Reader-Owned 1975 Corvettes
What makes a 1975 Corvette a 1975
1975 is the last convertible year until 1986, and the last year for the true dual exhaust as the catalytic converter arrived. The base 350 was down to 165 horsepower and the L82 option gave 205, the smallest numbers in Corvette history to that point. The headlight washer system was dropped. Cars from this part of the C3 run are often the best value in the hobby: the same body and the same feel, for a good deal less money.
Below are the 1975 cars that readers of Corvette-C3.com have sent in over the years, in the words of the people who own them. Click any photo to see it full size. If you own a 1975, send yours in and it will be added here.
Ken's 1975 Corvette
Here is the '75 L-82 automatic I purchased two months ago. It was repainted original silver with new exhaust and tires. It has silver vinyl interior, a/c, original am/fm and 55k original miles. I have replaced the original carpet and resprayed the seat inserts and it looks sweet. I could not find the build sheet anywhere and I am interested in seeing how unique the car is. I have not been able to find a silver on silver vinyl (coupe) anywhere.
Stuart's 1975 Corvette
It's a 1975 Convertible L-48, automatic with the original engine (109,000 miles)...and it has been "sweetened" a little:
New Comp Cam
Hypereutectic Speed Pro Pistons
Eagle Rods,
Bored 30 over
Holley 670 cfm Street Avenger
Holley Street Dominator Aluminum High Rise Intake,
MSD ignition
K&N filters
2 1/2" True Dual Exhaust with Flowmaster 40 Series mufflers
300 RWHP
I'm the 3rd owner (8 years ago). I completely refurbished the interior with new seat covers, wood trim, new carpet, new dash components and new top. After the engine modification, I chromed various parts of the engine and installed a new DeWitts Dual Core aluminum radiator.
Wheels are American Racing Torque Thrusts II. When I purchased it from the previous owner, it was a "plain jane" convertible with rally wheels and black wall tires. The interior was somewhat worn and needed refurbishing...but was still in decent shape; the engine was stock; tight but "needed some TLC".
Future plans: New paint (down to the fiberglass and start over); Overdrive automatic transmission; either Wilwood or Baer brakes; new aluminum heads (either Edlebrock of Dart)
I did the majority of the work myself over the past 4 years...and when I couldn't do something or couldn't fix it, I would pull out the SPECIAL tool...(the check book or credit card).
My car is both a prized show car and a DAILY DRIVER. I drive it in the sun, rain etc etc etc. The ONLY time I won't drive it is in the snow & ice.
David's 1975 Corvette
I got this corvette around October of '09. It was blue and the paint was rough. The engine only had 3446 actual miles on it but the valve seals were dried out. I fixed these problems and this is what I ended up with.
John's 1975 Corvette
Deb and I are totally enjoying this car and it was worth taking the time to find the right car. The car was in the guy's family for over 30 years and he has done a lot to it including a new top, centerline rims and a modified 350. I have the factory hardtop done in the same color as the car and also I have the original engine. The car is a 4 speed and puts a huge grin on our faces every time we go for a ride.
Binnie writes:
John is a frequent visitor of this site and I am very pleased to feature John and Deb's 1975 convertible. Like John says, they looked at a few C3 cars before they made the decision. By the look of this one, the right car obviously come along. The last year for the C3 convertible and a 4 speed to boot, it doesn't get much better than that. Congratulations John and Deb and thanks for including me in your decisions.
Tom A's 1975 Corvette
I just acquired this '75 in July of 2007. It came out of a barn 1 1/2 miles from my house! Ironically this is the set of plates I was handed off the top of the stack, when I registered my 75. They're morbid but I had to take em! Plate reads 'DYE 7444'. Update (Nov 24/08): A year and a half later and I've managed to do almost all the upgrades I pictured doing over 5 years including: complete power steering, brake, exhaust, fascias, paint and many interior improvements. I'm a carburetor and a new set of tires away from my 5 year goal! I did all the work myself and that is what made this progress possible. Can't wait for good weather. Some new pictures have been added below.
