The Laguna S-3 was introduced in 1974 as the successor to the Chevelle Super Sport. As the new Colonnade styling arrived in 1973, performance was becoming a thing of the past. Rising insurance premiums and growing government regulations were taking the muscle out of muscle cars. As such, the Laguna S-3 looked faster than it probably was. This ’75 edition is said to be a one-owner car, but that claim goes to the party he/she bought it from. And it looks to have been sitting for a while, waiting on Mother Nature to have her way. Based on a tip brought to us by Chuck Foster, this non-running Chevy is in Ardmore, Oklahoma, and is available here on craigslist for $6,000.
Most of the S-3s you see have white paint with red stripes, this car is finished in black with silver stripes, and a matching black interior. Visually, the S-3 models differed from other Chevelles by their aerodynamic, slanted, body-colored nose, bumper, and intricate pattern grille. Engine choices included two versions of the 350 cubic inch V8 (145 or 155 hp depending on carburetion), a 175 hp 400 V8, and an anemic 454 that produced just 215 hp. The seller does not refer to which one of these is in the car, but a 350 would be likely paired with a Turbo-Hydramatic transmission.
The S-3 didn’t impress buyers very much in its three years as sales numbers aren’t overwhelming: 22,000 in 1974, just under 7,000 in 1975, and 9,000 in 1976. Although the Colonnade body ran for one more year in 1977, the Laguna S-3 did not. Since these cars were produced in much smaller numbers than the Super Sports of old, you don’t see that many turn up at car shows today. Also, that may be because they weren’t anything like the Chevelle SS 396s that proceeded them.
We don’t get much in the way of details or photos about the seller’s car. It had one prior owner, original paperwork follows the automobile, and it doesn’t run and hasn’t since the seller took possession. So, it sits on a tree-covered property waiting for someone to save it before time and the Earth begins to consume it. So, far, it looks as though the Chevy is winning, but not by much.
Neighbor had a tattered one of these that he absolutely treasured, and was always just around the corner of starting in on its restoration. Even with its 455, I failed to see what he saw in it. The different types it takes to make the world go around are what make it great…
454… Not a 455 which is a Pontiac engine.
So what was in my Olds W-30?
These cars were so fast aerodynamically on the NASCAR circuit….it was the only car in those years NASCAR officials required use of a restrictor plate on. Regardless, Cale Yarborough still won 2 driving championships in 3 years driving a Laguna S-3. Had a ’73 Chevelle Malibu which were very similar.
I had a 1976 I think and it was black with gold stripes. I had swivel bucket seats that were awesome.
The front clip and interior would find their way onto an El Camino of similar vintage without doubt
i agree.. if the 4 gen camino looks great with the S-3 nose. i almost bought one a couple of years ago but the guy sold it for $150 more to a guy as i was on my way to his house with cash. I was pretty pissed to say the least.
6k for a non runner 75 s3 seems higher than market for this
But the entire front including doors as well as dash console and swivel bucket will transplant to any el Camino 74-77 I did one loooong ago
Why would anyone ruin a Laguna to make an El Camino look like one ?!
I can see if the body of the Laguna is rotted out or wrecked..
Its like how some too many people still smoke ‘reds’ and drink soda..
‘heres your sign’
eyes roll
Ive been seeking one like this !..
THANK YOU Barn Finds =)
The colonnade front ends if you include the doors are pretty interchangeable I have put an s 3 a Grand Prix and a Monte Carlo front on el Camino s with very little extra body work
All the cars I took the noses off were hit hard in the rear and just super cheap parts in the 80’s
ahhh, good to hear and thank you for the good attitude follow up !
Please pardon my tude, im quicker to get cranky these dayz.
So, i tried to buy this car like 5 times :/
The owner passed, and his daughter was selling. Bless her heart she was not quite up to the task, and quite fearfull of all the low life scammers. The terms of the sale were unclear and changing.
The good news is the car was always kept indoors until his passing and then disgracefully put out on the lawn. It was is exceptional condition actually and if i recollect correct has a factory sun roof.
Rare color combo too.
If anyone knows what happened to this car, PLEASE update here; and if you wanna sell it, i wanna buy it.