1975 Chevy Vega Surfaces from the World’s Largest Time Capsule After 50 Years
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On July 4, 1975, residents of Seward, Nebraska, sealed a time capsule that was, at the time, the largest in the world, a title it still holds according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The capsule contained over 5,000 items, including personal letters and Pet Rocks, as well as larger items such as a Kawasaki motorcycle and a Chevrolet Vega that was buried new. Almost 50 years later, on June 26, the city of Seward opened the capsule and discovered the Vega in remarkably good condition.
Although the Vega was protected from the elements for five decades, it wasn't kept in a completely airtight environment. A photo shared by the Seward County Independent shows the Vega covered by a simple plastic tarp. Through the tarp, a few rust spots can be seen on the hood, along with a license plate that reads “2025.” Quite interesting indeed.
It would be accurate to say that the Vega has fared better than the Toyota Corolla that was stored on top of the time capsule in a somewhat weather-resistant pyramid from 1983 until 2024. Residents of Seward opened the Corolla during last year’s Fourth of July festivities. “All the good stuff is in the time capsule below,” Trish Johnson told KETV Omaha. Her father, Harold Davisson, buried the 45-ton vault during the presidency of Gerald Ford. “The pyramid above preserved what was underneath it.”
The challenge was figuring out how to access the time capsule without removing the pyramid. Consequently, they made an early cut, referring to it as their “dress rehearsal” for the complete unveiling planned for 2025. It reportedly took six hours to complete the task.
Moving forward, the plan involves giving the Vega a thorough tune-up and showcasing it in the town’s Fourth of July parade, which might be the most exciting news I've heard all year. Most remaining examples of the Ford Pinto competitor could use some restoration, though I fear those that have spent the last 50 years above ground haven't held up nearly as well.
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1975 Chevy Vega Surfaces from the World’s Largest Time Capsule After 50 Years
Unfortunately, the majority of Chevrolet Vegas that have been around for the past fifty years do not appear in such good condition.