Bricklin SV-1

The Bricklin SV-1 was a gull-wing sports car that was manufactured from 1974 through early 1976 in New Brunswick, Canada for exclusive sale in the United States. There were 2,857 cars built before Malcom Bricklin, an American promoter, went into recivership, owing the government $23 million. An estimated 1500 still exist today.

Specs

The single model built was given the designation SV-1, for Safety Vehicle 1. It had a built-in roll cage, side guard rails and shock absorbing, 5-mph bumpers that receded into the car. It was not only safe in an accident, but had the power and handling to avoid one. The Bricklin far exceeded safety requirements of the time.

Like the DeLorean which came after it, the Bricklin was a futuristic vehicle which was well liked by owners and the automotive press, but was never produced in large enough numbers to be profitable.

The second distinguishing design feature of the Bricklin (besides the gull-wing doors) is the acrylic body. A vacuum forming process bonded color-impregnated acrylic to each fiberglass body panel. The Bricklin was delivered to the customer without paint. Minor scratches would be buffed out. The Bricklin came only in the standout colors of : Safety Red, Safety Orange, Safety Green, Safety Suntan, and Safety White

All the cars were black below the belt-line and had beige interiors. In keeping with the safety theme, there was no ashtray or cigarette lighter.

Problems

1. The gull-wing doors weighed 45 kilograms each. They also leaked.
2. The body was essentialy plastic.
3. A high sticker price.

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