Among the various GM A-Body offerings from the mid-seventies, the Chevrolet Laguna is one of the rarer models, and it doesn’t appear in the marketplace nearly as frequently as many of the others. These were also popular on the stock car racing circuit for a while, and one of the most famous examples was the ’74 Laguna S-3 featured in the car flick The Cannonball Run, which was inspired by Donnie Allison’s real-life Hawaiian Tropic racer. Football legend Terry Bradshaw and stuttering Country Music artist M-M-Mel Tillis were behind the wheel in the film, but unfortunately, it’s been quite some time since this 1974 Chevrolet Laguna S-3 here on Craigslist has seen any street action. Located in Yucca Valley, California, this project is priced at $3,300, and we’d like to thank reader Tony Primo for bringing it to our attention!
At first glance, it may not seem like there’s very much to get excited about here. However, once you get past the noticeable wear and tear on the body, I’m seeing what looks like mostly solid sheet metal to work with. The seller mentions that this Chevy was purchased from a 94-year-old in South Pasadena in 2007, and it’s been on California’s Planned Non-Operational status since then, so there’s a possibility that this one’s been in a climate favorable to preserving steel for decades. Several body repairs and panel smoothing will undoubtedly be required, but overall, this one doesn’t appear to be in a bad starting point on the outside.
Sometimes the downside to weather that’s good for metal preservation is that it also tends to bake the interior, which is what it looks like has happened here. Many of the inside components are well done, with the dash showing numerous cracks, and the front seats literally in tatters, along with the headliner. Some good news is that the front buckets swivel, adding both fun and function for both the driver and passenger, plus it’s nice to find that this one is also equipped with a console and floor shifter.
Engine sizes in ’74 were either a 350, 400, or even 454 cubic inches, with this one featuring a 350 with a 4-barrel. Unfortunately, the seller doesn’t include a photo from under the hood, and the small-block isn’t running. The engine is said to still turn by hand, so at least you can rest comfortably knowing it’s not locked up. There’s a lot of work to be done here, but for someone with a decent set of do-it-yourself skills, this one might make a worthwhile project. Is this 1974 Chevrolet Laguna S-3 one you’d be interested in bringing back to life?
My brother and I drug one of these with a 454 home back in 1980 to get the big block, tranny and seats out of.Unfortunately we chose to do this in my mom’s 1 car garage while she was at work and we didn’t get done by the time she got home. Needless to say she wasn’t very happy about the state of her garage floor, our clothes or the greasy footprints on her dining room floor. I can close my eyes and still see that vein throbbing in her forehead and remember the sting of that dang hot wheels track on my butt!! Oh to be a teenager again lol
That looks like a Camaro steering wheel, I’ve never seen one of those on a Malibu. Of course, it could be an option that I’m not aware of. If the seller is negotiable, he will eventually find a buyer.
That steering wheel was standard on the 1974-76 Laguna S-3s. It also appeared in the Vega, Camaro, Nova, and 1976 Corvette. Problem is you’d get upside down on this pretty quickly. Paint and bodywork alone would be over 10k, and they you’d have to do the interior, engine rebuild, transmission rebuild, suspension rebuild, tires, brakes, fuel system, etc.
You’d have 30k into this before you could barely even blink. It would be nice if you did it right, but there’s no way you could economically justify it.
Part of the S-3 equipment package. Also on Vega GT, Monza 2+2.
Monza, yes! I forgot about that car.
From the left-front photo, it resembles a Chrysler Cordoba!
Colorado body used up. I kind of like the front end body style. (Minus the park bench rear bumper) And the seats are an interesting option you don’t see very often. But overall it does nothing for me. Someone else may have a go at it. But it won’t be me.
boy she really needs a lot here. you be 50k before you could blink. real shame as these are really cool when they are nice
Only thing cool about this is the swivel seats ……so you can get away from the toasted interior quick !
The Camaro style steering wheel was standard on the Laguna S-3 .
The 1974 Chevelle was the ugliest Chevelle ever built, but the Laguna front end treatment helped. Still had the hideous rear bumper and tail lamps though.
Just my two cents…