The 1975 model year was the last time you could buy a new Corvette as a convertible – until 1986. And it was the first time in ages that only one engine displacement was offered, the venerable 350 cubic inch V8. The times were a-changin’ and the Corvette changed with it. In one of the rarest color combinations offered in ’75, this Bright Green ‘Vette is quite attractive and located in Santa Maria, California. It’s offered here on craigslist for $38,900 and – since the seller says he/she isn’t anxious to sell – that price is firm. We appreciate T.J.’s efforts in bringing tips like this our way.
Even though gas prices had risen dramatically over the past year (by 1974 standards), Corvette sales continued to be strong at 38,465 units, the convertible continued to decline at just 4,629 copies in 1975. When you factor that into the Corvette’s second-least ordered color and Saddle leather interior, the seller says only 64 such drop-tops emerged that year. And catalytic converters were deployed for the first time as the use of unleaded fuel was growing rapidly. And 1975 would be the last year that the so-called “Father of the Corvette,” Zora Arkus-Duntov, was with the company.
According to the seller, this Chevy is original except for a professional repeat in 2016. And that the wheels were changed for aluminum ones from the 1976-82 era of Corvettes and a steering wheel like the one used in 1980-82. It all adds up to a very nice sports car that may only have 26,400 miles. The 350 V8 runs well with its automatic transmission and the engine compartment is nice and tidy with no known performance upgrades.
This one checks a lot of boxes, especially if you were looking for a nice C3 convertible. Drop-tops are become unpopular in the 1970s, leading most U.S. automakers to drop them from the foster. And that included the Corvette, which is surprising since it wasn’t your run-of-the-mill family car. The seller says the Hagerty resale value for a car like this is $41,618, so you could save $2,718 by taking this one home.
Looks nice, but 38 large for a smog era “vette with a cat?? The Barrett Jackson syndrome. Good luck.
Cheers
GPC
2 versions of the 350 in 75, L48 & L 82. This car seems to be L82 due to open air cleaner for cowl induction. Cowl had a vacuum flap.
L48 engine because it has plain valve covers. Both engines had the cowl induction style air intake
Back in my naughty days I may have absconded with a dark green over tan 4sp convertible Vette, ahh the days of being young and dumb
Very original looking, well cared for, excellent condition. This car is a keeper, even though it is overpriced, keep in mind that you couldn’t build a car like this for $38K. Not at all fond of that green paint though, even if it is rare….maybe that is why it is rare.
Wonder what the least ordered color was.
Nice car and I do like the color combination. However, I’ve never been a fan of assigning a high value to a vehicle based on the rarity of color alone.
My 89 C4 convertible is one of 54, as they dropped my color of grey early in the year, and replaced it with a different grey. Mine has 74k on it, and that should make it worth 5 or 6 times it’s new cost.
But alas, no, it’s just another C4. Similar redheaded step child to this 75.
Don’t mean to be rude, but it’s a good thing the seller isn’t in a hurry.
To Jim Andrews. That air cleaner was used on all 73 to 75 Corvettes only. It was fed air from the cowl when a solenoid opened up under hard acceleration. I own a 73 coupe. An L82 engine would have aluminum finned rocker covets, not painted stamped steel as on this 75.
It might be better to have that cooler-air-to-carb flap open all the time, possibly helpful in reducing/eliminating engine ping going uphill at part throttle, & possibly allowing you to use a much less expensive lower octane gas!
Nice car but overpriced 10k imo
Big mistake trying to get Hagerty money for any Corvette, especially a C3. They are very overpriced, and most people know it.
All your Corvette are belong to us.
I thought the cat converter was supposed to eliminate the air pump, even in Calif, in the mid to late ’70s – at least.
This has factory HEI – so why still the chrome ignition shield at the cowl?
I had a 75 convertible. It was red with tan leather. Both tops. The windows fit with both tops. Factory air, ps pb. No smog equipment at all. No cats, air pump, it had been built with 9.5 compression, a good hydraulic cam, alum intake and Holley. 4 speed with 3:36.
Now I live in the south eastern US, and you could get away with this then, and as far as I know you still can in most areas. May be technically illegal, but zero enforcement. I had to sell that car due to some business issues, but I sure did like it. I’d had a 69 350/350 convertible and a 71 T top 454 4 speed. The 75 may have been the best of the three.