No, it isn't an Oldsmobile. No, it isn't some cross-bred Camaro-Chevelle creation. It's a 1976 Chevelle Laguna S-3. The Laguna model was offered from 1973 to 1976 in a variety of forms, but only the 1975 and 1976 models were offered with the NASCAR-style nose. The nose is actually a rubberized urethane material over a heavy steel frame, which helps to contribute to the cars 4000 lb. title weight. Engine opitions ranged from the 305 2bbl. to the 400 4bbl. for 1976 and the car could be had with a 3:08 posi rear for a little extra cash. Even so, only 9,100 Laguna Type S-3s were produced for 1976.

Our car was purchased from the third owner in the summer of 1995 at the Mid-Michigan Antique Festival in the cars for sale area. It was owned by a couple from Cadillac, Michigan and they were selling the car to buy a new truck. Knowing the car was unusual and considering the great shape it was in along with the asking price, we bought the car on the spot while other people were still trying to make offers on it. The couple had to drive the car home and bring it back the next day, as it was the only car they'd brought to the show!

The glove box was full of interesting documentation, such as the original service record (all filled in), every receipt for work done to the car, all the original dealer literature and a receipt for the original purchase of the car. It turns out that the car was ordered by a dealership in Saginaw, Michigan as a demo and was sold with about 3,500 miles on the odometer. We purchased the car with 97,000 original miles.

The car is loaded with options. It has a 350 c.i. engine, 350TH automatic trans and a 2:73 open rearend. It came with air, cruise, tilt, swivel bucket seats, console, map light and a gauge package that includes a clock and a Fuel Economy gauge. Our car came in Firethorn Metallic and Antique White, but was offered in a very limited number of colors.

Since we have had the car, we've replaced the vinyl sport roof, added dual exhaust, some front and rear suspension pieces and new tires. Due to a mishap with a supposed carburator expert, we've had to replace the original 350 with another, which is actually the original 250hp 350 from Jacki's second '70 Chevelle.

Future plans include a complete update of both the front and rear suspension, Energy Suspension bushings all around, 16" wheels with 50 series tires all around, body work and new paint, new carpet, and new exterior emblems if we can find them at a reasonable price.