1975 Bricklin SV-1 White, Classic car NO RESERVE

You are bidding on a 1975 Bricklin SV-1 with only 32,500 miles – White with tan and brown interior. I bought this vehicle through an eBay auction in February of 2003 for $7,600. The car is from Las Vegas, Nevada. The car is virtually rust free underneath. My plan was to totally restore the car, but alas, as time moves on my interest has waned. Most of the heavy lifting on this project, including mechanicals and parts sourcing, is complete though.

The previous seller claimed that the front end was rebuilt and aligned, and the engine and transmission were rebuilt 2 years prior to selling it to me. I have no reason not to believe him, as the car runs great. It has the 351 Windsor engine and comes with an upgraded Holley 4 barrel 600 cfm carburetor and a high performance mid rise intake manifold. It is evident from the way the car sounds and runs that the engine has had a mild cam installed too. The original carb and cast-iron intake also come with the car – but I doubt you will bolt them back on. This engine runs very, very strong, and the car is extremely FAST. As you can see in the photos, the previous owner had the valve covers and air filter covers powder coated in blue. The engine looks very nice.

The tires are P225/60 R15 and as you can see in the pictures have a lot of tread on them. However, due strictly to the age of the tires, even though they have never seen sunlight, I would replace them before I did any serious driving.

From a mechanical perspective, you are buying a car that is in really good shape. I have had the car stored in a barn since I bought it, and while I started it regularly, I have put zero miles on the car. To begin the restoration, I started with all the mechanicals. Here are the things that I have had done:

Had the belts, brake pads, shoes and lines all checked – everything good – had the brake system flushed and filled with fresh fluid (new extra pads come with the car).

Had the exhaust system checked – all okay – replaced some hangers

Replaced battery (you will need to replace it again due to age)

Had the entire air pressure system for the doors replaced, including a new compressor wiring harness, air lines, and valves.

Had the radiator removed, pressure tested, refitted and filled with fresh anti-freeze.

Had the heater core removed, pressure tested, and refitted

Replaced the heater control valve

Replaced heater hoses, bypass hose, and heater box hoses

Replaced the water pump and the power steering pump (an extra high performance water pump is included with the car).

Oil change (6 Qts. of synthetic oil), filter, lube

Flushed transmission, visual check and new transmission filter, replaced transmission fluid

Had gas gauge repaired

Fuel system flushed, new fuel filter installed, carb rebuilt

Total Cost - $2,066

Next, we moved onto the A/C unit, which like most of these cars, was not working when I bought it.

A/C dryer tested

Air compressor tested, painted, fitted with new clutch and reinstalled

Replaced evaporator, pressure valve, and all high pressure A/C hoses

Pressure tested system and then had recharged with original R12 refrigerant

Total Cost - $766 (but it is probably one of the few cars that the A/C works as intended). Note that the last time I started the car (this Summer), I noticed that the fan belt to the A/C compressor was loose and squealing – I did not tighten it.

The body of the car shows all the stress cracks that are common with these cars. The car will need to have the supplied body panels installed, and in some cases like the hood and door skins that has cracks, need to have body work completed. The car has had the welded steel reinforcement plated added to stiffen the driver’s door – a common upgrade to solve the problem of repeated stress to the roof panel. I then took stock of what I would need to complete the restoration for both the interior and exterior of the car and ordered the parts needed. These are all New Old Stock (NOS) where I could find them, or used parts in excellent condition. All are included with the car:

Exterior roof panel NOS

Under bumper front valance (air dam) NOS

A-pillar fiberglass covers (one NOS, one used in excellent condition)

New door sill (NOS)

Rear hatch, trunk lock – Used excellent

Complete (NOS) gasket and sealant kit for car including doors, rear hatch, side rear windows, and the “cat whiskers” on both door windows

Top dashboard piece

New center covers for all wheels - the wheels and tires, but are all in really good shape.

Rear tail light lens kits NOS, various exterior lens and lamp assemblies, NOS license plate lights, interior dome light, bulbs, badging, trim pieces, etc.

Head light door covers – used, excellent – and not warped like most!

Total cost of all parts - $3,815

Basically, just about everything you will need to get the exterior completed.

The interior panels of the car have been removed, and most pieces are reusable. You will need to buy a carpet kit and door panels though. Unlike today’s cars, this interior is very easy to remove and reinstall. All the major panels mount with exposed screws and finish washers. These have all been bagged, but I suggest that when the interior is reinstalled that new stainless screws and washers are used. It will look much better and really doesn’t cost much to just use new hardware.

More Stuff Included

Original Owners Manual

Original Window Sticker

Original Services Bulletin Update Book

Original Parts Pricing Book

Misc Literature

Car Cover

The car came with a JVC 12 disc CD player and decent speakers mounted in the rear panels. I never even tried the unit out, but it is included too.

I am listing the cost of all parts and services performed not because I expect to get my money back on this sale – it is just a statement of what I have invested in the project to date (a little over 15,000 including shipping).

The bottom line is that if you ever wanted one of these cars, and wanted an original car that is “done right” and not just cobbled together, then this is a great opportunity. These cars are very easy to work on, and this would make a great winter project if you have the skills to finish the car. Consider this: You are starting with a Nevada car, all the mechanicals are taken care of, and you will have an extensive inventory of parts needed to complete the car. I have included a few pictures of those parts, including 1) the new roof panel and air dam, 2) the replacement rear hatch door (includes lock and key set), 3) all the new trim and gasket kits, 4) the upper dashboard replacement, new brake pads (not needed), the extra high performance water pump, new wheel centers, and new tail light lenses, and a picture of some of the interior panels and the passenger seat to give you an idea of the shape of the current interior – there are many other parts that come with the car besides just these.

I am including all the receipts with the sale, along with great resources that I have found for parts and guidance. Good luck on the bidding, and thank you for taking the time to read this rather long description.

Terms of sale

I will only sell to buyers in the lower 48 states of the USA.NO INTERNATIONAL SALES.Car is sold “AS IS, WHERE IS”. No warranties, whatsoever, are expressed or implied. It is the winner’s responsibility to arrange and pay for shipping of the car. Car must be shipped within 5 days of my receiving final payment, or in the case of a Cashier’s check, 5 days from the date the check clears my bank. Note to tell your shipper that there may be some additional boxes of parts that need to be shipped with the car as I do not know if I can fit them all into the car – it will be close.

When corresponding please include your email address - or telephone number - in message when going through the Ask Seller a Question option on eBay, as I can only email you once in response to a question if you do not include an email address. Thanks!