Malcolm Bricklin gets the credit for importing the Zastava built Yugo automobiles to America. Bricklin had previously built and sold cars under his own brand. From 1985-1992, Yugo America imported 141,651 cars to America. After the failure of Yugo America, Bricklin brought Suburu to America.
The Yugo has been called “the worst car ever built”, and deservedly so. The weak engine was further crippled by American pollution control requirements. Yugo had problems with quality, durability and reliability. In fact, the reason this car has such low mileage is that the water pump failed. By the time the car was ten years old, parts were hard to find. So it languished for decades in a Florida garage, waiting for repairs.
This car was sold by Bill Branch Imports of Ft. Myers, FL. It always resided in Ft. Myers. By 2000, it was parked due to the water pump issue. It only had 28012 miles on the odometer. The title reflects this as actual miles.
A local Ft. Myers man named Herbert Reitzel discovered this gem. He purchased it in 2002 with the intent of getting it back on the road. His best intentions did not come forward for 17 years. The car sat in his garage until his neighbor offered to help him get it running.
The water pump could not be replaced. But there is a supplier of Yugo parts that succeeded in getting it rebuilt. In addition, the almost unused, but aged tires were replaced. The front disc brakes were rebuilt and a new battery installed. After a fuel system flush and fluids change, the engine was started and it ran perfectly.
This is the “GV” (Great Value) model. It is very simplistic and utilitarian. There were few options other than color. This car has two of the most significant: air conditioning and AM/FM/Cassette stereo. This car also has a rear window wiper and washer and a rear window defogger.
The 1.1 liter four cylinder engine is certainly no powerhouse. It was rated at 62 horsepower. In combination with a four speed manual transmission, it will motivate this little car, yet not very quickly. The speedometer reads to 115 mph. Can you imagine! I wonder how long it would take to reach that speed? A good tail wind and long down hill run would be required.
Air Conditioning is common on cars sold new in Florida. But it seems hard to imagine that the tiny engine of this car would have enough power to propel the car and run the A/C compressor. The system seems to be sound, as there is still some Freon within. However, the pressure is too low to actuate the safety switch. With a charge of R12, the A/C would likely work. I just can’t imagine why you would want it!
All other features on the car work. The fluids are all fresh and full. There is a spare tire, which sits atop the engine. The jack resides in a bracket on the firewall. The tool kit is stored in the rear storage compartment.
There are two sets of keys. Some of the keys are factory originals. They lock the doors and unlock the hatch as well as work the ignition switch.
There is an envelope in the pocket behind the driver’s seat. It contains the Owner’s Manual, radio manual, parts list and catalog for spare parts, as well as the envelope from Florida DMV that contained the title. This car is still titled on a Florida title.
The body is in nice condition and the original paint polished up nicely. There are come imperfections, but it still looks great for being 32 years old. The interior is very nice. It is obvious it has seen minimal use and that it was garage kept. While the original quality may not have been great, it has held up very well.
I bought this car as a novelty. There can’t be many left and probably none that are in such great condition with so few miles. I expect to have some fun driving it to local automobile events. I am confident it will draw attention and questions. If you decide to buy it, then the fun belongs to you.
