1976 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
Corvette is America's only true production sports car.". Thus starts Chevrolet's sales brochure for the '76-model Corvette, and this statement was certainly as true as it had-or has-ever been. The domestic car industry was under pressure on all fronts. Stiffer safety and emissions regulations were coming from the government on a regular basis. Public desire for better fuel mileage,(thanks to the Arab oil embargo of 1973 and '74), brought competition from overseas, and prompted domestic manufacturers to put most of their development efforts into their own fuel-efficient cars. The great muscle cars of the late '60s and early '70s were indeed shadows of their former selves.
For consignment, a very nice version of the 1976 C3 Corvette. A great entry level car to get you into the Corvette game, it's in good condition and provides a sporty ride, while with the emissions regulations kicking in horsepower was limited. But with a rebuilt numbers matching engine and automatic transmission, a respray in 2004, and the 1 year only and rarer than hen's teeth blue/green interior, this Vette is ready to set your heart on fire without emptying your wallet.
Exterior
Fiberglass bathed in a 2004 respray of trim tag matching Classic White, the paint is seen in its sculpted final form and does a great job of covering this rolling work of art. We do note some inclusions in the finish, but nothing truly detrimental to the overall shark-like looks. An L-48 body matching painted T top roof and fiberglass and neoprene bumpers with hidden headlights in front, curvaceous fenders all around this coke bottle design sports car. On the back, the rounded slightly pointed rear roll panel is one of this writer's favorite years and this retains the round deep set taillights. Chrome trimmings are seen surrounding the glass and dividing the cockpit for the T- top. A shiny stainless steel rocker trim is curving on to bridge the gap between the fenders and the doors. A cove is in the front quarter and sides show this car is pre greenhouse glass long "flying buttress" type B pillars supporting each side of the near vertical rear glass. 15-inch rally deep dish wheels are on all 4 corners and dual exhaust tips peek out from underneath the smoothed over rear bumper.
Interior
1 year only Blue/Green leather buckets are showing some slight folds as nicely aged leather tends to do. These high backs have a sleek design and present mainly flat in design compared to today's seats that are like NASCAR racing seats! The door panels are showing in Blue/Green as well, have a sporty wood appliqu© panel in their uppers. The center console has a nicely padded leather armrest and hand brake lever, and this drives the eye forward to the shifter lever and temp wheels which have a nice wood applique surround. Just above, 5 round smaller gauges are within more applique and grabs the driver's attention along with some warning lights flanking these gauges. The deep set gauges in the dash are original, and are mounted within a Blue/Green dash front with a stitched padded dash top. A 4-spoke steering fronts this rare colored dash. Slightly faded Blue/Green floor mats are cover the like new carpeting up front and in back is a fairly extensive carpeted area for more storage and where the battery is housed along with an aftermarket CD changer.
Drivetrain
Opening the hood we are met with the rebuilt at 49,000 miles numbers matching L48 350ci V8 mill. Nicely detailed and presenting with some chromed bling added on for the distributor cover. A single 4-barrel carburetor is tucked under the black air cleaner assembly and on back the rebuilt numbers matching TH400 3-speed automatic with a shift kit coupled with a 3.08 Positraction rear axle to put power to the pavement.
Undercarriage
Very nicely preserved underneath with an overall patina for the floor pans, rockers and other bolt ons underneath. All up front is dry and we see a fully independent SLA type with coil springs for the suspension which includes several cast aluminum components for extra weight loss. In the back we see a frame anchored differential with transverse leaf springs and tubular driveshafts. Power disc brakes are on all 4's and power steering provides easy navigation. As per our consignor, a new brake master cylinder, booster, calipers and power steering system have been added.
Drive-Ability
She fired right up and on the test track it performed beautifully. Nice smooth acceleration, smooth shifting and good brakes. It handles like it's on rails and the T top option is a nice feature without having to fuss with a canvas mechanism. All functions were working as designed and the AC blew icy cold during our test drive.
A looker and a definite cooker, this numbers matching driver Stingray needs no introduction when it shows up in your suburban driveway. Your neighbors will be able to hear and if close enough feel the rumble, and there they will notice the sculpted looks of this 1976 last year of the Stingray Corvette. Remember Corvette means a small nimble warship, so I-de-clare-WAR!
1Z37L6S412291
1-Chevrolet
Z-Corvette
37-Coupe
L-350ci L48 V8 180hp 4bbl
6-1976
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
412291-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
D17-November 17th
TRIM 322-Blue Green Leather
PAINT 10L-Classic White
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
