The Ultimate Collector's Gem: First Vector W8 Twin Turbo Chassis #001 is Up for Auction
If you're a hardcore automotive enthusiast with a soft spot for American supercars, your dream ride might just be up for grabs. The first-ever Vector W8 Twin Turbo, chassis #001, has resurfaced and is currently up for auction, bringing with it a slice of American automotive history. Designed under the visionary leadership of the late Jerry Wiegert, this car marks a significant chapter in the story of Vector Aeromotive.
Bring a Trailer is hosting this extraordinary auction. This isn’t merely another retired high-performance vehicle; it's a rare piece of motoring history. Jerry Wiegert, the mastermind behind the Vector brand, had dreams of creating an American supercar that could challenge the European giants. This vision first came to life back in 1972, when Wiegert introduced the original Vector concept. However, it would take nearly twenty years before the dream materialized into the production of the W8.
The Making of an Icon
The Vector W8, especially chassis #001, is as rare as they come. Only 17 production models, along with two prototypes, were ever built between 1989 and 1993. Constructed at Vector’s facility in Wilmington, California, these cars are marvels of intricate engineering and design. This particular model sports a bonded and riveted aluminum semi-monocoque chassis enveloped in Kevlar, fiberglass, and composite bodywork, giving it a lightweight yet robust structure.
Heart-Pounding Performance
Under the hood lies an aluminum 6.0-liter V-8 engine equipped with twin turbochargers. According to a 1990 Road & Track test, the engine churns out an estimated 625 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. This power is sent to the rear wheels via a 3-speed automatic transaxle, providing thrilling acceleration and performance. At the time, such specifications placed the Vector W8 in a different league, standing toe-to-toe with the world's best supercars.
Chassis #001 has a tale as fascinating as the car itself. Initially sold to a member of the Saudi Arabian royal family, who took delivery directly from the 1990 New York auto show, it ventured from Saudi Arabia to Switzerland, then Los Angeles, and finally settled with its current owner in Michigan. Despite these travels, the car remains well-preserved.
Unparalleled Details
The car now features reproduction 17-inch wheels created by David Kostka, former Vector vice president of engineering, emulating the original 16-inch wheels included in the sale. Although the original digital instrument cluster has turned pixelated, a replacement is provided. The malfunctioning cluster means the odometer is unreadable, but the seller estimates around 1,700 miles under current ownership, maintaining its collector’s appeal.
Vector Aeromotive’s story, though impactful, was short-lived. In 1993, the company entered receivership and was acquired by Indonesian firm MegaTech, which briefly revived the brand using Italian 5.7-liter V-12 engines from Lamborghini. However, neither Wiegert nor Vector could replicate the initial success, and subsequent models like the Vector M12 dwindled in production numbers before the company ultimately shut down.
Legacy of Vector
Despite its turbulent history, Vector planned additional supercars, including an M12 targa, a front-engine 2+2 convertible, and even a unique El Camino-like vehicle. Unfortunately, these models never moved beyond the conceptual stage, adding to the lore and allure of the cars that were made.
As the auction unfolds, it's clear that Chassis #001 isn’t just a car. It’s a symbol of one man’s dream to push the boundaries of American automotive engineering. The Vector W8 Twin Turbo Chassis #001 is more than metal and motors; it’s a historical artifact, an icon, and an indomitable force in the annals of supercar legends.