Two things can be said about a 1975 Chevrolet Corvette, it was the last year for a C3 convertible and it represents a nadir in horsepower. That said, here’s a really sharp looking example, located in Miami, Florida and for sale here on eBay for a current bid of $8,968 (24 bids so far).

Convertibles were going away in the mid-seventies, whether it was a change in consumer tastes or concerns about Government-mandated rollover standards they were falling out of favor and more manufacturers were dropping them from their line-ups. What seems counter-intuitive is the fact that a ’75 Corvette convertible listed new for about $250 less than the corresponding coupe. Quite a difference from today’s significant price premiums paid just to enjoy a little wind in your hair.

With the ’75 Corvette, however, the elephant in the room was the engine’s output or lack of it. The standard 350 CI V8 engine eked out 165 net HP while the optional, same sized L82 version, was good for 205 net HP. How low is this? Well, it’s the second-lowest on Corvette record, only transcended by the ’53 & ’54 Corvette’s 150 gross HP, developed by the then-standard “Blue Flame” six-cylinder engine. It probably about lines up with the power of the 1955’s 265 CI V8 which was good for 195 gross HP in what was the Corvette’s inaugural V8 year. But by ’75, Corvette was about the driving experience and not the horsepower race of prior years. Fortunately, this ‘Vette has a four-speed manual transmission which will make top-down motoring more engaging. So, how’s it run? The seller claims, “runs and drives great, mechanically strong motor and transmission.”

This ‘Vette presents well and the saddle tan interior is a major part of the presentation, it appears to be in really sound condition. The seller allows little more than, “nice interior” but he does state that all of the gauges, including the clock, work. There are no signs of excessive wear, rips, fading or just general mung present anywhere.

Where the interior really works best is with the orange exterior finish. I know orange isn’t everyone’s first choice in color but I like it, especially on a Corvette of any generation. I have a good friend and car whisperer who has a 2008 Z06 in orange and it makes for a spectacular presentation. Same thing here. Well, maybe not spectacular, but I think it really boosts the attractiveness of the otherwise mundane ’75 outward design. The seller tells us that the paint is nice and shiny and the tan convertible top is nice too. There is no mention if this convertible has the optional removable hardtop so I’ll assume it doesn’t but that makes for a nice addition and a smart-looking body line when installed. One can be acquired from different sources if the new owner has a desire for it.

Comparatively speaking, ’75 Corvettes don’t get a lot of respect primarily for their “low-go” notoriety. If you are a first time Corvette acquirer however, this vintage can be an easy entry point to Corvette ownership due to their moderate value. And, ’75 or not, this ‘Vette has the preferred four-speed manual transmission and of course, the open-air feature. But wait, there’s more! This very clean example has only had 41,700 miles roll under it. While I have driven many C3 Corvettes, I have never owned one but I never rule out the possibility either. I am thinking this would be a good way to dip a toe and see how it goes. So, what do you think, yes, good entry point to Corvette world or hold out for a more desirable version?