With thanks to Paul Wicker at the GM Heritage Center; The Cosworth Twin Cam Vega was a limited edition model of the Chevrolet Vega hatchback offered for sale in the middle of the 1975 model year and in the 1976 model year. The vehicle was introduced to the public at the Chicago Automobile Show in February 1975.

The name and reputation of Cosworth was well-known to any open wheel racing fan of the period, as Cosworth was still a major force in Formula One as an engine supplier after six straight World Champions used the Cosworth DFV in their respective chassis’ from 1969 through 1974. Cosworth’s Indy Car program and eventual domination of the series was beginning to show promise and great interest from all competitive teams.

The core of the Cosworth Twin Cam Vega was the special 16-valve DOHC cylinder head assembly developed with the assistance of Cosworth of England starting in 1972 and mated to the existing Vega aluminum block. The entire engine assembly was some 60 pounds lighter than the standard iron head Vega engine. The standard Vega carburetor was replaced with an electronic fuel injection system designed and manufactured by the Fuel Injection Systems group at Bendix. This was the first use of electronic fuel injection system on a Chevrolet passenger car.

The 1976 Cosworth Vega included a revised front grille and rear panel treatment on all models of the Vega and the introduction of the optional Borg Warner five-speed manual transmission. Sales for the Cosworth Vega went at a slower pace for 1976. In an effort to improve sales, it was offered in eight additional paint colors and with numerous cloth and vinyl interior combinations. The first non-black Cosworth Vega was built in February, 1976. The added colors were Buckskin, Dark Blue Metallic, Firethorn Metallic (like this car), Dark Green Metallic, Mahogany Metallic, Medium Orange, Medium Saddle Metallic, and Antique White. Cosworth Vega production ended in July, 1976. Chevrolet reports a total of 3,508 Cosworth Vega sales during the two short years of production. The most frequently reported sales breakdown is 2,062 units in 1975 and 1,446 units in 1976.

The Firethorn Metallic Cosworth Vega being offered has the uncommon Firethorn and gray plaid-pattern cloth interior, and it is reported as a rare late production run car. The car "runs and drives" and along with the Cosworth powerplant has the five-speed manual transmission and 4.1:1 Posi-traction rear end. A front spoiler, sport mirrors with driver’s remote, factory wheels painted in gold and similar in style to Minilites, gold pinstripes, Cosworth Twin Cam badging, gold-toned engine-turned dash panel are all seen on this quite uncommon Cosworth Vega.