NASCAR Nose: 1975 Chevrolet Laguna Type S-3 66K – Sold?
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September 25, 2023, Update – We confirmed the listing for this “ClassiFIND” expired, so with no replacement found, we’re assuming this ride is “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.
Win on Sunday, sell on Monday. That was the unofficial slogan for most domestic automobile manufacturers through the 1980s when the NASCAR series relied on actual production cars to form the basis for racing entries. If you are of a certain age, you remember when NASCAR was called “stock car racing.” For many years, NASCAR had rules in place requiring manufacturers to offer the body styles used in racing on actual production cars. One of the more alluring examples of this was the 1974-1976 Chevrolet Laguna Type S-3. This revised version first launched in 1973, featured a new slanted urethane nose for 1975 specifically designed to cut the wind better on NASCAR super speedways.
One of the more elusive rides we’ve wanted to feature since starting GuysWithRides is a quality example of a Laguna S-3 slant nose. It’s not very often one comes up for sale on Craigslist, and when they have, we’ve either been disappointed with the car’s quality or the seller’s pictures left something to be desired. Our prayers have finally been answered with this all-black, 66K original mile, 1975 Chevrolet Laguna Type S-3 for sale, last spotted in August 2023 on Craigslist in Bremerton, Oregon.
While no version of the stock 1975 Laguna Type S-3 was exactly a powerhouse, the only thing about this example that disappoints is that it features the standard two-barrel-topped 350 cubic inch small block V8 producing only 145 net horsepower. At least the replacement dual exhaust likely makes this car’s 350 sound and perform better than when it left the factory with a catalytic convertor-equipped single-pipe system.
Last offered for $16,500, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is above this guide’s five-year rolling results trend for all third-generation Chevrolet Chevelles produced between 1973 and 1977. The lack of data points for actual Type S-3s over the past five years gives you a sense of how rare these top-of-the-line Chevelles have become. By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can get a sense of what comparable examples sold for recently:
As a second data point, the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool confirms the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #2 Very Good” estimate of $14,600 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $23,500 before making adjustments for power train and equipment options.
When General Motors launched its new line of mid-sized “Colonnade” A-Body hardtops for 1973, Chevrolet’s version was the Chevelle, and its top trim was the Laguna. Laguna-trimmed models were easily recognizable from lower-level Chevelles due to the distinct urethane nose.
The 1975 Laguna S-3 was introduced mid-year in January 1975. This time, it had a slanted, urethane-covered aero-style nose designed for NASCAR and louvered opera windows. The Colonnade designation was dropped. The vinyl half-roof, swiveling Strato-bucket front seats with center console, as well as the four-spoke sport steering were no longer standard S-3 equipment and were made optional in mid-1974 to reduce the car’s base price. The 454 engine option was available for the first half of the model year in the Chevelle, and thus, the 1975 Laguna had the 400 as the top engine. The 49-states’ engine line-up was – the standard 145-horsepower 350 two-barrel V8, the optional 175-horsepower 400 four-barrel V8, and the 215-horsepower 454 four-barrel V8. In California, a 155-horsepower 350 four-barrel V8 was standard, and the 180-horsepower 400 four-barrel V8 was the only engine option. All 1975 models included the newly introduced catalytic converter. The Turbo Hydra-matic three-speed automatic was the only transmission offered as manual transmissions were discontinued.
The Laguna S-3 featured distinctive styling elements that set it apart from other Chevelle models. It had a fastback coupe body style with a sloping rear roofline, contributing to its aerodynamic appearance. The car’s front end featured a prominent, body-colored urethane nose cone withround headlights. The grille was designed with a divided appearance, and the overall front fascia design gave the car a more aggressive and unique look.
The interior of the 1975 Laguna S-3 was designed for comfort and style. It featured a driver-oriented dashboard with clear instrumentation and controls. The standard seating configuration included high-back bucket seats for the front passengers and a bench seat for the rear passengers. Upholstery options included a range of fabric and vinyl choices, allowing buyers to customize the interior to their preference.
One notable feature of the 1975 Laguna S-3 was its “swivel bucket” seats. These seats could swivel outward when the door was opened, making it easier for occupants to enter and exit the vehicle. Once the door was closed, the seats would return to their regular driving position. This feature was intended to provide added convenience and luxury to the driving experience.
The 1975 Chevrolet Laguna S-3 was positioned as a premium and more upscale option within the Chevelle lineup. It was aimed at consumers who were looking for a balance of performance, style, and comfort. The distinctive styling and performance-oriented options made the Laguna S-3 attractive for buyers interested in a sportier mid-size car.
The Laguna S-3 was produced for only a few years, with the second-generation Chevelle series ending its run after the 1977 model year. While the specific model was short-lived, it remains a unique and interesting part of Chevrolet’s history, representing its efforts to offer a more specialized and distinctive vehicle within the mid-size car segment.
The MotorWeek YouTube Channel features this look back on the 1975 Chevrolet Laguna Type S-3:
With only 66K original miles, this all-black 1975 Chevrolet Laguna Type S-3 for sale appears to be a nicely sorted example featuring reupholstered swivel seats. We would like to see pictures of the engine bay and undercarriage, but judging by the picture of the tidy trunk, this Laguna appears to be a very solid, rust-free example.
If you are serious about buying this 1975 Laguna Type S-3 for sale, you can start the conversation by using the contact information provided by the seller in their Craigslist ad. When you connect, please mention that you saw their rare Collonade Chevelle featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!
Here’s the seller’s description:
Factory black on black
Front seats reupholstered
All new:
* Carpets
* Distributor
* Radiator
* Front breaks
* Dual exhaust
350 2 BBL Turbo 350 Automatic
All factory Correct under hood
Fremont California Car
Shows nice, not flawless, but lots of Compliments at Shows, and Cruzin
Very few of these left
total production was 7,778.
This collaboration between G’s John Delorean and Nascar, developed this sleek design
to break the 200 mph mark on the track.
$16,500 OBO
Cash only, in person
Don’t need help selling
Serious Calls only (none after 10pm)“
Show or go: What would you do with this 1975 Chevrolet Chevelle Laguna Type S-3 for sale? Please comment below and let us know!
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