1975 Bricklin SV-1

heroldius (65)in #cars • 5 years ago

With its gullwing doors, this 1975 Bricklin SV-1 catches my attention, and with this unknown car manufacturer Bricklin (for me), it was the perfect lot for a post. This car will be auctioned by Bonhams during the Tupelo Automobile Museum Auction for about $US 10,000.

The Tupelo Automobile Museum is situated in Tupelo (Mississippi) and exposed 100 old and collectible cars from 1886 Benz to 1994 Dodge Viper for a total value of US$ 6,000,000. The museum is closed since March, this sale in April is the end of 20 years of existence (source : Car and Driver).

History of the Bricklin SV-1

The Bricklin SV-1 was an idea of the American businessman Malcolm Bricklin (founder of Subaru of America among other things) with a safe and economical sports car. Its name SV-1 stands for Savety Vehicle One.

The two-seater gullwing coupe was built from 1974 until 1976 in Saint John (New Brunswick, Canada) on a design by Herb Grasse, automobile designer graduated from ArtCenter College of Design knwow especially for the design of the original Batmobile (conversion of the 1955 Lincoln Futura).

Only 2,854 examples were produced and in 2012, 1,700 Bricklins were surviving. The production ended in 1976 with problems of quality controls, supplier shortages... that doubles the price of the car.

Last autumn, RM Sotheby's sold a red model for $6,875 :

Specification

With its an automatic transmission, this Bricklin SV-1 is powered by Ford 351 cu in-line V-8 engine producing 175 hp. The Safety Vehicle One has an integrated roll cage, 5mph bumpers and side beams.

One interesting fact, the SV-1 is the only production vehicle to have powered gullwing doors.