Assy Plant
000998-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.