The Bricklin SV-1 was the brainchild of entrepreneur Malcolm Bricklin, built in New Brunswick, Canada. Marketed as a "Safety Vehicle," it featured an integrated steel roll cage, energy-absorbing bumpers, and a composite acrylic-fiberglass body. Its most famous features are its power-operated gullwing doors, which weighed nearly 100 pounds each.
The car's story of ambition and spectacular failure makes it a fascinating collector's item. Produced for only 3 model years and with fewer than 3,000 made, it's a rare and unusual piece of 1970s automotive history. The dramatic styling guarantees it's a conversation starter at any car show.
The SV-1 market has seen steady appreciation. With an average sale price around $30,000, it's an accessible classic. However, exceptional, low-mileage examples have commanded prices over $100,000, signaling a shift from quirky oddity to a recognized collectible.
Buying Tips
- The electro-hydraulic gullwing door system is notoriously troublesome. Check for slow operation, sagging, and fluid leaks. Many have been converted to more reliable pneumatic or electric systems.
- Inspect the acrylic body panels for spiderweb cracks, especially around stress points like door openings and headlight pods. Repairing and color-matching the acrylic is difficult and expensive.
- Check the steel perimeter frame for rust, especially the front subframe and rear suspension mounting points.
- 1974 models used a 360ci AMC V8, while 1975-1976 models switched to a 351ci Ford Windsor V8. Both are dependable, but be aware of the specific engine when sourcing parts.
Prices range from around $7,500 for projects to over $101,000 for the best examples.
137 Bricklin SV-1 vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 9 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
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