Vehicle Description
1974 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 low mileage 2 owner car will never rust on the body because
it's an all color infused acrylic body. This one is Safety Orange,
has both the doors working perfectly, does not leak, and has nicely
preserved panels. This year's model was fitted with an AMC 360ci
V8, which is correct in this car.
Exterior
Benefitting from a Bob's Brickyard restoration in 2005, this car
has less than 1,000 miles on it since that time. As noted, the car
has no paint on it, as the color is infused in an acrylic bond.
This particular car is Safety Orange and has black accents.
Gull-wing doors, and a separate crash bumper which inserts into the
grille area as well as hidden headlights are associated with this
car. Looking closely at the lines it resembles the Datsun 240 and
260 Z cars that were invading from Japan at the time. The rear
bumper in black also has a pocket that it will recede into in the
event of a crash. The totally low-slung body rests on 15-inch
turbine style wheels and 245/60R15's all around.
Interior
A lift of the doors, and we see Phoenix Brown leather bolsters with
square paneled buttoned suede inserts all on high back buckets. A
leather 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
textured dash insert has the instruments and plenty of warning
lights, along with air flow controls and a radio. Butterscotch
vinyl is molded around this insert and created the upper dash, and
the overall frame for the complete dash. Faded gold carpet (now a
bit of a green cast) covers the floors. The smooth leather covers
the headliner and pillar trim, as well as door panels.
Drivetrain
A 360ci AMC V8 which is original to this car has a 4-barrel carb on
top, and a 4-speed manual T10 transmissions behind. This was a
rarely ordered option on the 1974 Bricklin. 3.75 gears drive a rear
solid axle.
Undercarriage
Very nicely restored and preserved with jet black steel frame and
suspension, nicely polished exhaust and fuel tank, and the rest is
the molded acrylic. All suspension (independent coil springs up
front and leaf springs on the rear) is in excellent condition.
Power disc brakes for the front and power drums for the rear are
noted.
Drive-Ability
Very similar to climbing into a Corvette, you ride low and cozy in
the leather seats. This car started quickly, idled smoothly, and
with a pop of the clutch cruised around very nicely, with good
handling. I felt like I was piloting a time capsule.
A rare bird indeed, many have heard of one, but few have seen one,
and even fewer have owned one. Here is a fully restored free of all
its construction problems from the factory, 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 gull wing sports car. #617 off the line in St. Johns
and 1 of 9 built in Safety Orange with a manual transmission.
VIN Decode
00031AB4S000617
000-Bricklin Motor Car Company
3-Safety Orange Exterior
1-Phoenix Brown Interior
A-360ci V8 4bbl AMC
B-4 Speed T-10 Manual Transmission
4-1974
S-St Johns, New Brunswick Assy Plant
000617-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 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.
