From the early 1970s, General Motors had begun getting out of the convertible business. Growing safety concerns had put a dent in their sales. For example, when the mid-size Chevelle was redesigned in 1973, no drop-top would be included. Even though full-size Chevies wouldn’t be downsized until 1977, the Bowtie folks dropped the convertible two years early when it had only been available as the higher-end Caprice. This ’75 edition is one of just 8,349 convertibles built during the swan song year of the body style although the Cadillac Eldorado would be produced for one more year. And the Corvette drop-top would continue on. Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and apparently offered by a dealer, this open-air beauty is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $32,100.
Concerns were growing in Detroit in the ‘70s that the Federal Government would mandate a rollover-protection standard for convertibles that would make them obsolete. Chrysler was the first to react by killing the soft-tops on their pony cars in 1971. Ford followed suit when the first-generation Mustang was retired in 1973. The body style was quickly replaced by sunroofs, moonroofs, and T-tops to satisfy the remaining consumer demand.
When word got out that Chevy was going to drop the big soft-top, sales spiked to 8.349 units, up from 4,670 units the year before. It was a cheaper alternative to buying an Eldorado, which saw a similar rise in demand when it was discontinued the following year. The seller’s car looks to be a solid survivor at 80,000 miles. We’re told the body, floors, frame, and trunk are sound and the dark blue paint doesn’t have any “in your face” appearance issues. The offsetting white interior is original except that it’s wearing new carpeting as well as a new canvas top.
This Chevy has a 350 cubic inch V8 engine, which may be original, but no reference as such is made. It’s big enough to propel the car down the highway, but you won’t get whiplash getting the Caprice up to speed. The seller says that he/she is willing to Facetime with interested parties and more photos and videos are available upon request. If you’re looking for the last of Chevy’s drop-top land yachts, this one looks to be a nice option. Wire wheels and all!
I really like the deep blue – something different than the light blue and bright red that are the predominant colors iwe see in ths year.
The ‘wire basket’ wheels don’t offend – they’re just there, giving an extra splash of chrome. They represent a very 70’s vibe, for sure!
The replacement carpet is a shade deeper than original, but I wouldn’t stop me from buying…
Beautiful looking Chevy.. and it sold for $35,000 wow good for the seller. I hope the new owner enjoys open top on beautiful days Good luck . 🐻🇺🇸.
I’m astonished at the selling price! Chevy people are (how can I put this) nuts. A detuned 350, with no power and worse mileage, the scissors top (famous for its troubles), and 80k miles! I admit the color combo is sharp, and it’s in great shape and has AC, but $35k??
1976 was the last year of the full size Chevys, Russ.
Rumor I hear was that GM was running low on top mechanisms and reserved the entire remaining stock for Cadillac only for ’76 rather than finishing out the run of Chevy (and B-O-P) ragtops or placing another supplier order for what had been fading fast.
I think it is a beauty and were I a Chevy fan it would really yank my chain. The price is relevant. Considering many rust buckets sell for far more, what´s there to complain.
When I was in high school we had a four-door 75 Caprice in the same color, but with a blue interior. 350 with a four barrel, not fast but not slow either. Also had the upgraded suspension. Loved driving that car. As soon as I saw that convertible I was like I want that car. Beautiful car.
I don’t know, BillyRay, I had a 1975 Cadillac Eldorado convertible with the sissiors top. Never gave me any problems.
And the one on my 73 Buick Centurion gave me problems LITERALLY from the first day I got it—brand new, off the lot!! They never could get it right, so I dumped it and bought a Caprice.
Nice car for asking price it’s not even gold plated.
God Bless America
I have a 76 so definitely not the last year as 76 actually was
71-73 then 74-76 glasshouse
What does GM and the Chevrolet division have against front seat armrests???
I have a 1975 Caprice convertible here on the Gold Coast in Australia, i have rebuilt it pretty much all over plus rebuilt the 350 and gave it a fair bit more punch. The only problem is the scissor top it was damaged when it was in Honiara Solomon Islands where i purchased it from, convertible guys here tell me if i put the new hood on it will tear the back sides, so as our climate is pretty good i drive without the hood. She is Mauricios Red with jelly bean mags, i have owned her for 24 years.
The Appliance Basket spokes got me, I had them on my first car, and I have Superior Double baskets on my 73 Grand Prix with Vogue tires, love the look, but for that money a 454 and at least power windows and am/fm 8 track
Needs smaller wires, 13’s maybe a gold spinner?