Written by: Jack Thompson

Malcolm Bricklin: The Maverick Entrepreneur Behind Iconic Cars

Malcolm Bricklin is a household name in the automotive industry, synonymous with innovation, risk-taking, and a penchant for challenging the status quo. With a career spanning over six decades, Bricklin has left an indelible mark on the industry, introducing Americans to foreign cars and creating some of the most iconic vehicles of our time.

A Life of Entrepreneurial Spirit

Born on March 9, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bricklin was destined for greatness. Growing up in Orlando, Florida, he was instilled with a strong work ethic by his parents, who owned a furrier shop. Bricklin's early life was marked by a series of entrepreneurial ventures, from stretching hides in his family's shop to building his father's building supply business into a franchised chain, Handyman America, at the tender age of 19.

Automotive Pioneering

Bricklin's entry into the automotive industry was nothing short of revolutionary. In 1968, he founded Subaru of America, Inc., introducing the Japanese brand to the American market. This was followed by the establishment of General Vehicles, which produced the Bricklin SV-1, a sports car that captured the hearts of enthusiasts in the 1970s.

In the 1980s, Bricklin turned his attention to importing and marketing foreign cars, including the Fiat X19 and Fiat 124 Sport Spider. His most notable venture during this period was the introduction of the Yugo, a budget-friendly hatchback from Yugoslavia that became a cultural phenomenon in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

A Legacy of Innovation

Throughout his career, Bricklin has been driven by a passion for innovation and a willingness to take risks. In the 1980s, he manufactured and marketed an electric bicycle, the EV Warrior, well ahead of its time. In the 2000s, he contracted with the Chinese company Chery to import and distribute vehicles in the United States.

In recent years, Bricklin has turned his attention to the art world, promoting a plan to transform high-end car dealerships into high-end art dealerships. This venture is a testament to his boundless energy and enthusiasm for exploring new frontiers.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Bricklin's personal life has been marked by a series of high-profile marriages and divorces, as well as a passion for adventure and philanthropy. He has six sons and currently resides in Monroe, New York, with his wife, artist Sania Teymeny.

Throughout his life, Bricklin has been driven by a philosophy that failure is not the opposite of success, but a stepping stone to achieving greatness. As he once said, "The things that people see as failures are often the steps to success. I got my fame and power from the failure of the Bricklin."

Legacy and Impact

Malcolm Bricklin's impact on the automotive industry cannot be overstated. He has introduced Americans to foreign cars, created iconic vehicles, and pushed the boundaries of innovation. Today, he remains a testament to the power of entrepreneurial spirit, risk-taking, and a passion for life.

• Founded Subaru of America, Inc. in 1968
• Introduced the Bricklin SV-1 sports car in the 1970s
• Imported and marketed the Fiat X19 and Fiat 124 Sport Spider in the 1980s
• Introduced the Yugo to the American market in the late 1980s
• Manufactured and marketed an electric bicycle, the EV Warrior, in the 1980s
• Contracted with Chery to import and distribute vehicles in the 2000s
• Promoted a plan to transform high-end car dealerships into high-end art dealerships in 2017

As we look back on Malcolm Bricklin's remarkable career, one thing is clear: he has left an indelible mark on the automotive industry and continues to inspire generations of entrepreneurs and innovators.