Return of the Pro Stock Vega

The story of the Chevrolet Vega is one of high expectations, general customer dissatisfaction in the immediate years following its 1971 release and a tendency to rust. Ultimately, Chevy’s subcompact sold over a million before its demise in 1977. These lightweight cars made ideal racers, particularly in Pro Stock, where the factory four-cylinder engines could be replaced by V8 powerhouses for a phenomenal power-to-weight ratio.

At least two contemporary 1:25 scale kits of Vega Pro Stockers were produced by MPC. Round 2 Models owns the tooling and reintroduced the 1972 Grumpy Jenkins Vega recently and has just announced the release of the 1974 Vega campaigned by Bruce Larson with its iconic USA-1 graphics. The ’74 car used the face-lifted bodyshell with the slanted grille and larger 5mph rear bumper. According to the forums, original examples were criticised for their inaccurate rear arches, something Round 2 has now rectified along with other parts it considered needed improvement.

Among its 110-plus parts are four hood scoop variations, two sets of rear wheels, pre-lettered drag slicks, a stripped-out interior with roll cage and single racing seat, wheelie bars and a dual quad carburetted Chevy V8 engine with high performance headers. There’s an opening bonnet, detailed suspension and the kit also includes multi-coloured decals to replicate the Larson car. One feature that’s been picked up by the aficionados is the inclusion of Keystone ‘Rogue’ front wheels. Popular at the time, this may be the only kit that includes them, though contemporary photos of the real car appear to show a slotted alloy wheel instead. This curiosity aside, the kit is sure to be popular and hopefully examples will be in the UK in the New Year.