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 has various shades of Safety Green on the panels, with black rockers.  It has both the doors working perfectly, does not leak, and is in fair to good condition.  This year's model was fitted with a Ford V8 and was thoroughly enjoyed by our consignor and his wife, participating in many a car show, parade, and Bricklin conventions.  This particular car won not only the Most Original Bricklin at a Bricklin convention, but was also a feature car at the Hagley Car show in Wilmington, DE.

Exterior
Showing in Safety Green this gull winged and neoprene inserted to the front crash bumper car presents in various shades of said green.  The front neoprene bumper shows in a different color than the actual front hood and front quarters of the car.  The body and passenger compartment aft of the hood is a different green, and upon opening the gull winged doors the interior door surrounds are a shade different.  The side view mirrors are also a shade different from the other panels.  Black accenting is surrounding the lowers of the car as well as the rectangular rear bumper.  Gull-wing doors, and a separate crash bumper which inserts into the grille area as well as hidden headlights are associated with this car.  There is some cracking of the fiberglass body near the headlight coverings as well as on the roof and doors.  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 245/60R15's 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 wood lacquered burl dash insert has the instruments and plenty of warning lights, along with air flow controls and a radio.  Tan 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.  Brown carpeting carpet covers the floors.  The 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. 

Drivetrain
1975 Models came with a Ford 351ci Windsor V8 and that's what resides in the unmolested 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 surface rust and some blue painted valve coverings.  It shows nicely with no patina or corrosion.  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 somewhat rusted but still 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 AC blowing warm.

A rare bird indeed, many have heard of one, but few have seen one, and even fewer have owned one.  Here is a mostly original multi shade of Safety Green 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. 

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.