50 Years of the Chevrolet Corvette

1975

Cosmetically the 1975 Corvette resembled the 1974 model. The biggest difference is the rear. The 1975 model included front and rear bumper pads. The urethane plastic bumper was molded as a single piece rather than two featured on the 1974 Corvette. Chevrolet included the federally mandated catalytic converter with the “unleaded fuel only” warnings and extended service intervals and electronic ignition. They advertised the car as the most “efficient Corvette.” The base engine only delivered 165 hp while the L-82 produced 205 hp (45 hp lower than its predecessor). Finally, this was the last year of the C3 to include a convertible type. The main reason for the subsequent omission was diminishing sales and proposed government legislation threatening open cars. The car was a commercial success.