Incredible ONE OWNER car bought new in November 1975. 61,934 original miles, cold A/C, strong-running 100% stock L48, leather seats. Documented car that has been loved for more than 40 years by the same Corvette enthusiast. Awesome!
This handsome 'Vette wears a fresh repaint in its original code 13 Silver paint and it looks absolutely fantastic. Whomever did the paint work knew what they were doing, because it suits a survivor, looking very much like the guys at St. Louis would have done it. In fact, the only tip-off that it’s not original paint is the fact that the front and rear bumpers actually match the bodywork, something that the factory always struggled to achieve. There’s a fantastic shine that’s probably better than the original enamel and as an original car with no issues, there was no need for full disassembly, so everything fits together extremely well. The doors slam with that reassuring Corvette THUNK and the T-tops snap into place and seal up well, more evidence of a car that’s lived in a sheltered environment. I’m not saying this car is perfect, but it’s pretty hard to find any notable demerits beyond a few signs of use over the past 40 years.
The interior is code 152 Smoked Gray leather, and while the seat covers were replaced a few years ago, the rest appears to be in excellent original condition. Factory carpets and door panels look remarkably fresh and obviously the seats remain comfortable for all-day cruising. There’s a good options list on this car, including ice cold A/C, power windows, tilt/telescope steering column, rear window defroster, and an AM/FM stereo radio, which is still in place and fully operational. Things like the dash pad, center console, and neat little pouch in place of the glove box all remain in fantastic shape. Nice embroidered floor mats protect the carpets and there’s a lambskin mat in the cargo bay.
Obviously, as a 62,000-mile original car, this one is still carrying its numbers-matching L48 350 cubic inch V8 engine. Torquey and smooth, it’s fun to drive and makes great V8 noises. Better yet, it’s virtually indestructible and as a small-block Chevy, there are thousands of horsepower upgrades available if stock isn’t to your liking. It’s been properly maintained its entire life and aside from an R134a refrigerant upgrade to the A/C, it remains completely stock. There’s a Rochester 4-barrel carburetor under the original air cleaner, cast iron “ram’s horn” exhaust manifolds, and even the original ignition shielding is in place. Obviously it’s never been driven in inclement weather so it’s very clean, although a set of shiny finned valve covers dress things up a bit. It starts quickly and easily, although it’s a little grumpy for the first minute or so but then smooths out and gets with the program. On the road, it’s plenty torquey and moves the lightweight ‘Vette without working too hard, and I think you’ll find that for most situations, it’s still plenty quick. Plus things like power steering and brakes make it easy to handle in city traffic without breaking a sweat.
Underneath, it’s as clean as you’d expect from a car that’s never seen snow and rarely rain. The TH350 3-speed automatic transmission was standard equipment in 1976 and it does its job unobtrusively, allowing you to focus on the driving. It’s happy to drop down a gear to put the L48 in the fat part of its power curve and with that behind you, this is a very entertaining machine for point-and-shoot driving. The brakes are powerful, the exhaust is recent and a little throatier than the original, and those shiny chrome American Racing mags were installed days after it got home from the dealership back in 1975.
Documented with the original window sticker (which indicates that this car was going to a GM employee) and bill of sale from the selling dealer, plus manuals and other paperwork, this is a great opportunity to own one of those cars that has always been cherished. Never a beater or neglected because something newer and faster came along, just a clean C3 with an awesome pedigree and an even more attractive price. Call today!
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
