Vehicle Description
1975 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 interesting build of a car in the form of a 1975 Bricklin that
will never rust on the body because it's an all color infused
acrylic body. This one is in Suntan, (between mustard and gold), on
the panels, with wide black rockers. It has both the doors working
perfectly, does not leak, and is in excellent condition. This is
due to the fact that our consignor, the original owner, put the car
into storage right after the company's demise in 1976. He drove it
sparingly, and kept it maintained while in deep sleep. It is a 48
yer old car but runs like new!
Exterior
Showing in Suntan this gull winged and neoprene inserted to the
front crash bumper car presents in its factory infused acrylic and
it is all in good shiny condition. Wide black accenting is
surrounding the lowers of the car as well as the rectangular rear
bumper. Gullwing doors and a separate crash bumper which inserts
into the grille area as well as hidden headlights are associated
with this car. Id have to say a front view of this car looks like
its sticking its tongue to at you...Raspberries..! The fit and
finish are good with some cracking in the hood at the faux vent
panels being noted, a bit of rust is seen under the rocker
trimmings, and scratching on the neoprene black bumpers as these
have encounters with walls or curbs are the flaws to be noted
throughout the body. Looking closely at the lines it resembles the
Datsun 240 and 260 Z cars that were invading from Japan at the
time. This totally low-slung body rests on 15-inch turbine style
wheels and old skool kewl BF Goodrich tires in 245/60R15 format all
around.
Interior
A lift of the doors, actually they open on their own with the press
of a button, and we see Phoenix Brown, (the only color available),
vinyl bolsters with square paneled buttoned suede-like inserts all
on high back buckets. A vinyl 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 faux leather tan textured dash front has the
instruments and plenty of warning lights, along with air flow
controls and a radio. Mustard vinyl is molded around this insert
and created the upper dash, and the overall frame for the complete
dash. On the lower portion of the dash is a butterscotch colored
insert that runs to the passenger side. Faded brown carpeting
carpet covers the floors and rear hatchback area and smooth vinyl
covers the headliner and pillar trim, as well as door panels. A
rally steering wheel is fronting the dash and appears to be
original to this car. Noted door panels are coming off at their aft
edges.
Drivetrain
1975 models came with a Ford 351ci Windsor V8 and that's what
resides in the unmolested and dusty engine bay. It is topped with a
4-barrel carburetor and has a FMX 3-speed automatic transmission on
back, (the only option available in 1975). This engine has a bit of
paint wear off and slightly oiled blue painted valve coverings. The
rear axle weighs in with a 3.15 ratio, providing the perfect mix of
performance and economy.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust and plenty of patina is noted on the unibody
undercarriage. All suspension, (independent coil springs up front
and leaf springs on the rear), is in good condition. Power disc
brakes for the front and power drums for the rear are noted. The
exhaust pipes are very slightly rusted but still very solid.
Drive-Ability
Very similar to climbing into a Corvette, you ride low and cozy in
the contoured bucket seats. This car started quickly, idled
smoothly, and with a pop of the shifter to D I was off like a prom
dress. The car cruised around very nicely, with good handling and I
felt like I was piloting a time capsule, and was looking for the
flux capacitor but I realized that it was built by another
eccentric rich guy. All functions were operating as they should
during my time behind the wheel with the exception of the horn not
blowing.
A rare bird indeed, many have heard of one, but few have seen one,
and even fewer have owned one. Here is a original factory Suntan
infused and one owner 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 gullwing sports
car.
00051BX5S000998
000-Bricklin
5-Suntan
1-Phoenix Brown Trim
B-351ci Windsor V8
X-FMX 3-Speed Auto
5-1975
S-St. John, New Brunswick, Canada Assy Plant
000998-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.
