The 1990s saw the birth of several audacious supercar manufacturers who attempted to beat Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche at their own game. Among the more compelling companies was Wilmington, California’s Vector, which was established by Gerald Wiegert, an automotive industry veteran with experience at each of the Big Three in Detroit.

Wiegert initially built a prototype dubbed the W2, which was eventually refined into a full production model, the W8 Twin Turbo. No corners were cut in the W8’s design, as it would be a supercar constructed using the most advanced technologies and cutting-edge materials. Aerospace-grade components were used to build the 6.0-liter V-8, and the body incorporated carbon fiber, Kevlar, and fiberglass for structural rigidity. A Vector W8 could run the quarter mile in 12 seconds at 124 mph, which was over two seconds faster than the Ferrari Testarossa, and it could sprint to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. The company even claimed it could reach a projected top speed of 242 miles per hour.

Financial problems eventually led Vector to close its doors after the building of only two W8 prototypes and an additional 17 customer cars. Nevertheless, Wiegert had achieved his goal of shocking the automobile industry with a car that packed previously unseen performance and styling and was built in America. He put the established supercar manufacturers on notice and paved the way for future small-scale manufacturers to come.

Serial number 009 was ordered in 1989 by the original owner at a cost of $178,000. The W8 was agreed to be completed the following year, and a 1990 VIN was allocated to the car according to the original sales agreements and MSO. However, the Vector was not completed until late 1991, and as such it was given an updated VIN reflecting the 1991 model year, leading to a change in the 10th digit of the VIN.

This 1991 Vector W8 Twin Turbo is a single-owner example and has covered only 2,268 miles since new. The interior is reminiscent of an airplane cockpit, with a digital computer screen and numerous instruments highlighted by an Airpath compass and Hobbs hours counter. Additionally, it features Recaro Classic seats, digital climate control, and a Sony stereo with cassette and 10-disc CD paired to a/d/s speakers. This Vector features a removable moonroof and is accompanied with a rare case to protect it when stored. This W8 even retains its original Plexiglas license plate cover that keeps the body line of the rear of the car. The Vector is accompanied by its tool pouch, correspondence between Weigert and the original owner, purchase agreement, invoice, copy of manufacturer’s statement of origin, period literature, and a Vector Aeromotive presentation VHS.

Gerald Wiegart joins a select group along with Preston Tucker, John DeLorean, Malcolm Bricklin, and Elon Musk, who all set out to disrupt an industry and build their own car. Vector cemented itself in automotive history with its stunning futuristic design, aircraft-inspired cockpit, and exhilarating performance. With only a handful of cars produced, Vectors are seldom offered for sale, particularly with low mileage, from original ownership, and with extensive original documentation. This Vector W8, serial number 009, is an exceptional modern classic that is sure to draw a crowd wherever it goes.