- The pioneer Vector W8 Twin Turbo has emerged
- The vehicle is available for purchase and showcases a Chase #001 construction plate
- Jerry Wiegert, the creator and chief executive officer of Vector Aeromotive, passed away in 2021
Bring a Trailer is currently hosting an auction for the very first 1990 Vector W8 Twin Turbo, a genuine American high-performance car from the unfortunately failed Vector Aeromotive corporation.
Vector was envisioned by the late Jerry Wiegert, an innovator who allegedly conceptualized the original designs for the four-wheeled ATV and Jet Ski. With aspirations of producing an American powerhouse that could rival the European brands, Wiegert introduced the initial Vector concept in 1972. However, it took nearly twenty years to assemble the required finances to commence the production of the first model, the W8.
The vehicle on auction—chassis #001—is one of 17 W8s (along with two prototypes) crafted by Vector at its Wilmington, California, establishment throughout a three-year span. The car is structured around a bonded and riveted aluminum semi-monocoque chassis, with the body constructed from a blend of Kevlar, fiberglass, and other composite materials.
1990 Vector W8 Twin Turbo chassis #001
The W8 is driven by an aluminum 6.0-liter V-8 engine that features twin turbochargers, as indicated by the name of the car. The transverse mid-mounted engine was estimated to produce 625 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque in a vintage Road & Track examination. This power is transferred to the rear wheels through a 3-speed automatic transaxle.
Vector W8 chassis #001 was originally sold to a member of the Saudi Arabian royal family, who had it retrieved directly from the 1990 New York auto show, as reported by Bring a Trailer. It spent some years in Switzerland before being relocated to Los Angeles, where the current owner acquired it in 1999. Subsequently, it was transported to Arizona and ultimately Michigan.
The vehicle currently displays replica 17-inch wheels believed to have been fabricated by former Vector vice president of engineering David Kostka in the design of the original 16-inch wheels (which are also part of the sale). The native digital instrument cluster has encountered pixelation issues, but a replacement is included. The malfunctioning cluster has rendered the odometer unreadable; however, the seller estimates 1,700 miles during the current ownership.
1990 Vector W8 Twin Turbo chassis #001
Regarding Vector, the organization entered receivership in 1993 and was acquired by the Indonesian firm MegaTech, which also procured Lamborghini and integrated the 5.7-liter V-12 from the Italian auto manufacturer into the new Vector M12. Wiegert had severed ties with the company by then.
Vector envisioned at least three additional supercars after the debut of the initial M12 coupe, encompassing an M12 targa, a front-engine 2+2 hardtop convertible, and a lifestyle vehicle akin to an El Camino. Regrettably, none of these projects materialized. Vector only managed to produce a handful of M12s before financial constraints led to its eventual closure.