Rare 1975 Bricklin SV-1: A Safety-First Sports Car Finds New Home in Museum

A remarkable piece of automotive history has found its way into the 'cars that shouldn't exist' gallery at the DFW Car & Toy Museum. The 1975 Bricklin SV-1 in Safety White represents a bold experiment in automotive design and safety engineering that challenges traditional sports car conventions.

Produced during a brief but ambitious manufacturing run, the Bricklin SV-1 was the brainchild of entrepreneur Malcolm Bricklin, who envisioned a sports car that prioritized driver protection without compromising performance. With only 2,100 examples manufactured in 1975, this vehicle exemplifies a unique moment in automotive innovation.

The SV-1's distinctive design features acrylic resin body panels bonded to a fiberglass substrate, mounted on a robust steel frame with an integrated rollover structure. Its iconic gullwing doors, recently upgraded from hydraulic to pneumatic operation, symbolize the car's futuristic aesthetic and engineering ambition.

Powered by a Ford 351 cubic-inch Windsor V8 engine producing 175 horsepower, the vehicle delivers a driving experience that balances performance with the era's safety technologies. With just 32,000 miles on its odometer, this particular model remains an exceptionally preserved example of Bricklin's vision.

The car's inclusion in the Ron Sturgeon Collection not only preserves an important automotive artifact but also tells a story of innovation, risk-taking, and the complex history of American sports car manufacturing. By showcasing vehicles that seemingly defy conventional automotive logic, the museum invites visitors to appreciate the creativity and occasional eccentricity of automotive design.

For automotive historians and enthusiasts, this Bricklin SV-1 represents more than just a rare collector's item. It embodies a moment when automotive designers dared to reimagine safety not as a constraint, but as a core design philosophy. Its presence in the museum serves as a testament to the innovative spirit that continues to drive automotive evolution.