1973 Chevrolet “Millionth Vega” Pop Up in Original Orange, Unrestored and Unmodified.

The short-lived Vega went into production in 1970 to be launched as a 1971 model year, and while I won’t discuss the multitude of issues that led to this name getting the ax in 1977, it’s still important to remember that the car was around once. call.

It landed in dealerships on September 10, 1970, and sales began immediately. How, two years later, Chevrolet announced a major move.

The 1973 series saw the production of the one millionth Vega, with General Motors and Chevrolet boasting historic sales figures. “It took Chevrolet nearly 12 years to build its first million passenger cars,” F. James McDonald, the brand’s general manager, said as the landmark vehicle rolled off the assembly line.

Building the millionth Vega took just three years, the executive continued, apparently without any clue that the car’s damage was already on the radar.

The millionth Vega was a beautiful GT in bright orange with white stripes. It was assembled at the Lordstown, Ohio plant and shipped to GM’s Detroit headquarters.

General Motors and Chevrolet quickly saw the opportunity. With the millionth Vega enjoying a lot of media coverage and the car selling like hotcakes, the Detroit automaker decided to launch a limited edition car called the “Millionth Vega.”

Available as an option for the ZM5, the Millionth Vega can be had for $497 on top of the regular Vega price, coming with the same goodies as the original Lordstown-built car. Each unit was painted Bright Orange (color code 86, so look for this number on the door plate if you’re not sure the Millionth Vega is the real deal) with white dashed lines, a vinyl interior with matching door panels, carpets orange color. , and the GT package.

Chevrolet planned to reduce production to 6,500 cars, and given the demand, the results were impressive. The factory produced more than ten Million Vegas every hour!

Limited production means that few of these cars are still around today, and more importantly, even fewer show the form that allows them to return to the road.

Someone on eBay claims their Millionth Vega is an excellent candidate for restoration, mainly because it’s unmodified and mostly authentic.

Photo: eBay seller rjames33

Seller rjames33 posted a very detailed description of the car on the auction site (hats off to them for all the information shared, as quite a few people do this despite hoping to accidentally sell their projects), so you should read all the details if you’re interested in this Vega .

I won’t repeat what the eye can see, but the important information is that this Vega has spent its entire life in a dry climate. It means you won’t have to deal with more rust than is standard on the Vega, including around the windows and an extra tire in the trunk. Bad seals were among the most common problems on the Vega, but based on the photos shared, it doesn’t look like you’ll be spending much time addressing this issue.

The owner says they wanted to use this Millionth Vega as a donor for another sibling, but found other parts for the car, and given the solid shape of this example, it’s probably worth the effort to restore it.

Photo: eBay seller rjames33

Most of the parts are still there, including the engine. As you know, if you are a Vega connoisseur, this model did not come with powerful engines, but the 140ci mill did its job well. It was a good choice for people who weren’t interested in the Super Sports that drove Chevy sales through the roof in the ’60s and made sense, given the growing interest in fuel economy.

The owner says the engine was running when the car was parked in storage, while it was wheeled into his bedroom. The fuel pump doesn’t work, the transmission leaks, and the car will need a new air cleaner.

The paint is believed to be original, which is good news for the Millionth Vega, and much of the interior is still usable, although it needs some minor restoration work.

Photo: eBay seller rjames33

With approximately 6,500 cars produced in 1973, the Millionth Vega is rare, and it’s impossible to say how many are still around after all these years. And if they are, they are in someone’s garage, away from the hot sun, rain, and snow, or they are left in the middle of nowhere with no way to get back on the road.

This model has a great chance to return to the road, as it ticks many boxes for a complete restoration. Best of all, the owner is selling the car without reserve, meaning that one bid is enough to ensure that this Vega Million has a new home when the digital auction ends in six days.

Fortunately, there is already someone has been submitted bid, as they are willing to pay $3,000 for the car, although I expect more people to join the race in the future, as the Vega gets more exposure. The car is parked in Fort Worth, Texas, if you want to see it in person.