1974 Bricklin SV-1
Malcolm Bricklin made his first million in hardware/plumbing supply franchising in Florida before he was 25. He followed that by starting Subaru of America and imported the Subaru 360. He left Subaru of America to build his own automobile; not a 'one-off', a kit or repli-car, but a production car; his own car company. The New Brunswick government put up the lion's share of the capital hoping to provide jobs at two plants in Minto and Saint John. Since the drivetrain, suspension, and many other components were from Detroit, Bricklin was continually fighting a losing supply battle. It became increasingly difficult to obtain more money from the New Brunswick government for manufacturing when the production volume just wasn't going up. The lack of additional capital, along with poor quality and high scrap count body panels, the troublesome electro-hydraulic door system, leaky door weather-stripping, and generally inferior manufacturing quality when compared to Detroit, all lead to the demise of the Bricklin as a production car.
This low mileage 2 owner car will never rust on the body because it's an all color infused acrylic body. This one is Safety Orange, has both the doors working perfectly, does not leak, and has nicely preserved panels. This year's model was fitted with an AMC 360ci V8, which is correct in this car.
Exterior
Benefitting from a Bob's Brickyard restoration in 2005, this car has less than 1,000 miles on it since that time. As noted, the car has no paint on it, as the color is infused in an acrylic bond. This particular car is Safety Orange and has black accents. Gull-wing doors, and a separate crash bumper which inserts into the grille area as well as hidden headlights are associated with this car. Looking closely at the lines it resembles the Datsun 240 and 260 Z cars that were invading from Japan at the time. The rear bumper in black also has a pocket that it will recede into in the event of a crash. The totally low-slung body rests on 15-inch turbine style wheels and 245/60R15's all around.
Interior
A lift of the doors, and we see Phoenix Brown leather bolsters with square paneled buttoned suede inserts all on high back buckets. A leather wrapped center console houses the handbrake, door opening switches and door lock toggles. In front of this, towards the dash is another molded panel which has a place for the shifter. A textured dash insert has the instruments and plenty of warning lights, along with air flow controls and a radio. Butterscotch vinyl is molded around this insert and created the upper dash, and the overall frame for the complete dash. Faded gold carpet (now a bit of a green cast) covers the floors. The smooth leather covers the headliner and pillar trim, as well as door panels.
Drivetrain
A 360ci AMC V8 which is original to this car has a 4-barrel carb on top, and a 4-speed manual T10 transmissions behind. This was a rarely ordered option on the 1974 Bricklin. 3.75 gears drive a rear solid axle.
Undercarriage
Very nicely restored and preserved with jet black steel frame and suspension, nicely polished exhaust and fuel tank, and the rest is the molded acrylic. All suspension (independent coil springs up front and leaf springs on the rear) is in excellent condition. Power disc brakes for the front and power drums for the rear are noted.
Drive-Ability
Very similar to climbing into a Corvette, you ride low and cozy in the leather seats. This car started quickly, idled smoothly, and with a pop of the clutch cruised around very nicely, with good handling. I felt like I was piloting a time capsule.
A rare bird indeed, many have heard of one, but few have seen one, and even fewer have owned one. Here is a fully restored free of all its construction problems from the factory, working example of an automotive startup that just did not see the numbers needed to stay in business. To your benefit, because now you can own this interesting gull wing sports car. #617 off the line in St. Johns and 1 of 9 built in Safety Orange with a manual transmission.
VIN Decode
00031AB4S000617
000-Bricklin Motor Car Company
3-Safety Orange Exterior
1-Phoenix Brown Interior
A-360ci V8 4bbl AMC
B-4 Speed T-10 Manual Transmission
4-1974
S-St Johns, New Brunswick Assy Plant
000617-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
