by Robert Spinello (vegabob)
In the 70's, Car & Driver magazine held a series of races against their readers for several years called the "Car & Driver Showroom Stock Challenge." For Challenge III, in 1975, Car & Driver magazine entered a Bronze '73 Vega GT 4-speed coupe, they had purchased used for $1800. Entries up to two years old were allowed in series. The only Vega entered- it was driven by the magazine's editor-Patrick Bedard. An Opel was also entered by C&D in this event. Up until 1975, the Opel Manta coupe (GM's German made import) dominated the showroom stock class. Although not the most powerful, it was fastest on track, dominated class, and was banned from SCCA showroom stock racing. The Opel 1900 Sedan, however, was still allowed entry. At the same time, Vega GT was now allowed to enter, including its 10 extra horsepower, 2bbl carb; firm suspension and sway bars. Optional 4-speed & 2:92.1 final drive axle were also (now) legal. Previously, showroom stock sedan class allowed no options. Only base Vega sedan was allowed, which had 1bbl carb, 3-speed manual, 2.53:1 axle and std. (softly sprung) suspension. The base Vega was no match on the track for most of the others. Car and Driver had said of the base Vega (when it was the only model allowed) "If you're looking to have fun, there will always be a few cars behind you at the finish, but if you're a known born loser, look for another ride." In 1975, when Car and Driver published their annual test of qualifying entries in the magazine, the '75 Vega GT was clocked fastest around Lime Rock road course by quite a margin. SCCA Showroom Stocks: -Opel 1900 Sedan -Pinto 2000 -Dodge Colt -Toyota Corolla & Corona -Datsun 610 -Fiat 124 -VW Super Beetle -Vega/Vega GT - and others..... The fact that now the Vega with GT equipment had the fastest lap time didn't seem to phase any readers. Past races had shown the odds with the Opel, and again, many were entered. The lone Vega GT entered by Car & Driver, beat every Opel, Pinto, Colt, Toyota and WON THE RACE. An Opel was right on the Vega's rear bumper until the finish like a heat seeking missle, according to Bedard. Regardless of the problems the Vega had given Bedard during the race... -fuel starvation on left turns -wheel hop from 4-link rear suspension -295 degree engine temp by last lap (temp.the alum.block could self destruct) ...he held 'em all off for the win. This was surely the Vega's finest moment. In victory lane, observing its battle-scared flanks, Bedard said he was starting to feel some warmth towards it. Bedard wrote, in his editorial column of issue covering event- "You have to admire a car like that. It must be the best; never mind all the horror stories you hear...some of them from me."