Featured on AutoHunter is this 1976 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega hatchback coupe. This model, produced from 1975-76, was supposed to be the future of high-performance cars in America but, due to emissions issues and high cost, the Cosworth Vegas didn’t quite make the bang that was anticipated. Powering this Bow Tie is an aluminum, fuel-injected 2.0-liter DOHC inline-four with four valves per cylinder—pretty heavy stuff at the time regardless of country of origin. This particular ’76 is equipped with the optional five-speed manual, manual front disc brakes, racing mirrors left and right, gold cast-aluminum wheels, and more. Painted Black with gold stripes over a black vinyl interior, this landmark car is offered by the selling dealer with the original owner’s manual, sales brochures, and clear title.
One of 1,447 built for 1976, this Cosworth Vega is painted Black with complementary gold striping. Other features include dual racing mirrors and gold, 13-inch cast-aluminum wheels, which are wrapped in 205/70 Grand AM Radial GT tires.
The Custom black vinyl interior features a pair of bucket seats (adjustable on the driver’s side) with a manual shifter mounted in-between on the floor. Other features include engine-turned instrument panel, four-spoke sport steering wheel, manual steering, and manual left-hand remote mirror. Additions include an aftermarket Kenwood AM/FM/cassette stereo with Pioneer rear speakers, and an added power outlet.
Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the temperature, voltage, and fuel. A clock is also housed among the gauges, and an aftermarket Sunpro gauge is mounted underneath the dashboard. The odometer shows 54,446 miles, though the title reads mileage-exempt.
The aluminum 122ci DOHC four-cylinder features electronic fuel injection and factory headers, giving it a factory rating of 110 horsepower. This little powerhouse is hooked up to a five-speed manual.
The undercarriage features manual front disc brakes and a single exhaust exiting from behind the rear left tire.
The Cosworth Vega held plenty of promise in a time when everything at dealerships were mega-bummers. Eager performance, ahead-of-the-curve specs, and Cosworth tie-in make this 1976 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega hatchback coupe a Malaise-era pocket rocket before that term was coined. Don’t get caught napping if you plan to make a bid on this rare vehicle—the auction ends on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).
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