Fan Friday: Ron Townsend’s 1975 Corvette Stingray

This week’s CorvetteStoreOnline.com Fan Friday highlights a Corvette that represents everything the C3 generation stands for—classic American style, raw driving connection, and true collector pride—courtesy of Ron Townsend and his stunning 1975 Corvette Stingray.

For many Corvette enthusiasts, the mid-1970s Stingray era holds a special kind of magic. The long hood, sweeping fender lines, and unmistakable stance make the C3 one of the most iconic silhouettes in Corvette history. Ron’s Corvette captures that spirit perfectly—not as a trailer queen, but as a car meant to be driven, enjoyed, and celebrated.

What makes Ron’s Stingray even more special is its authenticity. This Corvette is an all numbers-matching survivor, equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission and showing just 36,000 original miles. In a world where so many classics have been heavily altered over time, a well-preserved, numbers-matching C3 like this is something worth our respect.

Ron describes his Stingray as his “pride and joy,” and it’s easy to see why. Few experiences compare to rowing through the gears of a classic 4-speed Corvette—feeling the mechanical connection that made these cars legends long before today’s digital performance era.

One of the greatest highlights of Ron’s ownership came just a few months ago, when he had the incredible opportunity to have his Corvette displayed for multiple weeks at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia. For any enthusiast, having your car showcased in a world-renowned museum is more than an honor—it’s a milestone that confirms your Corvette’s place in the story of American performance.

Even with that level of recognition, Ron keeps his Stingray doing what it was built to do: hitting the road, showing up at local events, and sparking conversations with fellow Corvette lovers.

“She is a driver,” Ron says, “but I do like showing her off at local shows and talking with like-minded car owners.”

That’s what the Corvette community is all about—shared passion, shared stories, and cars that bring people together across generations.

Classic C3 Corvette Favorites from CorvetteStoreOnline.com

Owning a Stingray like Ron’s is about preserving the past while enjoying it in the present. For C3 owners looking for tasteful, era-appropriate upgrades or restoration pieces, CorvetteStoreOnline.com offers community favorites like:

• C3 Corvette car covers to protect classic paint and curves

• Restoration interior pieces to keep the cabin factory-correct

• Weatherstripping and seals for comfort and preservation

• Classic-style floor mats made specifically for C3 fitment

• Exterior trim and emblem replacements for authentic finishing touches

• Garage signs and vintage Corvette décor for the perfect Stingray display space

These are the kinds of additions that help keep classics on the road—and in the community—where they belong.

CorvetteStoreOnline.com is proud to celebrate stories like Ron’s, because Fan Friday isn’t just about the cars—it’s about the people behind them.

If you own a Corvette and want a chance to be featured, email us your best high-quality photos and as much of your car’s story and details as possible at help@carolinaonlineretail.com.

We can’t wait to highlight more Corvettes that keep the passion alive!