Fuel for Thought

Fuel For Thought catalytic converter eliminated a true dual exhaust system Zora Arkus-Duntov retired as chief engineer first year for HEI ignition first year for electronic tachometer L82 engine cost an additional $336.00 required no-lead fuel

Specifications

Number built – total production – 33,836 coupes/ 4,629 convertibles Construction – fiberglass body-on-frame Engine – 350 cubic-inch V8 Power/Torque – 350 cubic-inch V8, 165 horsepower, 255 lb-ft torque, 205horsepower, 255 lb-ft torque Transmission – wide ratio four-speed manual (M20), close ratio four-speed manual (M21) and three speed automatic (M40) Suspension front – unequal length A-arms with coil springs, tubular shocks and anti-roll bar Suspension rear – independent, fixed differential, transverse multi-leaf springs Steering – recirculating ball; 2.92 turns lock to lock Brakes – 11.75 inch front and rear disc brakes Length/width/height – 184.6/69.2/47.8 inches Wheelbase – 98.0 inches Weight – 3,532 lbs. 0-60mph/quarter mile – 7.7 seconds/ seconds at mph (Car and Driver, May 1975) Top speed – 129 mph Est. MPG – 13-15 mpg (Motor Trend, January 1973) Price – $6,810 (coupe); $6,550 (convertible) MSRP,Today – $ XXX

Insurance cost Insurance cost is per year for a 1975 Corvette valued at $. This is based on 3,000 miles per year of pleasure driving.

*Based on a quote from Heacock Classic Car Insurance, www.heacockclassic.com

Engine – The 350 cubic-inch small block heritage has been around since 1955. Chevrolet’s engineers worked to improve on its foundation for the hot rodders dream engine combining great performance at a low price. The base L-48 engine gave more than adequate performance well and the L-82 took performance up a few notches.

Handling – The 1975 Corvette combined a tight suspension with its short wheelbase to provide excellent handling characteristics for a car that was not considered a lightweight. Front to rear weight ratio was nearly 50/50. The downside was a choppy ride on rough roads.

Alternative

1975 Pontiac Trans Am

Number built – 27,274 0-60/quarter mile – 9.8 seconds, 16.75 seconds at 84.98 mph Top speed – 115 mph Est. Price – MSRP – $4,740; Today – $XXX - $XXX

Alternative

1975 Bricklin Number built – 2,100 0-60/quarter mile – 9.41 seconds, 16.35 seconds at 86.57 mph Top speed –115 mph Est. Price – MSRP – $6,810; Today – $XXX - $XXX Strong Points one of the more reasonably priced Corvettes parts readily available continues to be considered America’s only true sports car

Weak Points rusty frames many cars lack the original power train appreciation lower than on “chrome bumper” Corvettes owner could overspend on a restoration

Vehicle Category Most 1975 Corvettes are classified as occasional drivers with very few owners trailering their vehicles to events.

One For Sale

AT PROVIDES

What to pay

YEAR MAKE MODEL

MSRP – $WE PROVIDE Low – $WE PROVIDE Average – $WE PROVIDE High – $WE PROVIDE

*Based on prices from the Classic Cars and Parts Price Guide, fueled by NADA and available wherever XXX magazines are sold.

Parts Prices

Corvette Central 800-345-4122 www.parts123.com seat covers $379.95 front bumper cover $329.00 water pump $59.95 rear spring $239.95 front fender $475.00 door weaterstrip $79.95 windshield $269.00

Websites www.vetteweb.com www.corvetteforum.cmo www.corvettenation.com www.topcorvettesites.com www.corvettemuseum.com www.corvettelegends.com

Books Corvette: America’s Sports Car Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow by Gerald P. Burton Mike Yager's Corvette Bible by Mike Yager Corvette Black Book 1953-2008 by Mike Antonick Corvette Restoration Guide, 1968-1982 by Richard Prince Corvette Fifty Years by Randy Leffingwell

Review Overall – Considering the high fuel prices and drain on horsepower, Corvette sales for 1975 were actually up slightly. America’s true sports car was designed to provide excellent performance and handling and it’s clear Chevrolets engineers didn’t let owners down.