This is the 1991 Vector W8 Twin Turbo finished in purple over a black interior, similar to one you’d find in an airplane cockpit! This W8 represents 1 of 19 total Vector W8 cars produced, the only one being painted purple, and only 17 of those cars being production cars and 2 of them being prototypes. Chassis 009 was ordered new by it’s original owner in 1989 for a cost of $178,000, and features a load of desirable elements such as Recaro Classic seats, a Sony stereo with cassette and 10-disc CD paired to a/d/s speakers, a removable moonroof, and of course the futuristic interior with eye-catching instrumentation, a digital computer screen, an Airpath compass, a Hobbs hours counter and more! 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, and subsequently, a number of wedge-shape cars would begin production across multiple different variants. Hate it or love it, Vector cars are a perfect combination of late 80’s and early 90’s nostalgic American automotive design. The W8 model in specific is truly a unique machine, and 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. This particular example of the Vector W8 rests comfortably in an amazing collection owned by @turbollection!
How many made? Only 17 production Vector W8’s were built between 1989 and 1993. 2 prototypes were also built, making for 19 total cars. Order of production: PP1, PP2, 001 (grey), 002 (grey), 008 (black), 005 (black), 013 (grey), 009 (purple), 006 (black), 007 (dark blue), 008 (white), 013 (special black), 003 (red), 015 (white), 011 (red), 012 (yellow), 017 (black), 016 (silver), 018 (green).
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”. A red Vector W8 made it’s official television debut in episode 15 of the 1990 TV series The Flash.
Top speed: around 190+mph
0-60: around 4.2 seconds
Photo credit: @turbollection
Research: @rarecarsonly *Special Thanks To Jay Hull For Help With Research On Vector Cars*