Introduced in 1970 as a replacement for the rear-engined Corvair, the Chevrolet Vega became an instant hit in the then-new subcompact market. The nameplate moved 277,705 units in its first model year on the market and peaked at a whopping 460,374 examples in 1974. When it was discontinued in 1977, the Vega had sold two million units.
But even though it was a massive success, the Vega left a rather negative legacy behind. Following initial praise, the car was criticized due to defective axles and issues with its aluminum engine. In 1972, Chevrolet issued no fewer than three recalls that affected nearly every Vega sold up to that point.
Come 2023, the Vega is among the cheapest classic cars you can buy simply because very few people actually want one. Despite its limited-edition status and low production number, the Cosworth version is also quite affordable compared to other vehicles from the era. However, one particular Vega commands big bucks at public auctions: the Pro Stock dragster built and raced by Bill Jenkins.
Granted, it’s not a factory model, and it has very little in common with the subcompact sold in showrooms, but hey, it still looks like a Vega on the outside. What made it famous? Well, Bill’s racer revolutionized the Pro Stock class when it hit the drag strip in 1974.
It was the first tube-frame racer to employ a MacPherson strut front suspension and a dry sump oiling system, and it was the only Chevrolet Pro Stock competitor to win an NHRA event in 1974. And needless to say, it’s the quickest Vega ever built.
Powered by a 331-cubic-inch (5.4-liter) V8 engine with twin Holley carburetors, this quarter-mile beast needs less than nine seconds to cover the distance and crosses the finish line at over 150 mph (241 kph). And thanks to a restoration performed in the early 1990s, it lived on to tell its story nearly 50 years after its first race.
Spotted at a local car show, the Vega sports its original livery with “Grumpy’s Toy X” decals on the sides. Sure, the racer is no longer fitted with many of its original components, but everything was rebuilt with input from Bill Jenkins. The legendary driver authenticated the rig in 1993.
Bill, who passed away in 2012 at the age of 82, is one of NHRA’s greatest drivers and pioneers. In addition to the features he debuted in the Vega, Jenkins also introduced cool cans, electric water pump fans, gas port pistons, and slick-shift manual transmissions to the sport.
Nicknamed “Grumpy,” Bill won 13 NHRA championships between 1965 and 1975 and became famous for recording 250 straight passes without missing a shift in 1972. Engines built by him were used to win five NHRA Pro Stock championships and three AHRA championships.
He won 13 races in this Vega and more than 12 events in similar builds in 1972 and 1973. In addition to being the fastest, the dragster is also the most expensive Vega ever auctioned, having changed hands for a whopping $577,500 in 2007.