Corvettes for Sale: 1975 Corvette Pilot Car was 1st Convertible Built

Corvette enthusiasts are all about owning the first … or the last. For proof, just see Rick Hendrick, who has made a career out of buying numerically significant ‘Vettes over the years.

Today, though, we bring you one that has eluded Mr. Hendrick, at least so far.

In a new craigslist ad, this Mille Miglia Red over medium saddle Corvette is described as the first 1975 convertible ever built, coming down the assembly line after three T-top coupes had been produced at the St. Louis factory. You may recall that the ’75 was the last Corvette convertible offered until Chevy reconsidered starting in 1986.

Now, this historically significant pilot car, which has minor differences from the actual production models, is available for purchase for $55,000, from an owner in a town northeast of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The original tank sticker indicates that this Corvette was ordered by Engineering, and the NCRS report shows it was shipped to Central Office (COPO) and GM Photographic. Indeed, the car appears to have been one of the models used in the 1975 brochure and at least one ad.

Further proof of its historical significance is a tag from AO Smith attached to the frame that reads “1975 PILOT,” and the air cleaner housing says “Engineering Sample” from AC Delco. The car is said to have prototype parts on it dating back to Sept. 20, 1973. Final assembly was around May of 1975.

The owner believes this is the only C3 with two factory catalytic converters with true dual exhaust for emission testing, and the speedometer KPH printing (appearing on Corvettes for the first time) is in blue, as opposed to the white used for actual production models. Furthermore, the tail lamps have stickers saying “Replace Lamp-Do Not Use On Production Car.” It’s also the first convertible ever to have HEI (High Energy Ignition) as that feature debuted in ’75 with Corvette’s first no-points distributor.

Nearly half a century later, the car has been driven only 9,801 miles and is described as still running and driving “like new” with its original matching-numbers L48 engine and four-speed manual transmission in place.

The seller believes the only mechanical items that have been replaced over the years are the master cylinder and brake calipers, along with a radiator hose and a few clamps. It’s still riding on its original radial tires, and the paint “looks original other than bumpers,” with the original interior and top also still in place.

Described as a “great car for a museum or large collection,” the car is said to be “for display use only,” according to the seller.

I don’t know about you, but I’d love to have this historic car in my collection!

Source:
Craigslist

Related:
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