The Lost Vector W8! A 700 Mile American Supercar with an Insane Past - Ep. 11

This Lost Vector W8, chassis #017, personally belonged to Vector Aeromotive's founder - Gerald Weigert. When Vector was taken over by Megatech in the early 1990s, this car along with many other assets were seized, as Weigert did not want to relinquish control of his company. At the time, Megatech also owned Lamborghini, which they purchased from Chrysler. Thus, this Vector W8 made it over to Lamborghini USA HQ in Jacksonville at some point after its seizure by Megatech. Eventually, the car ended up in Europe and was titled to Lamborghini USA, after which it traded hands to a private collector. Jerry Weigert had a long existing lawsuit regarding this car, claiming it was his personal property and not that of Vector Aeromotive Corporation. Sadly he passed away in 2021 before the matter could be resolved. However, the owner at the time has settled the case with the family, and the car has now been reunited with its original MSO! Still more details to explore about exactly what happened with this car during it's 25 years of obscurity, but we're happy that it is back out in the light!

In the constant pursuit of pairing the world’s best automobiles with the world’s best collectors, CURATED Miami has specialized in Vintage Blue Chip European Automobiles since 2016 — specifically low production cars built by the likes of Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and more. CURATED continues to pave the way for the next generation of collectors chasing the “poster cars” of their youth. Co-founder John Temerian, often called the Indiana Jones of car collecting, truly understands the importance of history, details, and provenance and CURATED is dedicated to educating and supporting new custodians, empowering them to preserve and celebrate these rare icons. Known for our inventory of some of the most rare examples of Ferarris and Lamborghinis ever produced, CURATED has a passionate global following, comprised of enthusiasts, experts, influencers and celebrities.

[GTSCarLife]

The Vector W8 was hands down THE coolest and wildest car of the time. I remember watching the story play out over many, many years. Jerry was such an interesting guy, similar to Elon Musk today, and you just couldn't help but rooting for him and hoping he would prevail, despite the outrageous odds. Like Carroll Shelby, Jerry painted the same car in different colors to make it appear he had more prototypes built than he actually had, and he probably made more money from renting the car out for advertisements than he did from selling cars. Great video John, you have to have one of the coolest jobs in the world, and keep doing what you do!

[randym]

In the early 1980's, my buddy and I went to the Cow Palace auto show (an annual event for us) and saw a huge crowd around the Lambo's as expected. We went on and saw This badass looking car that neither of us had seen before. No car Car Models and little fanfare, just a dude standing there. I figured it was a kit-car or something, cuz there was no one around. I walked up and asked."what is this thing, it looks awesome". The guy introduced himself and his car, the Vector. The dude gave us a full tour from front to back. I was blown away by the dude's knowledge, he was really kool. He even let me sit in it. .Fully impressed by the fact that every piece of that car was made in America, I shook his hand and thanked him for the tour... Reading a little more on the way out, it dawned on me... "Wait a minute, you're the guy!" This dude was Gerald Weirgart. He was so passionate about this car, we could feel it. He took like, 20 minutes with us (a couple of 20 year old gearheads) just to show us what Vector was all about. He told me that this was his personal car. I have no doubt that the car in this video is the same one. RIP Gerald, a true American visionary...

[edwardclark]

John Temerian and his team at Curated are the best. Not only are they finding cool cars but they are providing the history of the cars that they are purchasing for their clients. The Vector W8 is one of the coolest cars from 1990's.

[colins]

Thank you so much for documenting the history of this car!

I had a chance to see a Vector W8 in 1990, possibly this very car because it was black on black. They were touring the car around the country to promote it at the time. A high school friend of mine and I found out that it would be at an Acura dealership in my hometown for one evening. We begged our parents to drive us there to go see it. Sitting in the middle of the dealership showroom it looked like a spacecraft.

I was able to sit in the car for a few minutes and I remember the transmission handle on the left side being one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen. Along with that dash display which looked like 1980s military avionics. There’s a 10 disc cd changer on the passenger side which dates it a little bit. To this day it’s the most amazing automotive experience I’ve ever had. They gave us signed posters for the car with Gerald Wiegert’s signature. I still have it to this day.

[DustinRNewton]

Right up there with the EB110 and Countach as one of the greatest supercars ever...maybe the best looking. Not only when it came out (It was jam-dropping in the era, I remember it well!), but still today! STUNNING!

[oiramsq]

I was involved with the team of people who ‘bought’ Vector in the mid/late 90’s. It’s a shame that seemingly NOBODY took the potential of that company seriously.

[jimmyk]

I met Gerald at Car's & Coffee in Irvine Ca on several occasions around 2012 to 2014. Back then he would bring either a light purple or a teal green W8 to the show. Gerald was very approachable and would answer any questions regarding his creations. For the most part many at the show didn't know what the Vector was or the history of the car, that's understandable when the best of the best would show up on any given Saturday morning. Gerald and the Vector were both a bit ahead of their time. RIP Gerald RIP...

[Zepherian]

You guys are becoming quite the automotive historians. Fitting car to be rolled into curated after the Lotec. Those early vectors are the real deal, apparently much better built than the latter, as the focus was on incorporating aeronautical engineering. I used to have a poster of a latter era vector, but in hindsight this is the best one to aspire to. It's like an OCD Countach. Keep up the good work!

[rambozo_fpv]

Wow. The Vector was my dream car. This is the car I had on a poster on my bedroom wall as a kid growing up!

[traiviator]

I remember seeing W8 #007 (also in black) in a museum in germany. That was in 2001. I had never heard of the car & company and I was blown away by it. Between all the great supercars in the museum, it really stuck out. So sad about Jerry Wiegert's passing. At the same time it is great to see that his creations are still out there being treasured and drive. Every time I see a Vector video like this... Just makes me smile. I don't think I would be the tech-nut I am today. Wouldn't fly planes, wouldn't be into exotic cars either if it wasn't for this car. Thanks for the memories Jerry, and thanks for the video @curatedTV

[simonscarstuff]

The W8 has to be the most 80's looking supercar inside and out, I remember seeing it in the '93 movie Rising Sun & being blown away by it's looks. Funny that Lambo owned this last example to just then go to provide the mechanicals for the M12 that followed. That was a cool restyling, similar to the Pantera facelift of the 1990's. Congratulations on picking up such a piece of automotive history!

[davids]

I remember seeing one of these at the Toy Store in Ft Lauderdale during the early 90's. Unfortunately I was never brave enough to go inside and really look at this amazing vehicle. Always one of my favorite cars. I look forward to hearing the rest of this story. Thanks.

[alanwitthoft]

So happy to see Jurgen 'Jay Hull' get the credit he deserves. Well done Jurgen and well done we are curated!😊

[literallyshaking]

Outrageous boxy wedge shape. Turbos. Louvered rear windows. Wrap-around light bar taillights. Pop up (down) headlights, computer screens everywhere.

There is no other car that’s more “80s” than a Vector W8. I’d love to drive one alongside Miami Beach blasting Hall and Oates and Thriller for the full nostalgia.

[ToreHansen]

The history part is bonkers for this channel and I had a deck of cards in the 80s with supercars and this was my fav... Epic video!

[michaelkaudze]

Thoroughly enjoyed this episode... One of my all-time favorite cars. What an amazing history that car has had.

[andresarazo]

@Curated When I was in Miami a few days ago, I went to visit their facilities and I was surprised to see in person those spectacular pieces of automotive collection, and there was also the Vector W8. I thank you for leaving these marvels on display to the delight of many of those who love these machines. Congratulations

[MIHIFISI]

3:10 Boost set to max! Put's a smile in my heart!!

[GNXperimental]

This car requires a Synthwave soundtrack while driving.

[garyw]

John, I really do think you and Iain Tyrell need to have a chat/visit about Lambos and Vectors. The family had him out to California to inventory what remains from the estate. I just feel like you two need to be in the same universe. Lol. Another great episode by the way! Such a cool car!