The challenge for some buyers is to locate a classic that has been sheltered from the worst that Mother Nature can throw at it. That minimizes the chances of rust or UV damage, and such cars are out there if the buyer is patient. This 1975 Corvette Convertible is a perfect example of the breed. The seller claims it only sees active service during summer and fall, spending the colder months shielded from snow and salt in a warm and dry garage. It presents well, comes with both factory tops, and its only identified issue is non-urgent and could be addressed at the new owner’s leisure. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this beauty.
Chevrolet continued its practice in 1975 by offering Corvette buyers a choice of ten paint shades. The Dark Red gracing this car’s flanks was chosen by 3,342 buyers, representing an 8.7% take-up rate. That figure falls far short of the 8,007 people who selected Classic White but proved more popular than the 1,268 buyers who ticked the box beside Steel Blue. The seller describes this Corvette’s condition as “excellent,” and it is hard to argue with that assessment. The paint holds a mirror shine, and if there are defects, they aren’t visible in the supplied photos. I must say that the seller has done themselves no favors on that front. I remain amazed that people continue to take vehicle shots in “portrait” mode. Cars are typically longer than they are high, and landscape photos seem a no-brainer to me. They offer a greater opportunity for more detail, and this seller missed the boat there. The fiberglass is in good order, and if this classic has lived the life claimed, there should be no problems with rust in the frame or birdcage. The Saddle soft-top is in good order, and the seller includes a color-matched factory hardtop for added protection. The glass is crystal clear, and this gem rolls on spotless Rally wheels.
The 1975 model year marked a low point in the C3’s production life, with engine outputs at an all-time low. The 350ci V8 under this hood produces 165hp and 225 ft/lbs of torque. The first owner selected a four-speed manual transmission and power brakes, but it appears they passed on steering assistance. Outright performance is all you might expect, with the ¼-mile journey taking a fairly pedestrian 17.2 seconds. Keeping the foot to the floor will reward the driver with a top speed of 108mph, confirming the ’75 Corvette was a triumph of style over substance. The seller doesn’t merely shortchange themselves with their photos because they supply no information on how this classic runs or drives. The visual indications are positive, but I’d ask questions before committing my funds to this purchase.
The first owner chose a fascinating selection of factory options when ordering this Corvette. They selected Saddle leather trim, air conditioning, a tilt/telescopic wheel, and an AM/FM radio. The combination doesn’t sound extraordinary, but I find the lack of power windows an interesting omission in that context. The seller states the A/C is inoperative, but the remaining features work as they should. Someone fitted what appears to be a Hurst shifter, but that is the only visible change. The overall presentation is consistent with a high-end driver. There is no significant wear, damage, or signs of abuse. The new owner would feel no shame if they hit the road with the top down.
The seller has listed this 1975 Corvette Convertible here on Craigslist in Barrington, New Hampshire. It is a turnkey proposition with a price of $26,000, which appears slightly optimistic compared to recent sales results. However, the figure is unprecedented, especially considering its history and overall condition. These cars remain strong performers in the market, and I would be unsurprised if it found a new home fairly quickly. Would you?
Great colors!
Great colors and a hard top roof,what more can you ask for? Looks great but I would have to view it from the under side.
A great looking car and a decent price. If it checks out in person I’d knock a grand off for general principles and a couple grand off for non-working A/C.
And, if you are going to drag race that dog, pack a lunch…you’ll have time to eat your sammich on the run.
Better check that windshield frame and bird cage. Broken ac knock off at least $2,000 to repair properly. Likely needs drier, evaporator, compressor rebuilt. R134 will not work properly. Ask me how I know. Plenty of R12 still for sale.
With the total lack of rationality around any clean example such as this, I agree with ruxvette. The 4-speed, hard top, and color combination make this a winner in the C3 category. I am forced to call out the seller for not taking care of the AC, or having someone get it to a shop for them. They will recoup anything spent on repairs at their asking price and save themselves from dealing with the hagglers.
“I agree with ruxvette”. May I have my wife contact you?
Gold!!
No power steering is an odd choice
Add another to the “I approve” list. First comment I was going to make was that I love this color combo, and am glad to see a lot of commenters agree.
Most people won’t give a ’75 Vette a second glance, but this one – the color, convertible, 4 speed, condition – has the right stuff.
It’s good to see vettes of this era some inkling of consideration these days. Maybe with time I’ll be able to forgive GM for strangling America’s sports car for over a decade especially when you see a specimen like this car. One thing about it you’ll never be asked. What car is this? And that’s saying something . Just think what another 50 horses would have done for this car then maybe 25k may not seem a little unreasonable.
GM didn’t ruin the Corvette on their own. I believe they did the best they could responding to the Feds and the insurance companies. Remember, the car never lost its appeal during that period and compare it to the other choices available then.
Coat that wimpy 350 inside and out with cosmolene and park it in the shop, drop in a 383 stroker and WHALA ! you now have a beautiful Corvette that runs like a vette was meant to ! Gorgeous car though…
My first Corvette was a ’75 coupe, 4 speed, with most of the options. I really liked that car, even though it wasn’t a 400hp monster, I thought it was pretty quick and fun to drive. Eventually I installed a ZZ4 crate motor, it was even MORE fun to drive after that. I miss that car sometimes, but you can’t keep them all.