When a person decides to enter the world of classic car ownership, the list of choices that they will need to make is enormous. Do they tackle a project build, or should they plump for a turn-key vehicle? This 1975 Corvette fits into the latter category, and its overall condition and color should allow it to turn heads. Adding to its appeal is that the engine bay houses the most powerful engine offered by Chevrolet in that model year. If this sounds too tempting to resist, you will find the Corvette located in Lords Valley, Pennsylvania, and listed for sale here on Barn Finds Classifieds. The owner has set the sale price of this ‘Vette at $22,300.
This Corvette is 1-of-3,342 cars to roll off the production line in 1975 wearing the attractive shade of Dark Red. With a production total of 38,645 Corvettes for that model year, that represents a take-up rate of around 8.7% It is a classy color that adds a refined touch to the car’s appearance, and this paint is in pretty respectable condition for its age. There is no evidence of any significant flaws, although the owner candidly admits there are a few marks that a more discerning owner might want to address in their quest for perfection. It shines beautifully and should turn heads wherever it goes. Potential buyers can gain an accurate insight into the Corvette’s condition because the owner mainly uses it for car shows at present. You don’t do that with a car that is tired and weather-beaten. The vehicle is structurally sound, and the fiberglass has avoided developing any visible cracking or problems. The distinctive alloy wheels are in good order, and this Chevy looks ready to head to its next car show or out onto the open road for a spot of relaxed cruising.
When we turn our attention to the inside of the Corvette, we find an interior trimmed in Dark Red vinyl. Once again, there’s a lot to like here and not a lot of which to be critical. The owner admits that it would benefit from new weather stripping. The original has dried out, and replacing it would reduce wind noise and the possibility of water entering what is a nicely preserved interior. The plastic components and dash are in good condition, with no signs of any cracks or breaks. The seats, door trims, carpet, and pad all present well. The owner has fitted what appears to be a Grant wheel, while the original radio has made way for a CD player. Typical of this latter update, a CD player is never a perfect fit in a Corvette of this era. However, that shouldn’t present a massive challenge for the buyer. Spending around $50 on an adaptor surround can make a huge difference, and fitting one of these takes about an hour. Otherwise, there’s nothing that this interior needs. The owner has managed to obtain a set of factory floor mats in their original 1975-dated box as a bonus. He includes these plus some additional goodies in the sale.
Lifting the Corvette’s hood reveals a 350ci V8 that is backed by a 3-speed Hydramatic transmission. This motor is the L82 version, so it brings 205hp to the table. That made it the most potent offering in Chevrolet’s Corvette arsenal for that model year, and when combined with other engineering upgrades, made the model a comfortable long-distance cruiser. The owner has recently treated the brakes to some attention. As well as new pads, he has fitted new calipers and new brake lines. The vehicle also rolls on a fresh set of tires. The engine and transmission are in excellent order, and a recent tune-up means that this Corvette is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.
There’s no doubt that by 1975, the Corvette was not as hard-edged as it had been only a few years earlier. However, it had become a more refined and sure-footed package that was easier to live with as a daily driver. That is what the current owner is offering with this classic, and the person who accepts that offer will be able to slip behind the wheel of a vehicle with classic good looks and the promise of years of motoring pleasure. The classic ownership experience is supposed to be about relaxing and enjoying your pride and joy, which is what this Corvette is promising. That is why it deserves a closer look.
Sharp looking C3. I love the color. Any thoughts on the white headlights?
Looks like the headlights are broke so he added a different color to offset all the Red.
Hard to tell from that image. Those are fibreglass from the factory. The red covers are steel.
1975 was the beginning of the malaise period of auto manufacturing. It was the first year of mandatory unleaded-only and cat-equipped cars, and existing engines were detuned and “smogged” so they could still run, if barely.. At least this car doesn’t have the 85 mph speedometer, as all cars would starting in ’76.
I remember the 85 MPH speedos. I bought a new 76 Vette and it went to 160 on the numbers. I kicked it in after the 500 mile break in period. It sling shotted to 120 in a few seconds. Took about another 3 miles to climb to 127. I let off the pedal feeling that was the best it would do.
A ton of money.
Totally agree with you, Mike.
Here is one that is even worse: a ’75, non-L82 for $25K!
https://www.auto-wholesalers.com/details/used-1975-chevrolet-corvette/77101879
This car is owned by a guy that lives just down the street from me. He hardly ever drove it and had a For Sale sign on it for about a week. Before I could stop to take a look, it ended up on consignment at this dealership.
It’s a nice looking car, but not worth that much. And, that ad is terrible, hardly any unformation, and no interior shots a all!
Did all L-82 engines have finned aluminum valve covers? My 1979 L-82 had them. IIRC, they had black paint also.
Ike,
I have a 79 and yes my valve covers are the same. I’m not sure if it is all L-82’s but looks pretty sharp.
Tim- “Same” as in finned and painted black in some areas or as shown in this writeup? I’m sorry I tossed my NCRS stuff that related to C3’s when I bought my first C4. Thanks
It looks like a nice at about 12k
I am suspicious of the L82 claim . Not dressed properly , no insignia and no tach photo
In his ad he has the VIN listed , fifth character is a “J” which corresponds to the base engine, L48, for 1975, had it been “T” then it would have been the L82. So unless a swap has occurred the seller may have been misinformed when he bought the car as to what engine was in it. Sorry but this car, from the pictures posted in his ad does not strike me as any kind of show car, the interior looks rather lacking as far as being clean as does the underhood area. This car if one is interested needs a visual inspection by someone familiar with C3’s and all their idiosyncrasies.
As stated way too often by me, anybody even half-way serious about a Corvette purchase who doesn’t spend the cash to join NCRS and buy the applicable Judging Manual/Guide for the model they are considering is making a huge (And maybe costly) mistake. $50 to join and $44.95 for the Judging Guide covering the 1975.
Sound alike solid advice Ike. Thank you
Dreaming. $22K can buy a clean chrome-bumper car or a pristine rubber-bumper car. He’s fishing for a sucker. It’s a decent $12-13K car at best.
OK, thought the title was TurKey Classic.
Crazy price, plenty of C3 Vette’s at least this nice and likely more desirable for $8000.
Ike, Sorry I was not clear enough. Yes mine are black and finned and look a lot better than the orange stock basic looking ones above. Best I can tell, Buyer Beware.
@Tim-No worries. I thought we were on the same page. Just wanted to check. I had a 1976 and 1979 prior to diving into the C4 pool. My 1979 was a hot and a half! L-82, M21 4-speed, FE-7 suspension with 3.70 rear end. No AC and crank windows. Silver with blue leather. All of the emissions stuff (AIR pump, cat converter, belts and hoses came in a cardboard box and stayed in the cardboard box. That car must have been all she wrote back in 1979.
I live 10 minutes from this L48 car. It is not an L82, which was 205 hp in 75. I have a 73 coupe in far better shape than this car and paid $10,000. I took my wife for a 50 mile ride up Rt 97 in nearby NY yesterday. Car ran perfectly on a steady diet of 90 octane ethanol free I use. Temp gauge at 185 degrees on a hot day. Gee, guess I should ask $25,000 for my car.
George , Rte. 97, over the Hawks Nest ? Nice road when the traffic is light, enjoyed it many times in my Corvette and on the Harley too. I lived in Cochecton Center and for a early Sunday “Mental Health” ride I’d take the Corvette or the Harley for a ride to Hancock , turn around and head down to Port Jervis, The Best was when I’d catch sight of a Bald Eagle circling down by Roebling Bridge looking for a tasty meal where the Lackawaxen empties into the Delaware.
I can not bring my self to call 205 HP as potent. Although a couple years later the HP was even less in the Corvette.
In my opinion this car is at least $10,000 overpriced. Way too many nicer ones out there for half the money. Again, just my opinion.
What’s with the white headlight mounts (or whatever they’re called)??