I have the exact same one as the one in the video same color and all with 6k original miles yes you read it right 6k!!!! been stored for over 25 years runs amazing Im selling it yes 4 SALE 12,000 OBO Call me 909 333-9169 ( Randy)
Bricklin was a con artist, as he took a lot of the money for himself! His family all had jobs in the company, and the cars were pretty much in development as they were built. The first cars coming out of the factory were pretty bad, parts not holding together, matching up, warping or leaking at the seals! Improvements were made, as they built more cars, but the cost to build them just kept going up.
If the 351 ford windsor v8 did not need a cat conv in '75 that would make the 75-6 bricklin the only american car with no cat conv in '75 & 76'?!!! Why did ford cars with the same engine need a cat conv? Did you ever notice NONE of the non california '74 PONTIAC low compression 400 & 455 v8's need an air pump, while chevy small blocks in '74 do? Why is the chevy a dirtier engine? lol
I remember reading the original hydralic/electric doors, if u tried to raise 1 door & lower the other AT THE SAME time, u would burn out the electric motor(s?) lol
Also those bumpers could take a 10 mph hit with no damage!! WHY & WHEN DID THEY GET RID OF 5MPH BUMPERS? TOO HEAVY? NEW CAR BUMPERS - A JOKE! '74-5 firebird has very heavy but very protective rubber on steel bumpers & even better yet some big GM 70s cars - the grill moves in if you hit the front bumper up to 5mph with no damage!
I happen to love Chevelle’s and GTO’s, but Bricklin batteries are NOT in the engine compartment like a Chevelle or GTO, so Chevelle and GTO batteries are actually subjected to more stress and therefore go dead MUCH more often. However, Mr. Cod is uninformed about the 3 ways to open a Bricklin. A quick release pin is pushed, door handle released, and one can exit the Bricklin. To enter, one can use the rear hatch. Mr. Cod must be extremely jealous of the Bricklin to have a reaction such as his!
Some of these cars were also built just 7 kms from where i live :) But not in Saint John NB But in Minto NB. The hard body was a good idea, too bad they all warp really bad. There is one for sale just across the road from where my GF works and almost every corner of the cars hatch ,headlight covers, hood, front end, ect.is warped and the car is in as good of shape as yours but "sun tan orange" I wanted them to start it for me but they were closed :( anyways Sweet video
Some of these cars were also built just 7 kms from where i live :) But not in Saint John NB But in Minto NB. The hard body was a good idea, too bad they all warp really bad. There is one for sale just across the road from where my GF works and almost every corner of the cars hatch ,headlight covers, hood ect. but yours look to be surviving nicely.
If you where to read Stainless Steel Illusion and watch the pennebaker/hegadus documentary filmed in 81 at the factory about DMC, you'd know where the DeLoreans design came from. It wasn't Bricklin. Maybe Malcolm is keloid of John that the DMC out sold his, or was given better reviews, I don't know, but the design was not his. More Colin Chapman. Anyway descent video on the Bricklin.
Autoweek said that the AMC 360 couldn't meet '75 emissions regs without the cat, which would melt the fiberglass floor. That's supposedly why the Windsor 351 was used instead.
I never warmed up to the looks of the car, it looked like a kit car to me. Gullwing doors always leave me cold too, if I ever hit the lottery I'm gonna buy a Lambo and put Rambler hinges on it, then I'll park it with the doors open and wow the onlookers LOL. Intresting car though, glad you like it so much. Thanks for the video. I don't like Avantis either, dad could never understand it, he loved them.
@hacksign20 I have a feeling you say this because you saw the Time article online of the 50 worst cars of all time. I think its a pretty nice car. What's wrong with it?
Cool car, but in real life the Looks of the Delorean blow me away in comparison. Imagine if they used this in Back to the future. I wonder if anyone ever made a Bricklen into a time vehicle like some people to with different cars.
@drewster077 Hi Drewster. Since the Bricklin was model year 1974 and 1975, and the DeLorean's were model year 1981 through 1983, I would figure your statement to be slightly in error, taking the linear progression of time in a forward only motion.
@Amphibrick The delorean DMC12 was actually a Bricklin SV2 prototype that Bricklin himself gave the designs to Delorean when the Bricklin motor company went out of business. Go read his biography, pretty interesting history to this car and it's company.
@Amphibrick If it were to be claimed as a copy of anything it would be the Original 1957 Mercedes Gulwing. But that would only be in error also since the design is radically different.. My only complaint about the Bricklin is that it didn't have alot of horsepower for it's engine size.
It's a sad time in the automotive world, as, in this last week of August, 2010, the sole designer of the Bricklin SV-1, Herb Grasse, has passed on. After having met Herb numerous times at Bricklin events, hearing the hilarious stories of the good old days as the Bricklin was still in the design stage, and just witnessing his incredible sense of humor and wit, he will be missed. What an incredible guy, also helping to design the Batmobile, along with all of the other cars too numerous to mention.
Both the Delorean and the Bricklin are similar concepts with similar histories, but both are different cars. The Bricklin uses the frame from the AMC Javelin while the Delorean uses the Lotus frame. The Bricklin is a front mounted V8 while the Delorean is a rear mounted V6. Both cars are awesome!
Well, while we're at it, let's not forget the whole "four wheels" thing lol.
I meant the only *noteworthy* similarity. The only similarity that actually causes people to compare the two cars. And even in the case of the doors, it's still DMC-12 cryotwist vs SV-1 clunky, overengineered hydraulics; the most glaring similarity of all is itself merely skin-deep.
Without the gullwings, your average person would no more associate a Delorean with a Bricklin than with a Corvette.
That sill height is all nice and fine, but what about when that Tahoe slams into you? It's not hitting the sill anymore....its running OVER the sill, and now hitting what was the door and now you're face, not a good design there
Just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to make such an incredibly informative video on the sv1. (Wikipedia's got nothing on you. lol) While I'm not specifically a Bricklin enthusiast, I am a car enthusiast and the bricklin was one of those vehicles I just never knew much about. -Now I do. Thanks again!
in my opinion the guy was a genius this car is with out a doubt to me the ultimate car to own.there is awhite one 50 minutes from my home.last time i saw one was 1975 upstate ny im obsessed with this car
I was talking about the V8 engines that were built before 1975 like the 426 Hemi and the 428 Cobra Jet. They are powerful engines but get horrible mileage. The 351 Ford Windsor mentioned here is a small block actually.
oh that's right, thanks for settin me straight on that... i feel less manly cause i made that mistake. and to think i had a '73 Bronco with that same 351W in it for several years. what a beast.
my dad has one of these bad boyz and the only thing we have changed on it was the rims ,tires and the compressor for the doors we even have the same rims and tires from the assembly line in 1975 And it is such a sweet car
Prizm2356 Bricklins had alot of problems from the automatic doors to numerous electrical issues and the high cost to produce the acrylic body.
the Bricklin did very well against the Corvette at the time and had / still has so many revolutionary features,. a great many of the early issues were "teething" / fixable..... shame they ran out of time.
I believe the trabant was the worst vehicle ever produced not the bricklin.
My dads got a 74' VIN #0379. All original 40,976 miles put on it and "Safety Green". It took him 15 years to restore it and we finished it about 2 years ago..
WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!They were assembled in saint john....all the parts were made in *cough* My home town.... Minto New Brunswick...look it up ....although it would be cool to own a bricklin...
@deegirlshopping ......What the HELL is your freaking problem?? Geez! You've posted this same rant SEVERAL times. Do you have nothing better to do? We freaking GET IT! You hate the guy. Give it a FREAKING rest!
by that definition anyone who runs a business is a thief. he didn't walk away with millions of dollars in profits from the SV-1, he actually sunk a huge amount of time resources and his own money to try to bring a safe car to the world, and an economic boost to the region it would be built within.
thats bull shit i live here in the city where this car was built the new brunswick goverment gave this guy millions he did not use any or little of his own money and the tax payers are still paying this guys debt
well, you would know better than me, i suppose. from what i read he sunk 24 million into the project. after watching The Entrepreneur, i'd have to say i don't really like the guy's old-school hard-sell sales approach, i think it needs to go the way of the dinosaur.
Nice Video. My father bought one when I was a young kid. As I remember the gull wing doors came from the factory as hydraulic, not air. The air kit was an after market kit.
With those doors you only have to 12 inches of clearance which is less than a regular car. You can park next to another car and not hit it when you open the doors. Your hand will be free and clear of the doors.
i think he's referring to having a safety stop feature like most automated doors of today do. Take for example elevator doors or garage doors, where if sensors are tripped by either motion or contact, the door will reverse. That way there's no chance of injury from not paying attention while the doors are closing.
These cars had alot of bugs in the system, especially the gull wing doors. It is so nice to see people who have restored and modified Bricklins and made them how they should have been made in the first place.
I work at the building where they used to manufacture these cars in Saint John NB and im mighty proud to say that they actually did something right here once upon a time.Just because bricklin failed it doesnt mean he didnt try.More power to malcolm if he tries to do this again,I rerally think that if the province of Nb had given him another chance,he might have succeeded,who knows?Anyway,ive been working in this building for 27 years now manufacturing fire hydrants and valves
They were 10k brand new - Malcolm Bricklin is a crrok (confirmed by the catastrophic Bricklin project) - he currently is working with a chinese maker to bring cars to North America.
Getting parts can be difficult. They aren't made anymore so you have to get them from parted out Bricklins (not that many of them) or, I knew of ONE guy that custom made the body parts with molds he built. They aren't cheap. Insurance can be hard to get and they may make you pay the higher "sports car" rate. Since it's so old, you can't get a bank car loan so, you have to have the cash. It's not a good PRIMARY car....weekend type fun only.
The floorboards can literally have standing water an inch or more deep if it rains and you don't have the car garaged or under a shelter. Enough of the carpet getting wet like that and then drying out, and it can rot and smell and have to be replaced.
Car repair places don't have a CLUE how to work on the doors and won't even try. If the doors' air system malfunctions, the doors can be lifted manually but they are HEAVY and hard to hold up while you get in and out of the car. Also, the doors are notorious for LEAKING when it rains. You can buy a secondary market sealer kit for the doors but even those aren't 100%.
I had an orange Bricklin and they were NOT very well made. SAFE, yes. But they had problems and the interiors looked CHEAP. Back then, the design was very futuristic looking but today, they look very DATED. Some problems with this car: The air tube network that ran underneath the car that operated the doors would frequently crack or break because of the heat generated by the car and then if you're not mechanically inclined, good luck getting it repaired.
The Bricklin's doors were hydraulic/air, but the Delorean doors were torsion bars. The Bricklin had roll down windows, but the Delorean only had a TINY window hatch in the window that you could pop open for a little air. The Bricklin body was molded from fiberglass with the paint MIXED IN to the material before it hardened, not painted ON, while the Delorean was stainless steel.
They were made in '74, '75 and about 36 of them in '76. The first few had a Cleveland engine and the rest had a 351 Windsor motor. They came off the production line with HYDRAULIC doors and then most people converted them to AIR because in cold weather the fluid would thicken and cause the doors to open and close too slow.
Both the Brickin and the Delorean deserve a lot of respect. Think of the Bricklin as an ancestor of the Delorean. The Mercedes 300 SL gullwing was the grandfather of both cars.
The automatic doors are friggin rad though. You can do that to the Delorean too with a keyless entry system, it just depends on how strong the torsion bar and struts are.
If I was to ever design a car, without ever seeing a DeLorean or a Bricklin, it would probably be looking the same. Safety is my main concern. EXCELLENT TECH SPECS and very professional presentation of your car well done.
It's also great that the Bricklin is the only production Gull Wing ever produced that had windows one COULD manually roll down. The Bricklin club is a great source for getting support about repairing the air system as well as the entire car, and they even sell new and very reliable air systems for the doors. I'm bummed you had so many problems with your car, but if one gets a good Bricklin, they are just fantastic!
You are correct in that most Bricklins have been converted to air doors for better reliability. The earlier cars did suffer their share of the problems you mentioned, but the later cars that rolled off the line were getting better and better as is the case with this one. As for the dated interior, that is what is so cool, with the flip digit analog stereo and analog gauges, just like any 60's or 70's classic automobile.
Part eight and final part: The windows are manually operated. One more thing that is notorious for having problems is the de-icing wires in the back hatch window. You can probably buy this car in mint condition today, from $10,000 to $15,000 U.S. dollars. You can get an equivalent condition DeLorean for less than THAT. Most people see these cars (the Bricklin and the DeLorean) and think they cost a lot more than they actually do.
Part seven: Finally, you have to consider that these cars looked pretty futuristic several years ago but they come across now as sparse, simplistic and dated, inside and out. The shape isn't all that cool anymore (it's not low enough to the ground). The doors are still cool, though, as long as they are working. There's not much to the interior. It looks very dated with its analog gauges and dated sound system.
Part seven.... Finally, you have to consider that these cars looked pretty futuristic several years ago but they come across now as sparse, simplistic and dated, inside and out. The shape isn't all that cool anymore (it's not low enough to the ground). The doors are still cool, though, as long as they are working. There's not much to the interior. It looks very dated with its analog gauges and dated sound system.
Part six...I had to use bath towels to soak up the water and leave the doors up to dry out the carpet, which didn't work well when the weather was cold. Eventually, this starts rotting the carpet. The parts guy I found, had invented a door sealer kit that provided extra rubber where the door meets the top of the car but, it didn't work 100% AND, it was hard to get the door flush with the top of the car because of the thick rubber sealer.
Part five...I was able to find theschematics for the air system and let him study those to figure out how it works and repair it.Another HUGE problem is that the doors are notorious for leaking water when it rains.BIG pain in the ass.If you drive it in the rain it will start dripping eventually.If you park it in the rain,it will flood the floorboards with substantial standing water.
Part four....You then have to raise the door up with your hands and climb out of the car. They are HEAVY. I doubt most women could lift them. To get back in, you have to get the edge of your fingers underneath the door's bottom edge from outside and lift it up and climb in. I had to get mine worked on by a guy that I found after much searching that worked on hydrolic fork lifts for a living.
Part three....Another problem is getting the door worked on.If you take this car into a car dealership or a car repair place to have them worked on,they don't have the knowledge.The air doors work via a network of air tubes connected underneath the car. These can eventually crack from heat,age or whatever.They can also,have sealer leaks and if any of these things happen,the doors will NOT work or will work half-assed.
Continued from part one....Mine already had the air doors when I bought it.However,this car has problems.Number one is finding parts.Not many sources.I knew a guy who started a home based company that sold body parts that he manufactured himself with molds and he sold other original parts that he bought from some supplier that went out of business.The parts shortage is not surprising given the relative few that are on the road, today.Just doesn't pay for someone to make more parts for sale.
The Bricklin was a crappy car. I had one and it was more trouble than it was worth. What the vid didn't tell you was that they were built off the manufacturing line with HYDROLIC doors and the ones you see that are AIR operated have been CONVERTED (I think MOST have been). Owners changed them because in cold weather, the hydrolic fluid would get thick from the cold and the doors would operate sluggishly. Part two of my post is next....
I had heard or read somewhere a long time ago about the Bricklin/Delorean connection about Malcolm Bricklin wanting John Delorean to be CEO of Bricklin International, but I never knew the details about the 1.7 million or the pre-prototype arrangement. Thanks for the info. The historical details of the Bricklin adventure are extremely interesting.
When Bricklin went into bankruptcy, John wanted to hire Bricklin's crew and build his own car. John wanted to copy the Bricklin in every way. John saw a pre-prototype car that malcolm had and rejected. Malcolm gave John permission to build that pre-prototype.
So, the car that John Delorean built is the exact car that Malcolm Bricklin rejected in 1972 and Malcolm still has that pre-protype
While you guys are talking about deloreans, I learned a couple of tid bits of information that I didn't know and want to share with you.
This came out of Malcolm bricklins mouth while interviewed on a show called "chop cut rebuilt". John Delorean wanted to leave GM to become president for Bricklin International. Malcolm and John agreed on 1.7 million dollars and later John wanted the deal to be 1.7 million tax free, so the deal fell through.
I like Deloreans, too... But the Bricklin has more of a story to it. Everyone knows the Delorean because of the Back To The Future movies, but a Bricklin is only appreciated by enthusiasts. My street is home to one of each. Not mine, unfortunately.
Thanks. I too, wish the company would have succeeded. I have seen drawings for a 1977 4 door Gullwing Bricklin that could have been produced if the company kept at it.
Great commentary. Answered many questions. I always wished Bricklin could have kept the company going and continued with the car! Thanks for doing this!
A buddy of mine had one back in the day. You mentioned they came in 5 colors. The first one you mentioned is green. That green was a brilliant lime green. I remember thinking at the time how ugly but now.....well, kinda a cool color. Thanks for the tour.
Thanks for your comments. The air doors on this car were an unusual prototype "sliding plunger" valve. I've had the car 17 years and it's still the prototype valve. I don't have to hold the button down because of the way the valve is built. If your doors have a pressure regulator like this one, you can increase the pressure to the doors so they raise faster. Any other questions, let me know!
nice job on the video. I own a white 74. Did you install the air doors yourself? If so how did you adjust them to open so fast? I have to hold the switch untill the door is all the way up. id like mine to go up that quick. How long have you had your brick?
I too, like Deloreans, but the opportunity came up for me to get this car, and I just couldn't resist the 351-V8 and automatic Gullwing doors. If you want to see a fantastic Gullwing, check out a Mercedes 300SL. Maybe someday.....
I have the exact same one as the one in the video same color and all with 6k original miles yes you read it right 6k!!!! been stored for over 25 years runs amazing Im selling it yes 4 SALE 12,000 OBO Call me 909 333-9169 ( Randy)
OutDaTrunkMuzik 1 month ago
Bricklin was a con artist, as he took a lot of the money for himself! His family all had jobs in the company, and the cars were pretty much in development as they were built. The first cars coming out of the factory were pretty bad, parts not holding together, matching up, warping or leaking at the seals! Improvements were made, as they built more cars, but the cost to build them just kept going up.
vexacon 2 months ago
If the 351 ford windsor v8 did not need a cat conv in '75 that would make the 75-6 bricklin the only american car with no cat conv in '75 & 76'?!!! Why did ford cars with the same engine need a cat conv? Did you ever notice NONE of the non california '74 PONTIAC low compression 400 & 455 v8's need an air pump, while chevy small blocks in '74 do? Why is the chevy a dirtier engine? lol
utuBrV1oI 3 months ago
I remember reading the original hydralic/electric doors, if u tried to raise 1 door & lower the other AT THE SAME time, u would burn out the electric motor(s?) lol
Also those bumpers could take a 10 mph hit with no damage!! WHY & WHEN DID THEY GET RID OF 5MPH BUMPERS? TOO HEAVY? NEW CAR BUMPERS - A JOKE! '74-5 firebird has very heavy but very protective rubber on steel bumpers & even better yet some big GM 70s cars - the grill moves in if you hit the front bumper up to 5mph with no damage!
utuBrV1oI 3 months ago
Daddy never loved me!
sorich 3 months ago
you know, you sound like Brent Spiner. XD
Imnotwithreal 5 months ago
Fantastic Car! hope she stays with you for many years to come and gives you many more years of enjoyment!
mikeeG77 6 months ago
It's a good car , but I prefer the DeLorean
Kinggoldtop 7 months ago
I happen to love Chevelle’s and GTO’s, but Bricklin batteries are NOT in the engine compartment like a Chevelle or GTO, so Chevelle and GTO batteries are actually subjected to more stress and therefore go dead MUCH more often. However, Mr. Cod is uninformed about the 3 ways to open a Bricklin. A quick release pin is pushed, door handle released, and one can exit the Bricklin. To enter, one can use the rear hatch. Mr. Cod must be extremely jealous of the Bricklin to have a reaction such as his!
Amphibrick 7 months ago
He put a car in his car so he can drive while he drives.
nameUnavailab1e 7 months ago
what a piece of shit! I'll stick with my Chevelles and GTO's Let your battery die in a Bricklin and try to get in OR OUT of this bitch!
suckmycod 7 months ago
Canadian made car just saw it in Hobo with a shotgun...
Canadian made movie!
MaTchBoOkPoEt 10 months ago
Some of these cars were also built just 7 kms from where i live :) But not in Saint John NB But in Minto NB. The hard body was a good idea, too bad they all warp really bad. There is one for sale just across the road from where my GF works and almost every corner of the cars hatch ,headlight covers, hood, front end, ect.is warped and the car is in as good of shape as yours but "sun tan orange" I wanted them to start it for me but they were closed :( anyways Sweet video
scotterinsam 11 months ago
Some of these cars were also built just 7 kms from where i live :) But not in Saint John NB But in Minto NB. The hard body was a good idea, too bad they all warp really bad. There is one for sale just across the road from where my GF works and almost every corner of the cars hatch ,headlight covers, hood ect. but yours look to be surviving nicely.
scotterinsam 11 months ago
If you where to read Stainless Steel Illusion and watch the pennebaker/hegadus documentary filmed in 81 at the factory about DMC, you'd know where the DeLoreans design came from. It wasn't Bricklin. Maybe Malcolm is keloid of John that the DMC out sold his, or was given better reviews, I don't know, but the design was not his. More Colin Chapman. Anyway descent video on the Bricklin.
DKnight51 11 months ago
Autoweek said that the AMC 360 couldn't meet '75 emissions regs without the cat, which would melt the fiberglass floor. That's supposedly why the Windsor 351 was used instead.
DasMidnightDrifter 1 year ago
I never warmed up to the looks of the car, it looked like a kit car to me. Gullwing doors always leave me cold too, if I ever hit the lottery I'm gonna buy a Lambo and put Rambler hinges on it, then I'll park it with the doors open and wow the onlookers LOL. Intresting car though, glad you like it so much. Thanks for the video. I don't like Avantis either, dad could never understand it, he loved them.
505197 1 year ago
I saw a documentary that showed how cheaply these were built and how some parts were just glued on...
politiciandiva 1 year ago
worst car ever made
hacksign20 1 year ago
@hacksign20 I have a feeling you say this because you saw the Time article online of the 50 worst cars of all time. I think its a pretty nice car. What's wrong with it?
hvrock13 1 year ago
Line reminds me Saab Sonnet...
ncaso 1 year ago
It's like mixing a Datsun 280ZX with a Delorean, and an old Corvette all in one.
schweizergoth 1 year ago 2
Cool car, but in real life the Looks of the Delorean blow me away in comparison. Imagine if they used this in Back to the future. I wonder if anyone ever made a Bricklen into a time vehicle like some people to with different cars.
nimaside 1 year ago
Comment removed
rednecknber 1 year ago
@rednecknber Someone can't fucking spell right.
Ryoukun16 1 year ago
@Ryoukun16 arse hole
rednecknber 1 year ago
@rednecknber Like I said. Uneducated fuck.
Ryoukun16 1 year ago
Perhaps the delorean copied the bricklin?
Thanks for doing this Amphibrick, it is really nice!
JoDad22 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
copy of the delorean
drewster077 1 year ago
@drewster077 Hi Drewster. Since the Bricklin was model year 1974 and 1975, and the DeLorean's were model year 1981 through 1983, I would figure your statement to be slightly in error, taking the linear progression of time in a forward only motion.
Amphibrick 1 year ago 17
@Amphibrick The delorean DMC12 was actually a Bricklin SV2 prototype that Bricklin himself gave the designs to Delorean when the Bricklin motor company went out of business. Go read his biography, pretty interesting history to this car and it's company.
powersurge91 1 year ago
@Amphibrick If it were to be claimed as a copy of anything it would be the Original 1957 Mercedes Gulwing. But that would only be in error also since the design is radically different.. My only complaint about the Bricklin is that it didn't have alot of horsepower for it's engine size.
wacko1919 8 months ago
@drewster077 No sir waaaaaaaaaaay before the delorean was even made. Not to mention better.
vfIskullangel 1 year ago
Does anyone notice that this looks a lot like a Corvette minus the doors of course
CainmosniMirrored 1 year ago
It's a sad time in the automotive world, as, in this last week of August, 2010, the sole designer of the Bricklin SV-1, Herb Grasse, has passed on. After having met Herb numerous times at Bricklin events, hearing the hilarious stories of the good old days as the Bricklin was still in the design stage, and just witnessing his incredible sense of humor and wit, he will be missed. What an incredible guy, also helping to design the Batmobile, along with all of the other cars too numerous to mention.
Amphibrick 1 year ago 4
Looks quite nice, but I suppose crumple zones that absorb crash energy can't be substituted by brute strength steel..
biertier99 1 year ago
Both the Delorean and the Bricklin are similar concepts with similar histories, but both are different cars. The Bricklin uses the frame from the AMC Javelin while the Delorean uses the Lotus frame. The Bricklin is a front mounted V8 while the Delorean is a rear mounted V6. Both cars are awesome!
jammer96 1 year ago
can it fly?
1979lincolncoupe 1 year ago
Delorean's lost relative?
novatron11 1 year ago
i think delorean was copyed from this car
dmc081 1 year ago
It wasn't. Gullwing doors are the only similarity. Beyond that, apples and oranges.
scarabmango 1 year ago 2
Actually... there are many similarities.
Shape of the rear lights
Shape of the rear side windows
and also, DeLorean was orginally going to be called the "DeLorean DSV-1" or "DeLorean Saftey Vehicle 1"
linuxdaemon1372 1 year ago
Well, while we're at it, let's not forget the whole "four wheels" thing lol.
I meant the only *noteworthy* similarity. The only similarity that actually causes people to compare the two cars. And even in the case of the doors, it's still DMC-12 cryotwist vs SV-1 clunky, overengineered hydraulics; the most glaring similarity of all is itself merely skin-deep.
Without the gullwings, your average person would no more associate a Delorean with a Bricklin than with a Corvette.
scarabmango 1 year ago
I agree scarabmango.... the front end does look more like a 'vette
linuxdaemon1372 1 year ago
If the Delorean would have had the features of this car it would have been awesome!
BoStErO1905 1 year ago
hello!? HELLO!? any body home!? think mcfly think!, the delorean was based off of this car, just look at the resemblance!
5dmc1 1 year ago
@BoStErO1905 if only the front end looked similar, part of the failure of the almighty DeLorean was the bland front end
1979lincolncoupe 1 year ago
that thing seams way ahead of it's time. cool machine
ChevRcr454 2 years ago
My grandparents own a bricklin in great shape great miles berly used
jaron780 2 years ago
My uncle owned one of these cars. I think his was the suntan color.
In rainy weather, the thing leaked so much that he literally kept a turkey baster in the car to siphon water out of the floor.
scarabmango 2 years ago 3
fantastic video u made. thanks alot for posting. beautiful bricklin
two7biturbo 2 years ago
Are you gonna make any more videos soon? They're very good, and is that your Bricklin?
SgtMustang 2 years ago
wow, that was a very informative video. I never knew people thought about safety back in the 70's.
5/5
liniculus 2 years ago
Anybody have a nice clean restored 1974 Tahoe? Didn't think so.
Tunnelfun 2 years ago
LOL
LaugermanPROductions 2 years ago
That sill height is all nice and fine, but what about when that Tahoe slams into you? It's not hitting the sill anymore....its running OVER the sill, and now hitting what was the door and now you're face, not a good design there
tamaninja00 2 years ago
does delorean also close and open doors like that with button?
tehtud2008 2 years ago
No they're manual doors with gas struts.
jammer96 2 years ago
Just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to make such an incredibly informative video on the sv1. (Wikipedia's got nothing on you. lol) While I'm not specifically a Bricklin enthusiast, I am a car enthusiast and the bricklin was one of those vehicles I just never knew much about. -Now I do. Thanks again!
vetteluvnh 2 years ago 2
This was rated as one of the worst cars ever made
lol junk car
M4x6 2 years ago
Yeah, by the same people who said the Model T was one of the worst cars ever made.
Dont believe everything you read.
BikerTrashWolf 2 years ago 2
in my opinion the guy was a genius this car is with out a doubt to me the ultimate car to own.there is awhite one 50 minutes from my home.last time i saw one was 1975 upstate ny im obsessed with this car
bluepointclans 2 years ago
i want one how much are they now they were 7000 in 75
bluepointclans 2 years ago
bet that thing gets some pretty crappy gas milage
FullFrontalCrudity 2 years ago
15 mpg apx. Not great, but coming off the era of producing big block engines that got 8 to 12 mpg, it was welcome.
jammer96 2 years ago
but this has a big block Ford 351 V8 engine in it. that's a big block from the era you are talking about, no?
FullFrontalCrudity 2 years ago
believe me was not his money where still paying
deegirlshopping 2 years ago
I was talking about the V8 engines that were built before 1975 like the 426 Hemi and the 428 Cobra Jet. They are powerful engines but get horrible mileage. The 351 Ford Windsor mentioned here is a small block actually.
jammer96 2 years ago
oh that's right, thanks for settin me straight on that... i feel less manly cause i made that mistake. and to think i had a '73 Bronco with that same 351W in it for several years. what a beast.
FullFrontalCrudity 2 years ago
Man! I wonder why no one else built cars like these?
Trance88 2 years ago
lol this one is too small lets go to the real one *goes to real bricklin*
gorillaz6399 2 years ago
theese cars where built in the little village that i live in...
ludacrisjr7 2 years ago
What happened to the factory ??
gaspo218 2 years ago
to tell you the truth i have no clue where it is all i know is my grandfathers best friend used to build them in my town somwhere
ludacrisjr7 2 years ago
Thanks for sharing I like people doing walkarounds of their cars rather then magazines.
JohnFromSpace 2 years ago
lol it went from the toy car to the real car
gorillaz6399 2 years ago
my dad has one of these bad boyz and the only thing we have changed on it was the rims ,tires and the compressor for the doors we even have the same rims and tires from the assembly line in 1975 And it is such a sweet car
naturalBORNkilla90 2 years ago
bricklin is a bail out thief
deegirlshopping 2 years ago
Prizm2356 Bricklins had alot of problems from the automatic doors to numerous electrical issues and the high cost to produce the acrylic body.
the Bricklin did very well against the Corvette at the time and had / still has so many revolutionary features,. a great many of the early issues were "teething" / fixable..... shame they ran out of time.
I believe the trabant was the worst vehicle ever produced not the bricklin.
bloat3d 2 years ago
I read that this was one of the worst cars ever built a disaster in fact...is this true?
Prizm2356 2 years ago
Hey Amphibrick I just joined the Bricklin Online Forum (as an enthusiast), and I was wondering if you had an account.
gullwing14 2 years ago
My dads got a 74' VIN #0379. All original 40,976 miles put on it and "Safety Green". It took him 15 years to restore it and we finished it about 2 years ago..
Sarcasticscum 2 years ago
they where built in my home town of saint john nb canada
deegirlshopping 2 years ago
WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!They were assembled in saint john....all the parts were made in *cough* My home town.... Minto New Brunswick...look it up ....although it would be cool to own a bricklin...
alexl0923 2 years ago
true malcolm bricklin is a thief stole goverment bail ouy money from the province
deegirlshopping 2 years ago
@deegirlshopping ......What the HELL is your freaking problem?? Geez! You've posted this same rant SEVERAL times. Do you have nothing better to do? We freaking GET IT! You hate the guy. Give it a FREAKING rest!
generic53 1 year ago
@generic53 piss off
rednecknber 1 year ago
@rednecknber ....... Gotta love you MORONS.
generic53 1 year ago
@generic53 idiot
rednecknber 1 year ago
@rednecknber .....F off you A-HOLE.
generic53 1 year ago
@generic53 lol
rednecknber 1 year ago
either way the guy is a thief he fucked the province on millions that why he is a million doolar thief
deegirlshopping 2 years ago
fair enough
alexl0923 2 years ago
by that definition anyone who runs a business is a thief. he didn't walk away with millions of dollars in profits from the SV-1, he actually sunk a huge amount of time resources and his own money to try to bring a safe car to the world, and an economic boost to the region it would be built within.
FullFrontalCrudity 2 years ago
thats bull shit i live here in the city where this car was built the new brunswick goverment gave this guy millions he did not use any or little of his own money and the tax payers are still paying this guys debt
deegirlshopping 2 years ago
well, you would know better than me, i suppose. from what i read he sunk 24 million into the project. after watching The Entrepreneur, i'd have to say i don't really like the guy's old-school hard-sell sales approach, i think it needs to go the way of the dinosaur.
FullFrontalCrudity 2 years ago
thanks VERY INFORMATIVE. I have found one in Arkansas. Body is rough, is it worth restoring?
bryanbankheadho 2 years ago
As long as your bank account can stand for it.
jammer96 2 years ago
Very informative! I learned some interesting facts from this video, thank you!
AxerJk 3 years ago
Great video and Great car!
nmanville 3 years ago
Love the video, very informative!!
irocz0r 3 years ago 4
Thanks for posting the video, I've always wanted to know about them.
Sunaofujimoriandran 3 years ago
Excellent video, thanks for posting it! interesting car indeed!
mickeymoose76 3 years ago
Nice Video. My father bought one when I was a young kid. As I remember the gull wing doors came from the factory as hydraulic, not air. The air kit was an after market kit.
Gtannahill 3 years ago
I have to ask. Do the doors have any form of safety in case you happen to have your hand in the way?
fenixwylde 3 years ago
With those doors you only have to 12 inches of clearance which is less than a regular car. You can park next to another car and not hit it when you open the doors. Your hand will be free and clear of the doors.
jammer96 3 years ago
i think he's referring to having a safety stop feature like most automated doors of today do. Take for example elevator doors or garage doors, where if sensors are tripped by either motion or contact, the door will reverse. That way there's no chance of injury from not paying attention while the doors are closing.
xboxmods 2 years ago
oh boy.. my volvo 240 would be scrap metal if it got hit by that thing :)
fenixwylde 3 years ago
Bricklin are like tanks! But then again so were most cars in the 70's.
jammer96 3 years ago
These cars had alot of bugs in the system, especially the gull wing doors. It is so nice to see people who have restored and modified Bricklins and made them how they should have been made in the first place.
clearcoat2000 3 years ago
beautiful car, keep it stock!! :)
FirebirdDude 3 years ago
Thank you for posting this, and including all this wonderful information! What a trip down memory lane!
wombatstew1 3 years ago
I remember when these were new, and MAN, I WANTED one!!!! Long live the mighty SV1!!
wombatstew1 3 years ago
I work at the building where they used to manufacture these cars in Saint John NB and im mighty proud to say that they actually did something right here once upon a time.Just because bricklin failed it doesnt mean he didnt try.More power to malcolm if he tries to do this again,I rerally think that if the province of Nb had given him another chance,he might have succeeded,who knows?Anyway,ive been working in this building for 27 years now manufacturing fire hydrants and valves
nailclippers3 3 years ago
well i live like 2 hours away from st-john and im not qute sure but i think its eather he started to make some or restore them
xvillagerx 3 years ago
i have seen a few of these cuz i live an hour and a half away from were they were made
Stackcritic 3 years ago
Great video! I learned a lot about this car! Shame they didn't make them for very long.
senseit2007 3 years ago
Very nicely done. I own a DeLorean, and to be honest, I really wanna do something similar for my car, after watching this one.
By the way, you have a natural announcer's voice.
Harkov311 3 years ago 7
im going to put a hemi in one if i buy one
: DDDDDD
extrocity 3 years ago
Don't do it you will be shamed since Bricklin's used Windsor V8's, and AMC 360 in³ (5899 cc) V8's
Kenster1025 3 years ago
They were 10k brand new - Malcolm Bricklin is a crrok (confirmed by the catastrophic Bricklin project) - he currently is working with a chinese maker to bring cars to North America.
vipexperformance 3 years ago
You can get a nice Bricklin for $12,000.
jammer96 3 years ago
I had one that auctioned recently offerd to me many years ago for 30k...i laughed.
wondeboy12 3 years ago
how muck is it?
rollsroyce0824 3 years ago
I've seen an orange one riding around town every once and a while
adj789 3 years ago
Great video - and a VERY nice car. I am a proud Delorean owner, and videos like these make me want a bricklin, too.
Btw, I also wanted to mention that I LOVE the sound of your voice. Have you ever considered doing film/TV work?
GozerGozarian 3 years ago
Exactly what I was thinking, he has a great TV voice.
DaviDeXtA 3 years ago
The 74 Bricklin had a 360 Chrysler egnine. The 75 had Ford 351 Windsor with 175 hp due emission standards.
jammer96 3 years ago
Actually the '74 models came with AMC 360 V8engines that have nothing to do with Chrysler Corp. 360 V8.
BIGTAZ351 3 years ago 2
Continued-
Getting parts can be difficult. They aren't made anymore so you have to get them from parted out Bricklins (not that many of them) or, I knew of ONE guy that custom made the body parts with molds he built. They aren't cheap. Insurance can be hard to get and they may make you pay the higher "sports car" rate. Since it's so old, you can't get a bank car loan so, you have to have the cash. It's not a good PRIMARY car....weekend type fun only.
generic53 3 years ago
Continued-
The floorboards can literally have standing water an inch or more deep if it rains and you don't have the car garaged or under a shelter. Enough of the carpet getting wet like that and then drying out, and it can rot and smell and have to be replaced.
generic53 3 years ago
Continued-
Car repair places don't have a CLUE how to work on the doors and won't even try. If the doors' air system malfunctions, the doors can be lifted manually but they are HEAVY and hard to hold up while you get in and out of the car. Also, the doors are notorious for LEAKING when it rains. You can buy a secondary market sealer kit for the doors but even those aren't 100%.
generic53 3 years ago
Continued-
I had an orange Bricklin and they were NOT very well made. SAFE, yes. But they had problems and the interiors looked CHEAP. Back then, the design was very futuristic looking but today, they look very DATED. Some problems with this car: The air tube network that ran underneath the car that operated the doors would frequently crack or break because of the heat generated by the car and then if you're not mechanically inclined, good luck getting it repaired.
generic53 3 years ago
Continued-
The Bricklin's doors were hydraulic/air, but the Delorean doors were torsion bars. The Bricklin had roll down windows, but the Delorean only had a TINY window hatch in the window that you could pop open for a little air. The Bricklin body was molded from fiberglass with the paint MIXED IN to the material before it hardened, not painted ON, while the Delorean was stainless steel.
generic53 3 years ago
They were made in '74, '75 and about 36 of them in '76. The first few had a Cleveland engine and the rest had a 351 Windsor motor. They came off the production line with HYDRAULIC doors and then most people converted them to AIR because in cold weather the fluid would thicken and cause the doors to open and close too slow.
generic53 3 years ago
now i know where the 1985 nissan 300zx gets his disign stupid japanees
nice doors now i know how the rolls fantom gets the i.d for the electric door
006kkk 3 years ago
Both the Brickin and the Delorean deserve a lot of respect. Think of the Bricklin as an ancestor of the Delorean. The Mercedes 300 SL gullwing was the grandfather of both cars.
jammer96 4 years ago 4
Yes, but the DMC is the only one that its possible to get inside without eleveting the leg.
tonidmc 3 years ago
I want these doors on my Hummer! Havent seen anyone with that yet.
redskrs 4 years ago
You said there are about 2,854 made in 74 & 75 I have one of 17 made in 1976. So add one more to the list. Great video.
ziggy2278 4 years ago
The automatic doors are friggin rad though. You can do that to the Delorean too with a keyless entry system, it just depends on how strong the torsion bar and struts are.
johnnyd83 4 years ago
I have an '83 Delorean, but I do respect the Bricklin
johnnyd83 4 years ago 4
Check out the film Deadline Auto Theft. It features a red orange 1974 Bricklin being chased by the LAPD.
jammer96 4 years ago
i wish my 75' worked that good
akforyourseven 4 years ago
I have a DeLorean and i love it so yesterday i just had to do it...I bought a 75 Bricklin!
DMC16970 4 years ago
I Have a DeLorean but this car is also wonderful and this in Mint condition.
tonidmc 4 years ago
WOW that was fun, and VERY informative.
If I was to ever design a car, without ever seeing a DeLorean or a Bricklin, it would probably be looking the same. Safety is my main concern. EXCELLENT TECH SPECS and very professional presentation of your car well done.
thedot88 4 years ago
It's also great that the Bricklin is the only production Gull Wing ever produced that had windows one COULD manually roll down. The Bricklin club is a great source for getting support about repairing the air system as well as the entire car, and they even sell new and very reliable air systems for the doors. I'm bummed you had so many problems with your car, but if one gets a good Bricklin, they are just fantastic!
Amphibrick 4 years ago
You are correct in that most Bricklins have been converted to air doors for better reliability. The earlier cars did suffer their share of the problems you mentioned, but the later cars that rolled off the line were getting better and better as is the case with this one. As for the dated interior, that is what is so cool, with the flip digit analog stereo and analog gauges, just like any 60's or 70's classic automobile.
Amphibrick 4 years ago
NOTE: I know, I know....I can't believe I spelled HYDRAULIC AS "HYDROLIC." I just noticed. Don't know WHY I misspelled it. I KNOW how it's spelled!
generic53 4 years ago
Part eight and final part: The windows are manually operated. One more thing that is notorious for having problems is the de-icing wires in the back hatch window. You can probably buy this car in mint condition today, from $10,000 to $15,000 U.S. dollars. You can get an equivalent condition DeLorean for less than THAT. Most people see these cars (the Bricklin and the DeLorean) and think they cost a lot more than they actually do.
generic53 4 years ago
Mint Deloreans run 20k+ generally for 10k you get a beater and for 15k youll be doing 5-10k in repairs.
abba1987 1 year ago
@abba1987 ........BS.
generic53 1 year ago
Part seven: Finally, you have to consider that these cars looked pretty futuristic several years ago but they come across now as sparse, simplistic and dated, inside and out. The shape isn't all that cool anymore (it's not low enough to the ground). The doors are still cool, though, as long as they are working. There's not much to the interior. It looks very dated with its analog gauges and dated sound system.
generic53 4 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Part seven.... Finally, you have to consider that these cars looked pretty futuristic several years ago but they come across now as sparse, simplistic and dated, inside and out. The shape isn't all that cool anymore (it's not low enough to the ground). The doors are still cool, though, as long as they are working. There's not much to the interior. It looks very dated with its analog gauges and dated sound system.
generic53 4 years ago
Part six...I had to use bath towels to soak up the water and leave the doors up to dry out the carpet, which didn't work well when the weather was cold. Eventually, this starts rotting the carpet. The parts guy I found, had invented a door sealer kit that provided extra rubber where the door meets the top of the car but, it didn't work 100% AND, it was hard to get the door flush with the top of the car because of the thick rubber sealer.
generic53 4 years ago
Part five...I was able to find theschematics for the air system and let him study those to figure out how it works and repair it.Another HUGE problem is that the doors are notorious for leaking water when it rains.BIG pain in the ass.If you drive it in the rain it will start dripping eventually.If you park it in the rain,it will flood the floorboards with substantial standing water.
generic53 4 years ago
Part four....You then have to raise the door up with your hands and climb out of the car. They are HEAVY. I doubt most women could lift them. To get back in, you have to get the edge of your fingers underneath the door's bottom edge from outside and lift it up and climb in. I had to get mine worked on by a guy that I found after much searching that worked on hydrolic fork lifts for a living.
generic53 4 years ago
Part three....Another problem is getting the door worked on.If you take this car into a car dealership or a car repair place to have them worked on,they don't have the knowledge.The air doors work via a network of air tubes connected underneath the car. These can eventually crack from heat,age or whatever.They can also,have sealer leaks and if any of these things happen,the doors will NOT work or will work half-assed.
generic53 4 years ago
Continued from part one....Mine already had the air doors when I bought it.However,this car has problems.Number one is finding parts.Not many sources.I knew a guy who started a home based company that sold body parts that he manufactured himself with molds and he sold other original parts that he bought from some supplier that went out of business.The parts shortage is not surprising given the relative few that are on the road, today.Just doesn't pay for someone to make more parts for sale.
generic53 4 years ago
The Bricklin was a crappy car. I had one and it was more trouble than it was worth. What the vid didn't tell you was that they were built off the manufacturing line with HYDROLIC doors and the ones you see that are AIR operated have been CONVERTED (I think MOST have been). Owners changed them because in cold weather, the hydrolic fluid would get thick from the cold and the doors would operate sluggishly. Part two of my post is next....
generic53 4 years ago
Did you know the Bricklin was in the movie Deadline Auto Theft? It features a red 1974 Bricklin being chased by 60 cop cars.
jammer96 4 years ago
I had heard or read somewhere a long time ago about the Bricklin/Delorean connection about Malcolm Bricklin wanting John Delorean to be CEO of Bricklin International, but I never knew the details about the 1.7 million or the pre-prototype arrangement. Thanks for the info. The historical details of the Bricklin adventure are extremely interesting.
Amphibrick 4 years ago
When Bricklin went into bankruptcy, John wanted to hire Bricklin's crew and build his own car. John wanted to copy the Bricklin in every way. John saw a pre-prototype car that malcolm had and rejected. Malcolm gave John permission to build that pre-prototype.
So, the car that John Delorean built is the exact car that Malcolm Bricklin rejected in 1972 and Malcolm still has that pre-protype
bricklin2046 4 years ago
While you guys are talking about deloreans, I learned a couple of tid bits of information that I didn't know and want to share with you.
This came out of Malcolm bricklins mouth while interviewed on a show called "chop cut rebuilt". John Delorean wanted to leave GM to become president for Bricklin International. Malcolm and John agreed on 1.7 million dollars and later John wanted the deal to be 1.7 million tax free, so the deal fell through.
bricklin2046 4 years ago
Excellent car, excellent video. Thanks!
I like Deloreans, too... But the Bricklin has more of a story to it. Everyone knows the Delorean because of the Back To The Future movies, but a Bricklin is only appreciated by enthusiasts. My street is home to one of each. Not mine, unfortunately.
BolterBolter 4 years ago
Well done. Thank you.
downrightgeorge 4 years ago
Thanks. I too, wish the company would have succeeded. I have seen drawings for a 1977 4 door Gullwing Bricklin that could have been produced if the company kept at it.
Amphibrick 4 years ago
Great commentary. Answered many questions. I always wished Bricklin could have kept the company going and continued with the car! Thanks for doing this!
pianodon 4 years ago
they should haves put that on the delorean
LJAR28 4 years ago
A buddy of mine had one back in the day. You mentioned they came in 5 colors. The first one you mentioned is green. That green was a brilliant lime green. I remember thinking at the time how ugly but now.....well, kinda a cool color. Thanks for the tour.
fuxgood 4 years ago
Yes, it does have an AM/FM stereo clock radio, as described beginning at 3:20 on the video. However, it is not a cassette player.
Amphibrick 4 years ago
So, was it equipped with a stereo or not?
dk2853 4 years ago
No cassette player?!
dk2853 4 years ago
Thanks for your comments. The air doors on this car were an unusual prototype "sliding plunger" valve. I've had the car 17 years and it's still the prototype valve. I don't have to hold the button down because of the way the valve is built. If your doors have a pressure regulator like this one, you can increase the pressure to the doors so they raise faster. Any other questions, let me know!
Amphibrick 4 years ago
nice job on the video. I own a white 74. Did you install the air doors yourself? If so how did you adjust them to open so fast? I have to hold the switch untill the door is all the way up. id like mine to go up that quick. How long have you had your brick?
hotrodguy200 4 years ago
I too, like Deloreans, but the opportunity came up for me to get this car, and I just couldn't resist the 351-V8 and automatic Gullwing doors. If you want to see a fantastic Gullwing, check out a Mercedes 300SL. Maybe someday.....
Amphibrick 4 years ago
Intersting car. But I like Deloreans better.
jammer96 4 years ago