1975-1976 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega
Written by Paul Wicker
The heart of the Cosworth Twin Cam Vega was the special sixteen valve DOHC cylinder head assembly developed with the assistance of Cosworth of England starting in 1972 and mated to the existing Vega aluminum block. The entire engine assembly was some sixty pounds lighter than the iron head standard Vega engine. The standard Vega carburetor was replaced with a speed density electronic fuel injection system designed and manufactured by the Fuel Injection Systems group at Bendix. This was the first use of electronic fuel injection system on a Chevrolet passenger car. Cadillac also used a slightly different Bendix system on their 1975 models which were introduced at the start of the model year. Other engine specific components include a stainless steel exhaust header, another Chevrolet first, and a highly visible chrome plated pulse air injection system used to control unburned hydrocarbons in the exhaust flow. The low horsepower rating was blamed upon the penalty of emissions requirements, even so the Cosworth Vega was still a performer when compared to the stock Vega models. Much has been written of the HP losses but keep the perspective of this was automotive emissions control during its earliest days and all engines suffered considerable HP losses.
As marketed in 1975, the Cosworth Vega was available in black only with vehicle specific body gold striping and aluminum wheels manufactured by GKN England painted to match the striping. The vehicle interior included a model specific gold engine turned dash bezel with a serial numbered plaque. A tachometer indicating a 7000 RPM redline and a Cosworth Vega steering wheel center medallion rounded out the unique vehicle appointments. Interior seating fabric choices were limited to black cloth or black perforated vinyl or for the sunnier climates, a white perforated vinyl. Excepting the availability of air conditioning, the balance of the interior appointments and options were identical to those offered on the Vega GT hatchback model.
Initial orders were brisk as dealers submitted sold orders which had been placed as far back as the early 1974 model year and purchased unsold showroom display units. The Cosworth Vega dealer advertising kit offered many selling suggestions but discouraged dealers from selling their floor model immediately, lest a potential buyer miss an opportunity to view and possibly drive the new model. After the initial group of orders, the sales dropped off considerably. The high cost of the Cosworth Vega, only $400 less than the base 1975 Corvette, and limited engine performance coupled with the dogging image of Vega dependability resulted in the decision in November, 1975 to cancel the model availability after the 1976 model year. National advertising for the Cosworth Vega was very sparse with a fall 1975 print ad touting The Cosworth Twin Cam, One Vega for the price of Two! An unusual marketing approach to highlight limited availability and premium pricing!
The 1976 Cosworth Vega included a revised front grill and rear panel treatment on all models of the Vega and the introduction of the optional Borg Warner 5 speed transmission. Sales continued at an even slower pace for 1976. In an effort to improve sales, the Cosworth Vega was offered in eight additional paint colors and with numerous cloth and vinyl interior combinations. The first non-black Cosworth Vega was built in February, 1976. The added colors were Buckskin, Dark Blue Metallic, Firethorn Metallic, Dark Green Metallic, Mahogany Metallic, Medium Orange, Medium Saddle Metallic, and Antique White. Cosworth Vega production ended in July, 1976 with a Medium Saddle Metallic model delivered to a Cleveland, Ohio dealer.
Chevrolet reports a total of 3508 Cosworth Vega sales during the two years of production The most frequently reported sales breakdown is 2062 units in 1975 and 1446 units in 1976. Cosworth Vega 0001, the original Chicago Automobile Show vehicle, complete with its special clear Plexiglas hood is part of the GM Heritage Collection.
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