INTRODUCTION: This is a real #s-matching W-30 in its factory
colors, one of only 171 W-30 Sport Coupes built, with even fewer
equipped with the desirable 4-speed. It has just 41,800 actual
miles and has been with the same owner since 1975, who happens to
be my wife's cousin, so I've known this car for nearly 40 years.
What makes it truly special is its authentic Day 2 modifications,
installed during the muscle car era, giving it a genuine 1970s
street machine personality that simply can't be replicated. It even
has vintage pictures including at the World of Wheels, making this
an incredibly rare W-30 with an authentic story to tell.
EXTERIOR: Finished in its factory Crimson Red, this W-30 has the
authentic look of a true survivor. The door jambs and the hood
still wear their original paint, while the exterior was
professionally repainted about 30 years ago and still presents very
well with a nice shine, showing a few age related imperfections.
The stripes on the hood are original and the vintage hand painted
pinstripe adds to its genuine Day 2 character. The rare Sport Coupe
post body is solid, and the doors close with the reassuring feel of
a new car. It retains all of its original glass, including the
windshield, along with the original weatherstrips- great evidence
of its low mile authenticity. The chrome and trim show very well,
while the sparkling Cragar wheels perfectly capture the era.
They're wrapped with reproduction Wide Oval tires up front and
extra-wide Firestone Parnelli Jones tires in back, giving the car
the unmistakable stance of a 1970s street machine.
INTERIOR: It is an exceptionally well preserved original that
beautifully captures the spirit of the era, complemented by a few
tasteful period correct upgrades. The mint condition dash houses
the factory Rallye gauges, including the desirable Tic-Toc-Tach,
while the odometer reads just 41,791 actual miles. For a true 1970s
performance car feel, it features a vintage Craig 8-track player,
Craig door speakers, and the iconic "Mind Blower" rear shelf
speakers with chrome grilles. Mounted below the dash is a vintage
Stewart-Warner auxiliary gauge cluster, while a Sun Super Tach and
matching Sun oil pressure gauge are attached to the steering
column. The original steering wheel shows very little wear, the
carpet is in excellent condition, and the legendary Hurst 442
shifter rises proudly from the console. The original white seat
upholstery and door panels have been beautifully preserved, giving
the cabin an authentic, well-cared-for appearance. Overhead, the
original headliner, sun visors, and rearview mirror remain in
excellent condition, completing a remarkably original and highly
nostalgic interior.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: Under the hood is the car's original born with,
VIN #:matching W-30 engine, making it especially desirable to
collectors. It retains the correct and highly sought after "D"
cylinder heads, while benefiting from several period performance
upgrades. Back in the '70s, the engine was given an additional
150hp including port-matching the heads, installing a radical
Crower camshaft, and having the rotating assembly precision
balanced. Along with a Torker 455 aluminum intake topped with a
dual feed Holley carburetor, and it uses an Accel coil and a set of
headers. The engine compartment has also been dressed with classic
day-two performance accessories, including M/T finned aluminum
valve covers, braided hoses and wire looms, chrome pulleys, a
chrome radiator cover, chrome hinges, and a chrome master cylinder
cap. It also features remote mounted oil and fuel filters for added
convenience. The original red inner fenders with their original air
induction holes and scoops were painted with trunk spatter, a
custom touch the owner thought looked cool at the time. As a neat
period touch, the underside of the hood includes the removable
mirror and velour inserts that could be installed at car shows to
display the engine compartment. It's old-school cool!
TRUNK COMPARTMENT: It is a true blast from the past and captures
the custom styling trends of the 1970s. It's fully upholstered in
button tufted red velour, complete with wood sliding storage doors.
Whether you love the nostalgic vibe or prefer a stock appearance,
you have options. Remove the custom upholstery, and you'll discover
how well this car has been preserved. The jamb is original along
with the original weatherstrip still in place. Inside the trunk,
the factory spatter paint was well preserved by the velour.
UNDERSIDE: The body has never been off the frame, preserving its
integrity, and the original floors are absolutely pristine, showing
exceptionally clean, rust-free factory metal. Back in the day it
was cool to paint the frame and chassis in white, and that's
exactly what was done to this one. Adding to the vintage muscle car
flair are a chrome plated transmission crossmember, custom chrome
ladder bars, and a chrome rear end cover. It also features boxed
rear control arms for added strength and improved traction. The
fuel tank has been chromed and the brake system has been recently
rebuilt, and the emergency brake is hooked up. A great sounding
dual exhaust dumps beneath the car, producing an unmistakable
muscle car rumble. Looking up at the engine, everything is clean
and orderly. It features a chrome scatter shield, it's original #s
matching Muncie 4-speed manual transmission, and the 12-bolt rear
end with 3.73 gears.
SERVICE: We take pride in our cars and our reputation. Every
vehicle goes through our service department where it is inspected,
test driven, and we address the essentials before offering it for
sale.
CONCLUSION: The big question is: do you restore it back to factory
stock and have one of the rarest, most desirable W-30s around, or
do you embrace its genuine day two heritage? These aren't recently
added bolt-ons, they're authentic period modifications installed
when the car was still young, with great documentation to help tell
its story. It's a true time capsule from the golden era of American
muscle, capturing exactly how enthusiasts personalized and enjoyed
these cars back in the day. That history is just as special as the
car itself.
Vehicles are displayed in a museum setting. Admission applies
without an appointment and is refunded with purchase, including a
one-year museum membership.
815-385-3644 (9-5 Central)
[email protected] - Prompt responses
W-30 performance
3.73 12 bolt posi
Rallye gauges
Tic toc tachometer
Vintage gauges
Craig stereo system
White stripes
Cragar wheels
Reproduction tires
Vintage pictures
