American entrepreneur and businessman Malcolm Bricklin saw an opportunity in the US auto industry in the early 1970s. He had a goal of building a small, affordable sports car with a focus on safety, which was a novel approach for the time.
The Bricklin SV-1 was quite advanced for its day, with a lightweight fiberglass body instead of conventional steel or aluminum. 1974 models were equipped with a 5.9L AMC V8 making 220 hp and a 3-speed auto or 4-speed manual option. 1975 models had a 5.8L Ford V8 engine with a 3-speed automatic.
Despite the car’s innovative safety features and construction, the cars suffered quality control problems and were generally regarded as underpowered. The Bricklin company faced bankruptcy very quickly, ending production with only 2,906 total units built from 1974-1976. According to Wikipedia, approximately 1,700 vehicles were still around as of 2012.
This SV-1 is in better shape than most. I caught up with it at the Hot Wheels Legends car show in Gilbert, Arizona on 10 September 2022.
Finished in Safety Orange with black accents and chrome wheels, this Bricklin SV-1 is a head-turner. Stuffed in the engine bay is a 496 cubic inch big block Chevy V8 engine with a supercharger, making a reported 835 horsepower. It’s hard to ignore the massive Blower Shop Billet 871 blower and air cleaner sticking up out of a hole in the hood.
A 2014 Autoweek feature on the car saw it for sale on eBay for $45,000.
A 2019 article on The Drive shows the car for sale in Colorado with wheelie bars installed. The car was advertised for sale on craigslist for $45,000.
I caught up with the car wearing Arizona plates in September 2022. I believe I heard the owner say that the car was a former drag racer in Michigan.
The car looks like a real life Hot Wheels car, and it was very appropriate to be at this show!
