Corvette Model Gallery
1975 Corvette Roadster
The big news for ‘75 was the demise of the roadster, the last one being built in June. Threatened government legislation regarding roll over protection was the given reason but sales for the convertible had also been declining, even in this final year amounting to no more than 12% of total production. Owners also preferred the structural strength of the coupe and with more than 80% of owners opting for air conditioning the pleasure of open air motoring was losing its allure. It was disappointing to see the end of an era as a convertible had been in the Corvette line-up since the beginning.
Another milestone even was the retirement of Zora Arkus Duntov at the beginning of the year. His involvement with the car went back to the early 1950's when he had fought tenuously to save it then led it in the direction of a performance car. Although retired, he would remain a living icon to all Corvette enthusiasts till his death in 1996. Replacing him as chief engineer would be his assistant David McLelland.
The only noticeable differences for ‘75 were the reintroduction of badging on the gas lid and the removal of the black ring around the badge. Pairs of black bumperettes were also added to the nose and tail and while they provided some needed scratch production they did nothing for the appearance.
Performance continued to slide with the base engine producing
only 165 hp and the top power plant, the L82 producing a less
then staggering 205 hp. For the moment sales had also leveled off
being up only 2.5% over the previous year while base price had
gone up 12%
The model:
Stu Purvis built this box stock '75 beauty from the MPC 6360. He airbrushed Testor's Model Masters Bright Yellow with Humbrol satin black for the interiors. His father provided a set of his own painted whitewalls. Is that cool or what?
If you would like to contact Stu on this model his e-mail address is: stu_purvis@adelphia.net
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Page updated 10/16/06