Brian Slovinski stopped by this page and helped on the information that is presented here. He also is offering his assistance to fellow Laguna owners. Brian owns a '75 and a '76. The '75 is currently under restoration and he has spent considerable time 'parts chasing'.
The Laguna was first introduced in 1973 in a variety of body styles, (but no S3s were produced) and production continued for 3 1/2 years.
The Laguna S3 was Chevys 1974 replacement for the Chevelle SS series, which due to insurance, gas, the phase of the moon etc was discontinued.
Background, for S3s
Laguna Type S-3 had a new aerodynamically styled soft urethane front end, 15 inch ralley wheels, dual sport mirrors with remote control on drivers side, louvered coach windows, special shocks and front and rear stabilizers. It also came standard with steel-belted radial tires to complement the radial tuned suspension. The interior featured a 4 spoke sport steering wheel to handle the variable ratio power steering. Standard interior featured a bench seat covered with 'herringbone cloth' unique to the Laguna, this model also offered the infamous Swivel bucket seats, neat to see, but no fun to upholster (ask my wife!)
Other options on the S-3 series included tachometer, clock and gauges and a center console.
The S-3 series was available only with a vinyl roof in 73, this changed for '74.
Chevy ads for '75 had the Laguna nicknamed 'guna in their ads...I never knew that! One of the big selling points for this year focused on mileage with their 'efficiency system', High Energy Ignition, etc. This was the first year for the catalytic converter and with the SS designation now available as a trim package on any V-8 car, it signaled the beginning of the end. The Laguna was discontinued at the end of '76.
Brian adds: Just a little more info on the Laguna S-3. The 1975 model with the one piece sloped front nose was designed for NASCAR. Although Chevrolet claimed no factory support in racing, top teams had the opportunity to get a sneak preview. Rumor had it that low production was due to preparation priority for racing demand.
The Laguna's were responsible for Cale Yarborough's winning the championship in 75 and 76. The Laguna was the superior car in those years and in 1978 NASCAR imposed a restrictor plate on the carb. It seems too many other teams complained of its superiority.
4 dr Station Wagon, 3 seat, model AE35
Laguna Estate
4 dr Station Wagon, 2 seat, model AH35
4 dr Station Wagon, 3 seat, model AH35
Here are the rest of the Production totals.....
1974
Laguna Type S3, (V-8 only), 21.902
1975
Laguna Type S3, (V-8 only), 7,788. The rarest year.
1976
Laguna Type S3, (V-8 only), 9,200
Decoding The VIN Numbers
These numbers decode the same as for a Chevelle, with the following exceptions.
The second letter of the vin is for the series, these are:
C is for Malibu
D is for Malibu Classic
E is for Laguna type S-3
G is for Malibu Classic Estate
The fifth letter is for engine type:
D is 250-100hp
H is 350-145hp
L is 350-150hp
R is 400-150hp
U is 400-180hp
V * is 350 -140 or 145 hp (1976)
Y is 454-235hp
350The seventh letter is for manufacturers location:
B at this location means your car came from Baltimore
K is Leeds
R is Arlington
Z is Fremont (I never understood why a Z?)
Paint Colors
Standard Laguna
White or Black solid color.
Metallics were in Silver, Bright Blue, Orange or Red.
Laguna with Sport Roof
White or Silver with either a Red or Black vinyl top.
Black with either a Silver, White or Red vinyl top.
Bright Blue or Orange with either a White or Black top.
White, Silver or Black with a Red top.
Laguna with Sport Roof and Body Striping
White or Silver, with Red or Black top, stripes and bumper strips.
Black with Silver, with White or Red top, stripes and bumper strips.
Bright Blue or Orange with White or Black top, stripes and bumper strips.
Red with White Silver or Black top, stripes and bumper strips.
Optional Equipment for mid-70s Chevelles
These numbers decode similar to earlier Chevelles.
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