By Deanne Jeffers
IN THE world of rare cars, Reg Phillips’ white 1976 Chevrolet Cosworth Twin Cam Vega is a true standout—and it’s making waves both on the road and on the silver screen. This subcompact, four-cylinder, three-door hatchback coupe, which has distinctive gold features, is not only a rarity in Australia but has also earned a starring role in the new film Speedway Murders (2023).
Reg purchased the car about 10 years ago from an importer in Ballarat for $22,000. Originally part of a private collection in the United States, the car had three previous owners before landing in Reg’s care. When he bought it, the Vega had 53,000 miles (85,295 km) on the clock; today, it shows 59,000 miles (94,951 km). Reg has kept the car in its original condition, preserving its unique charm. The Cosworth engine was known for its fuel efficiency, which was an important factor during the 1970s due to the oil crisis. The rare vehicle was one of the first fuel-injected cars made by Chevrolet.
The car’s rarity and originality caught the attention of filmmakers Luke Rynderman and Adam Kamien, who were on the lookout for a Chevrolet Vega for their crime documentary, Speedway Murders. The film, which features scenes shot in Adelaide, revolves around the real-life 1978 homicides at Burger Chef in Speedway, Indiana. Speaking to The Adviser, Luke emphasised the need for authenticity in their storytelling, wanting a car just like the one driven by the Burger Chef manager.
Initially, producers planned to import a Vega from the US, having scoured car shows in search of the perfect match. However, delays in the import process led them to Shepparton’s Reg Phillips. They discovered him through a Facebook group where Reg was also searching for fellow Vega owners.
To match the car from the actual events, some temporary modifications were made to Reg’s Vega. A gold stripe was covered with blue vinyl, and custom plates were created to replicate those from the crime scene.
Reg’s Vega has drawn considerable attention, and its star turn in Speedway Murders has only increased its allure. The film is set to debut on Netflix soon and is already available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Fetch. The hybrid documentary has received glowing reviews and even uncovered new evidence in the Speedway case, adding another layer of intrigue to both the film and Reg’s remarkable car.
