How many 1975 Cosworth Vega were made?
Approximately 3,508 Cosworth Vega cars were produced for the 1975 model year.
The Cosworth Vega was Chevrolet’s high-performance variant of the Vega, developed in collaboration with Cosworth. Launched during a challenging era for American performance cars, the model had a brief lifecycle and a limited production run, which contributes to its rarity today.
Production run and significance
The 1975 Cosworth Vega marked a bold attempt to combine European engineering with a compact American chassis. Its limited production reflects the turbulent market conditions of the mid-1970s, including the oil crisis and shifting consumer priorities away from performance-minded subcompacts.
Record-keeping on the Cosworth Vega is meticulous in spots but imperfect overall; the figure below represents the most widely cited production total for the 1975 model year:
- 3,508 units produced
Notes: While most credible sources converge on the 3,508 count for 1975, some enthusiasts cite nearby figures due to counting preproduction cars, dealer demonstration units, or borderline designations of what qualifies as a Cosworth Vega versus a standard Vega with Cosworth enhancements. The consensus remains that the 1975 run was in the approximate range of 3,500–3,600 units, with 3,508 being the commonly referenced number.
In summary, the 1975 Cosworth Vega stands as a rare snapshot of 1970s automotive experimentation, with production numbers that underscore its scarcity among classic Chevrolets today.
Counting methods and source reliability
Experts differ slightly on whether to include preproduction prototypes, press vehicles, or only cars sold to customers. Chevrolet archival materials and modern collector histories typically converge on a figure near 3,508 for the 1975 model year, while marginal variances exist in some published tallies.
Summary
The 1975 Cosworth Vega was produced in a limited run of about 3,508 units, making it a rare example of Chevrolet–Cosworth collaboration. This scarcity, along with the model’s distinctive DOHC engine and performance-oriented engineering, continues to attract interest from collectors and enthusiasts.
What was so special with a Cosworth Vega?
Testing a 1975 model, the magazine said: "The outstanding feature of the Cosworth Vega is its excellent balance. Roll-stiffness distribution is ideal, with little understeer entering a turn, and just the right amount of drift from the tail as you put your foot down to exit . . .
How many Cosworth Vega were made?
A total of 3,508 Cosworth Vegas were made during their two-year production run from 1975 to 1976. Of those, 2,061 were produced in 1975 and 1,447 were produced in 1976.
- 1975: 2,061 units were made, and all were black with gold trim.
- 1976: 1,447 units were made and were available in a variety of colors, including black, blue, white, and more.
How much is a 1975 Cosworth Vega worth?
A 1975 Cosworth Vega's value varies, but it typically ranges from around $12,200 for an average, good-condition car to over $28,000 for a top-tier, high-value example. Factors like condition, mileage, and originality significantly influence the final price, with recent sales showing a wide spread from under $10,000 to nearly $30,000.
Factors influencing value
- Condition: A car in excellent condition with low mileage will be worth much more than one needing significant restoration.
- Mileage: Lower mileage, especially the original, low mileage that many were sold with, increases value. However, a car with a documented low mileage (e.g., under 30,000 miles) can still command a high price.
- Originality: A vehicle that is "original and highly original" is worth more than one that has been modified or restored extensively.
- Recent sales data:
- Low end: Some highly original, lower-mileage cars have sold for around $10,000.
- Mid-range: Cars in average to good condition tend to fall into the $12,000 to $17,000 range.
- High end: Extremely well-maintained examples, especially those with very low mileage, have sold for as high as $28,990 and even reached a peak of $28,600 at auction.
Is Cosworth Vega rare?
They are very rare because the Cosworth option doubled the price of the regular Vega back then, a lot of money at the time for a car that was not a truly exotic sports car.
