The Motion Super Vega was the car that got the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Justice to personally make sure that Joel Rosen shut down his day job of turning regular Chevrolet production vehicles into high-test guzzling, tire-frying bits of insanity. In a move that smacks of the Australian “Supercar Scare”, it was the Super Vega’s claim that you would be getting a nine-second capable street car when the LS7 454ci big-block was shoved under the hood. With a threat of a $10,000 fine for each emission control device removed per car (read: $50,000 per conversion), Rosen took the easy way out, paying a $500 fine and shutting down Motion Performance.
A 454-powered Vega would be an exercise in not soiling a pair of shorts, but with the right engine, a small-block Vega can have the same effect for less money. Real Motion cars are worth a mint, and rightfully so, since they have the pedigree of Rosen’s handiwork. This 1974 Vega is a clone, though it is a pretty decent one. Resto freaks can go ahead and pick it apart, but from where we sit, they nailed the look. They also did pretty good with under that hood, too: the 383 stroker small-block is fuel-injected using FiTech gear and is good for well north of 450 horsepower, and it looks the part too, complete with the “fly eye” air cleaner and Motion valve covers. A TH350 with a 2,500 RPM stall converter and 4.11 gears out back means that you can turn this car 180 degrees around simply by booting the long pedal on the right. And yes, there are sidepipes.
Real? Fake? Who the hell cares. The Vega might have earned it’s 1970s craptacular reputation well, but when done right they look great, and when they have a screaming V8 in between the fenders, they are downright evil. We love it.
eBay Link: 1974 Chevrolet Vega “Motion Super Vega” Clone
For a price of $33K, should had at least start with a 71-73 Vega. Yes I’m nit-picking.
Love it! Could it be built from a junky Vega for 30 grand? Probably not. Goverment do gooder pain in the asses ruined Motion Performance.
Keep on like this and I’ll have to change my name!
Yet another cool Chevy and it makes me wonder why we couldn’t buy Vauxhall badged Vegas in the UK. They were just the right size for our roads and were tons better than the other Vauxhall cars. Then to make things worse Chevy brought out an even better looking car in the Monza.
All we got was the Vauxhall Magnum series of cars which rusted at the very thought of rain – but hey – there was always the Ford Capri…
I had a Vega wagon, with a sbc 400 and a th400. Was a 10.90 car but would run 10.45. Sooo much fun. Wish I had it today.
This car would be a blast. Price seems a bit optimistic, but as you say, very well done.