Here we focus on styling. In that regard, the Vega comes off somewhat better. Its design was uncluttered, its basic shape being a carefully scaled-down version of what a standard size American car could have looked like in those pre- aerodynamic efficiency days.
That virtue might also be considered a defect, because it might have looked even better -- or more appropriate -- had it not followed the general appearance of larger cars.
A 1971 Vega hatchback, the most popular model. Its "face" (especially the grille, bumper and headlight housings) strongly resembles that of the 1970 Chevrolet Camaro pictured below.
1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 - Barrett-Jackson auction photo.
Near-side view of a 1971 Vega hatchback. A pleasant design.
1971 Vega hatchback seen from behind. Again, an uncluttered appearance.
Rear 3/4 view of a 1971 Vega Sedan. There never were four-door Vegas. This model featured a notch-back and conventional trunk.
Front 3/4 view of a 1971 Vega sedan. Its profile is less attractive than the hatchback's.
The third Vega body type was the "Kammback" station wagon. A low-production variation of this was a panel truck where the rear side windows were replaced by sheet metal panels.
1 comment:
Thanks for the cruise down memory lane. My first car was a 1971 Vega notchback, bought for $900 in 1975. Actually fun to drive (3-speed manual transmission), but as has been documented extensively, an engineering failure. The worst was the pairing of the aluminum block with a cast-iron head, leading to warped cylinders and lots of oil burning. I replaced my engine at about 60,000 miles, but that was only a temporary solution, because pretty soon it was back to "fill the oil and check the gas."
Even so, I look back at that car fondly.
Post a Comment