Description
The Chevrolet Cosworth Vega was a limited-production, high-performance variant of the standard Vega, produced between 1975 and 1976. It was the result of a collaboration between Chevrolet and Cosworth Engineering, the British firm famous for its racing engines. The project aimed to transform the modest Vega into a capable and refined sport compact, delivering both performance and style.
At the heart of the Cosworth Vega was a 2.0-liter inline-four engine with a twin-cam, 16-valve aluminum cylinder head designed by Cosworth. This advanced head sat atop a modified version of the Vega’s aluminum block, and together they produced approximately 110 horsepower—an impressive figure for a four-cylinder engine in the mid-1970s. The engine was equipped with electronic fuel injection, one of the earliest uses of EFI in an American production car, and was mated to a four-speed manual transmission, later upgraded to a five-speed in 1976.
The Cosworth Vega was only offered as a two-door hatchback and featured a number of unique styling cues that set it apart from regular Vegas. It came exclusively in black paint with gold striping and gold “Cosworth Twin-Cam” lettering, a color scheme that gave the car a sporty and distinctive appearance. Special 13-inch gold-painted cast aluminum wheels and a stainless steel exhaust header further distinguished it visually and functionally.
Inside, the car featured a full set of rally-style gauges, including a tachometer and oil pressure indicator, as well as custom engine-turned dash trim. The seats were trimmed in black vinyl with optional custom cloth inserts, and a sport steering wheel completed the driver-focused interior.
Despite its engineering sophistication and appealing performance for the time, the Cosworth Vega was expensive compared to its competition. Priced close to a V8 Camaro, it struggled to attract buyers looking for value or muscle. Chevrolet originally planned to build 5,000 units per year, but only about 3,508 were produced in total, making it one of the rarest Chevrolet models of the 1970s.
Today, the Chevrolet Cosworth Vega is recognized as a collectible and historically significant car. It represents a unique moment when Chevrolet sought to infuse European-style performance into a domestic compact. Its rarity, combined with its innovative engineering and distinctive looks, have earned it a loyal following among enthusiasts of vintage sport compacts.