Story
The 1976 Cosworth Vega kept the numbered twin-cam idea intact while making meaningful changes beneath and around it. Chevrolet retained the 122-cu-in aluminum four, Cosworth 16-valve head, Bendix electronic fuel injection, and 110-horsepower rating, then added an optional Borg-Warner five-speed overdrive and a broader color and interior palette.
The standard M20 Saginaw four-speed continued with a 3.73 axle. Ordering M75 brought a dogleg T-50 five-speed with 0.80 overdrive and a 4.10 axle; Positraction remained optional on either path. A wider transmission tunnel and bolt-in shifter plates identify the second-year floorpan. Softer springs raised the ride an inch, the adjustable Panhard bar moved behind the axle, and larger rear drums improved the manual disc-drum brake system.
Black and gold remained available, but eight more exterior colors joined during the model year. Grained vinyl replaced the 1975 perforated material, Firethorn and Buckskin cabin colors joined black, and patterned sport cloth became an $18 option. Revised grille, emblems, taillamps, wheels, wipers, and other small details help distinguish the years.
The registry reports 1,447 cars for 1976. A gold dash plaque and stripes are useful history, not proof by themselves. The VIN's O engine code, Z09 paperwork, body tag, engine and EFI numbers, transmission and axle evidence, paint and trim, plaque sequence, and ownership records must agree before an individual car is described as authentic.