If you were around in 1975, you may remember that was the year that catalytic converters were added to all new cars. That required unleaded gasoline to become more plentiful and our neighborhood station added a third pump to accommodate it. This 1975 Chevy Camaro Type LT would have had one, but it may be gone now as the engine has been reworked. The car presents as a project that has stalled and will require someone else to finish it. Located on a lift in Orient, Ohio, this Chevy is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $6,000. Kudos to Barn Finder “Ted” on this tip!
The second generation of the Camaro was in its sixth year of production in 1975 when they finally improved rearward visibility for the driver. That came in the form of a wraparound rear window, reminiscent of the mid-1960s Corvettes. Passengers may have noticed they had a little less legwork as the floors were raised slightly to accommodate those new catalytic converters which were part of the exhaust system. Overall Camaro sales were down about three percent to 145,000 and about one-quarter of the demand was for the snappier Type LT, only available with a V8 engine.
Only two V8s were offered in 1975, both 350 cubic inches in displacement. Assuming the engine in this Chevy is original, it has had some bling added to it, along with a new timing chain, oil pump, radiator, and exhaust (bye-bye catalytic?). Also, the brakes and suspension have been redone (just the front? What about the rear?). The mileage is 126,000, so it’s time for stuff like that to start getting worn.
No mention is made of rust, and the blue paint looks pretty tired. Part of the front clip is disassembled, and we assume it’s all there to put back together. The seller says there is a new interior, but it will need to be installed. We don’t know if the car runs in its current state or if more work other than reassembly is needed. The wheels appear to be aftermarket with tires that may or may not be up to the job. If you like unfinished projects, how does this Camaro sound?
My dad had the Catalytic Converter removed from our 76 Malibu Classic’s (California)350 in 1979, just couldn’t get it to run good. We’d moved to Alabama by then so emissions was never an Ish-yew. Served as a great second car until 1992 with nearly 200,000 miles. Getting a base decal required a NC “Safety Inspection” the Inspector asked me if I knew the Catalytic Converter was missing, didn’t pass of course, that and the illegal in NC window tint. Sold her for $200 to a Marine who needed cheap wheels.
The government banned fireplaces in new construction around here, seems like they don’t consider wood to be as clean burning as you.
Reread my comment, I said on a 50 year old car that’s likely going to limited use it’s not a bid deal.
Steve R
My first comment was intended to be a response to Steve R, and not Curt. Also, I am 76 years old and I most certainly don’t recall the air quality as being any worse.
Oldrodder, that what I figured.
Steve R
Wonder what happened to that convertor? Hope its still included in the sale.