DownloadThis is the 1992 Vector W8 Twin Turbo (chassis 1V9VW2626NW048003), one of the finest examples of the W8 model which has previously been seen on @dougdemuro’s YouTube channel in, @thebridge.hampton’s car show in 2019, an @rmsothebys auction in 2014, the @audrainautomuseum in 2022 and many other places and events over the years. This W8 example was originally built in 1991 and then delivered to an executive of Toys “R” Us. Subsequently, the car was sent back to the factory to be rebuilt in April of 1992, and was retagged to account for this. During this the rebuild, the car received a new front spiller and different ventilation. The car was sold again February of 1994, and is 1 of just 3 total W8 examples painted red including one factory prototype. This example was also the car featured in the 1993 American film ‘Rising Sun’, and was the car featured in Road & Track in March of 1991. The W8 utilizes a semi-aluminum monocoque chassis with a body made largely of lightweight carbon fiber and Kevlar, a modified Turbo-Hydramatic 425 General Motors three-speed automatic and a futuristic interior with eye-catching instrumentation. The Vector Motors Corporation was first founded in 1971 by American automotive engineer and businessman, Gerald Wiegert, where it was then simply a design house called Vehicle Design Force. Later on, the company name was changed to Vector Aeromotive. While the car was designed by chief designer, Gerald Wiegert, the fine touches and refinements were handled by Vector’s head of engineering, David Kostka. Elements such as the elimination of gills, rear wing adjustments and more were just some of the ways Vector W8s changed over the years.
How many made? 19 total. This is the W8 production in order: PP1, PP2, 001, 002, 008 (1990), 003, 006, 013 (1991), 007, 008 (1992), 009, 011, 012, 013 (1992), 14A, 015, 016, 017, 018.
Engine: 6.0L Rodneck twin-turbocharged V8 that produces 625hp at 5,700rpm.
Debut: The W8 arrived in 1989 as part of the newly minted “Vector Aeromotive Corporation”.
Top speed: around 190+mph
0-60mph: around 4.2 seconds
Photo credit: @spencermodes
Research: @rarecarsonly