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December 2025 New Car IncentivesGet Your NASCAR On with this ’75 Chevelle Laguna S-3
The Chevelle Laguna S-3 was the top-tier option for the Chevelle. Produced for only three years, the Laguna S-3 was part cruiser and part racer.
1975 Efficiency, 1965 Fun
Chevrolet Chevelle is a nameplate steeped in muscle car lore. Mighty beasts like the 1970 SS 454 with 500 lb-ft of pavement wrinkling torque. The ’65 SS 396 and its debut of a big-block-powered Chevelle. Chevy built the Chevelle between 1964 and 1977, across three generations. Sedans and station wagons, coupes and convertibles, the Chevelle was a popular car.
But today we’re looking at perhaps a less well-renowned Chevy Chevelle. A model that arrived towards the end of production. A time that marked the end of the golden age of muscle. The 1975 Chevrolet Chevelle Laguna Type S-3. It may not boast the legendary performance, say, a Don Yenko-prepped Chevelle, but these Lagunas are cool cars for other reasons.
The Chevelle Laguna S-3
A main reason these forgotten Chevelles are interesting is that they were only produced for 3 years between 1973 and 1976. Arriving shortly after the third-gen Chevelle debuted, the Laguna Type S-3 sat atop this new Chevelle lineup. A lineup that ushered in the most comprehensive redesign in Chevelle history. Federal regulations forced 5-mph bumpers, which added length and, arguably, less than fortunate looks.
However, the Chevelle was more Euro-inspired than ever, thanks in part to a division led by none other than John Z. DeLorean (who departed GM shortly before the new model was announced). A new “Colonnade Hardtop” replaced the old pillarless hardtop and the interiors were improved with molded full foam seats. Given the sudden decline of gas-guzzling muscle cars in the face of increased fuel costs, higher insurance premiums, and stricter emissions regulations, Chevy discontinued the famed Super Sport (SS) performance branding.
In its place came the Laguna Type S-3 as the top-dog “sporty” model. Though power output was reduced compared to the first two Chevelle generations, the new Lagunas had something else that caught the eye of critics and enthusiasts alike – a notably aerodynamic shape. As in an exclusive urethane front end and fastback rear end that appeared to be aimed at NASCAR.
The Laguna Type S-3’s NASCAR Connection
Turns out, the NASCAR looks were no accident. In fact, these Lagunas would end up dominating the track, winning two Winston Cup championships. The cars were so fast that NASCAR required restrictor plates initially and later banned the Lagunas entirely due to how badly they were beating everyone else. Of course, the best parts of these track-prepped models were not included on customer deliveries, but the Laguna Type S-3 was still a special ride.
For 1975, they came standard with Rally wheels, dual sport side mirrors, and a sweet set of louvered coach windows. Performance was mild with V8 output ranging from 145 hp in 2-barrel 350 cubic inch spec to 215 hp from the optional 454. But handling upgrades included variable-ratio power steering, “Full Coil” radial-tuned suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, plus special dampers and springs tuned for a sportier feel.
This was also the first year of the new “Chevrolet Efficiency System” and its promise of cleaner driving. Catalytic converters, special steel-belted radial tires, and high-energy ignition may not get the enthusiast crowd fired up, but it’s interesting from an automotive industry historical perspective.
This Cool Car Find
For those looking to get their hands on an actual piece of this history, get a load of this 1975 Chevy Chevelle Laguna Type S-3 currently for sale.
Details are scant, but looking over the listing, this appears to be an unmodified time capsule of a Laguna. Back in the day, automakers weren’t as creative as they are today when it came to naming colors. So, per the period sales brochure, this particular Chevelle is painted silver and has a red interior. But that description doesn’t do this car justice.
On the outside, it has the optional bodyside striping in black that wraps around front to back. The Laguna S3 badge is present and accounted for in the mesh front grille as are the louvered B-pillar windows and Rally rims. Look inside, however, and this 70s-tastic ride takes on a whole different demeanor.
It’s all red, as in the headliner, the dash, the doors, the seats, the carpeting, and even the vinyl floor mats. Inlays of the finest faux woodgrain veneer circa 1975 trim out the instrument panel, S-3 badging graces the door panels, and that plush seat fabric is simply awesome. Featuring bucket front seats and air conditioning, this particular Laguna was optioned with the “Power Sky Roof”, otherwise known as a sunroof.
According to the listing, this 1975 Chevelle comes with the 350 V8, though it’s unclear whether it’s the 2- or 4-barrel configuration and the mileage figure is missing. That said, the engine bay looks quite well-kept as does the rest of the car. The seller says it comes with extensive documentation and notes the relative rarity as being 1 of just 7,788 made for the model year.
Considering Chevrolet made around 280,000 total Chevelles in 1975 – Laguna Type S-3 included – that’s a fair statement. Sure, these later Chevelles don’t offer the performance of their hardcore muscle car brethren, but that’s simply due to the strangulation of emissions equipment. The Chevy 350 V8 is still a solid engine. And there’s no denying the NASCAR pedigree of these sleek old coupes. All of which places the 1975 Chevelle Laguna Type S-3 firmly in the cool car category.
That car was for sale once near me for $7,500 about ten years ago or so …
well you shoulda bought it, thats a sweet deal for this caliber of car. The sunroof option on any 73-77 is extremely rare and a great option no matter what car. Silver with red, AC.. ya, Id love to own this.
In my personal experience, these ‘colonaids’ notably out perform the previous generation. As for power, ratings went from gross to net or something like that. So the numbers arent as low as they seem. My stock 400ci ’75 spins its 275/60s at will, and at 100mph is smooth and steady.
The car looks different in person, lower, wider, like its speeding while parked.
Yes, i have a slight bias 😉