The 1975 Chevrolet Corvette Design Study is a unique, one-off work of art that offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Corvette styling. These strange in-between cars are often lost/destroyed, but we get the rare opportunity not just to read and learn more about it but, if you’re well-heeled, could make it yours.
Commissioned by Frank Milne, the owner of Harry Mann Chevrolet—once the world’s largest Corvette dealership—the car showcased the future direction of Corvette design. Styled by Jerry Palmer, who would later become a key figure in the design of the C4 Corvette, this car foreshadowed many elements that would appear in the next generation of America’s sports car.
1975 Chevrolet Corvette Design Study
The Design Study is a heavily modified 1975 C3 Corvette convertible. The C3 Corvette, which ran from 1967 to 1982, was already an iconic model known for its lightweight fiberglass body, forward-mounted V8, and curvy styling inspired by the Mako Shark II concept. However, Milne wanted something that stood apart from the standard production models. He enlisted Palmer, who reworked both the front and rear of the car while blending the sides for a more cohesive and futuristic look. The end result bore an unmistakable resemblance to the future C4 Corvette, particularly in the nose and front fenders.
More than just a concept, it was a running, barking preview of Corvette’s future, created nearly a decade before the C4’s official debut.
Coachbuilder Eric Ruffo built the Corvette using fiberglass, which brought Palmer’s vision to life. Under the hood, it retained the familiar 350-cubic-inch V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. While the mechanical components remained largely unchanged, the real innovation lay in the redesigned bodywork. The sleeker design, streamlined features, and refined aerodynamics foreshadowed what Chevrolet would eventually do with the C4 Corvette, which officially debuted in 1983.
The Design Study Was Studied
Harry Mann Chevrolet in Los Angeles prominently displayed the one-off Corvette, where it captured attention both in person and in the pages of automotive magazines. As remarkable as it was, it wasn’t the only unique Corvette project Milne undertook—he and Palmer collaborated again in 1977 on a fastback hardtop variant, further cementing his role in Corvette’s custom and experimental history.
The Design Study Corvette Came Home
Eventually, the Design Study left California and went to Europe, where it remained for several years. In early 2025, the car returned home, receiving essential servicing, including a carburetor overhaul, brake servicing, and fresh fluids. It’s now up for sale via Bring a Trailer, complete with its removable hardtop, beige soft top, 15-inch BBS wheels, and period-correct features like a Pioneer AM/FM cassette stereo, power windows, and air conditioning.
While its design may not appeal to all Corvette purists, the 1975 Corvette Design Study remains a significant piece of automotive history. It serves as a tangible example of Jerry Palmer’s early design influences, connecting the dots between the C3 and the C4. More than just a concept, it was a running, barking preview of Corvette’s future, created nearly a decade before the C4’s official debut. For collectors and enthusiasts, it represents a rare and unique piece of Corvette lore and a direct link to the visionaries who shaped the brand’s evolution.
Source: Bring a Trailer, Silodrome
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