For Sale: 1974 Chevrolet Vega in Lutz, Florida

Stuffing a small block into a compact classic is such a neat idea, but turning this 1974 Chevrolet Vega GT into a sleeper/screamer hot rod was a 12-year labor of love. So now is your chance to be a dozen years ahead of everyone else and get you hands on a 465+ hp custom build for a very affordable price.


Even before this coupe was converted into a V8 monster, it was a valued classic. The builder sourced a low mileage Vega GT hatchback that spent its life in the south. It was an exceptionally well cared for car, and in fact, we wouldn't be surprised if the great-looking bright yellow paint that's on the car today is the same that the factory applied over 40 years ago. While this Vega does try to maintain a sleeper personality, the owner did add the hood/trunk stripe package as a nice little nod to this hatchback's ability to eat Camaros (the painted Rally wheel package lets you in on the secret, too.)


Step inside, and once again, there is very little to indicate there's a beast within. The condition of the two-tone interior is so well preserved, you could pretend a little old lady only drove this coupe to church on Sundays. You just don't see Vegas anymore with such a nice presentation where the seats are complete, the door panels are pristine, and the wood veneer on the dash is still smooth to the touch. The interior alone will make other Vega owners jealous. Even the NK4 steering wheel is a factory piece. In fact, the only thing that will make people think there is something extra special about this car is when they spot the Mr. Gasket drag shifter. But then you twist the key, and the true beast is revealed.


When you look under the hood, the V8 looks like it has belonged there since day one. That's the difference 12+ years of careful crafting makes. But investigate this a little further and you'll see a 383 cubic-inch stroker motor that has been fortified with go-fast goodies such as Eagle H-beam connecting rods, Probe aluminum flat top pistons, ARP bolts, aluminum top end, aluminum radiator, MSD ignition, and a Holley HP 750 four-barrel carburetor. The total package makes a wicked rumble, and the high compression motor has been dynoed at 469 horsepower at the flywheel (and remember a factory Vega was rated well under 100 hp!) But this is much more than just a monster motor. The Saginaw four-speed manual was rebuilt/reinforced so you have full control over the extra power, and the 3.73 Positraction rear ensures proper power take-offs. The body has been tested and reinforced for all the extra torque. Plus, it retains the Vega's independent front suspension with disc brakes, and in the rear are components borrowed from a stout S-10 pickup. There are a ton more components and custom fabrications to go over that have fortified this Vega into a true speed machine, so call for all the details.


This Vega GT started out as a survivor classic, so it comes with plenty of paperwork such as the original window sticker and owner's manual. But you also get a file with build receipts, photos, CDs, and magazine stories on this hot rod. So you now you can document the full journey from mild to super wild any time you want. That's how complete this labor of love is, and if you're quick enough, it can all be yours for a very affordable price. Call today!!!