75 vert purchase!

[LanceB]

Dad just bought this 75 convertible 4 speed L48. I wasn't crazy about the color at first but its growing on me, but he got a good price I think. All stock, matching numbers, all intact (44K miles supposedly), still has smog pump, ignition shields, etc. I think I attached a pic. Going to pick it up this weekend and inspect. Seller has a good rep. Very surprised with Dad of course, he has never owned a vette. Doesn't need much at all. It could use some power I am sure (I couldn't break it to him he got the weakest engine ever produced), but he is just going to drive it to get ice cream. 4 speed vert in good shape was the main thing he was looking for. Besides it wouldn't take much to get some ponies out of it. He bought a 928 porsche a couple of years ago and it drove him absolutely nuts. At least I can help him with this one and if it gets sidelined he could just drive mine or bros. Will keep you guys updated!

 

[Whiteshadow89158]

very nice, from the pic it looks in good condition

 

[73shark]

Actually I think the weakest Shark engine was a 305 for CA only. Don't remember the hp, but it wasn't much.

 

[LanceB]

1980 had the 305 but it had 180hp, the 1975 is at 165hp. Got my black book handy! I was planning on flying 1 way to Baltimore and driving it back to KY after thorough inspection. 9.5 hour drive back we'll see how it goes and find any gremlins. I suppose there won't be any issues transporting both tops. Never messed with a removable hard top before. It even comes with the original radio and speakers.

 

[XLR8]

Nice! Looks like the Medium Saddle Metallic would be my guess.

Here's a link to the 1975 Model Center in the Tech Center.

Jane Ann

 

[TimAT]

Transporting both tops won't be a problem unless you were planning on the trip with the top down. The 'vert top folds up under the rear deck and the hardtop bolts on. I have both for my 69- the hardtop lives in a rack I built in the garage from cargo tie-down straps.

 

[73shark]

1980 had the 305 but it had 180hp, the 1975 is at 165hp. Got my black book handy! I was planning on flying 1 way to Baltimore and driving it back to KY after thorough inspection. 9.5 hour drive back we'll see how it goes and find any gremlins. I suppose there won't be any issues transporting both tops. Never messed with a removable hard top before. It even comes with the original radio and speakers.

You're absolutely correct! That's what I get from posting from memory and not checking.

 

[LanceB]

Getting on Monday. The suspense is killing me. Was hoping to be able to have this weekend but oh well.

 

[Adam Wartell]

WOW! I thought my 79's L48 had the lowest horsepower at 195. Now I learned that 75s had only 165! YIKES! I guess I just have to go with the stigma that 79 was the highest production year - which consequently is the worse quality year (IMO, anyway).

Good luck with it! Oh, at least it's a 'vert! That will feel and look great going down the road.

 

[LanceB]

I think a little tinkering with the timing, a thorough tune up, and change the exhaust to true duals will make it a little better without getting involved with tearing into the engine or messing with much of the originality. Its also a 4 speed. Manual shifts are always fun to drive and make you feel like you have a faster car than you really do.

 

[White75]

WOW! I thought my 79's L48 had the lowest horsepower at 195. Now I learned that 75s had only 165! YIKES! I guess I just have to go with the stigma that 79 was the highest production year - which consequently is the worse quality year (IMO, anyway).

Good luck with it! Oh, at least it's a 'vert! That will feel and look great going down the road.

Rub it in why don't ya!!!!!

 

[Evolution1980]

Depending how much is still intact, this could be a good candidate for a Bloomington car or at least a Survivor.

I think '75 verts are fairly rare in terms of how many are still out there on the road. It was also the last year for a 'vert until 1986.

 

[LanceB]

Well we got it at the house and in the garage. So far I am happy with what I am seeing. The interior is perfect. The engine and suspension are good. I need to bleed the brakes; the brake light is on and the pedal is spongy, hopefully no leaking calipers but will see when I get into that. The interior is almost perfect as well as the hardtop and softop. Really the only thing wrong with it is the original paint is faded and flaking in places (mainly the hood). I can see the original fiberglass seams on the sides of the front fenders too. It reads 46K on the odometer and I think it is original. The numbers match. It does have true duals with no mufflers, some kind of chambers/glass packs under the cabin. Not so sure about that, it sounds decent I guess. I am basically going to change all of the fluids and clean it up but leave it alone as far as any modifications. How does paint really affect value? I assume it is worth more with a top notch new paint job, going with the original color. The front and rear bumbers were replaced with glass ones years ago from what the seller told me, so don't know if need to leave alone or not. What do you guys think? Also the manual shift sure is fun, didn't realize what I was missing on my 81 automatic.

 

[73shark]

Sounds like your Dad got a keeper.
BTW visible body seams were a no-cost option on Sharks. otflotflotfl

Sounds like it has what used to be called the off-road exhaust system. I've seen them in the aftermarket. If your bumper covers are good, I'd leave them alone.

Paint affects value if you are going to sell it. Of course if it bugs you, then it will affect you. A good paint job w/ proper prep and fixing the optional visible seams runs in the $8K range.