Vehicle Description
1976 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
By 1976, the United States economy was on the mend from the
1973-1975 global economic recession. The recession, which had been
caused in part by the 1973 oil crisis, had caused gas prices to
soar which, in turn, had made automotive manufacturers begin
re-evaluating the types of vehicles they were manufacturing. Over
540,000 third generation Corvettes were built between 1968 and 1982
making the C3 generation the highest production Corvette ever and
the most popular for the collector.
This would be the last year, since its 1968 inception where a C3
generation car would have had the Stingray moniker on its body.
Maintaining the classic Stingray shape, although much smoother
styling with its undulating hood, flying buttress B pillars, and
rounded rear, this consignment presents itself in beautiful Bright
Blue Metallic. Purchased by our consignor from a friend who had
owned the car for over 20 years after he bought it from the fabled
Stoudt Auto Sales & Corvettes in Reading, PA. This car is the
definition of Coke bottle design, a very sexy undulatory design is
like a centerfold lying on her side, has an all numbers matching
drivetrain, leather interior, and of course my favorite Corvette
backside with the round over look. The stance is worth the price of
admission!
Exterior
Deep end of the pool, very nice Bright Blue Metallic coats pristine
fiberglass and neoprene on this garage kept curvaceous example. A
few areas of "road rash" are noted on the lowers of the body along
with some notable chips on the pointed neoprene nose. The iconic
Stingray "gills" if you will, vent cool air into and out of the
engine bay from directly behind the front wheel wells. Brightwork
is minimal but in good condition and shows up on the door handles,
front glass frame, side view mirrors and rockers, which appears as
a wide strip and is the next best thing to having side pipes. The
long long hood leads the way and it sports hidden headlights in
front as well as a rear vented scoop. The roof panels are removable
and in lieu of being smoked, they are body matching blue. You gotta
love the flying buttress-esque B pillars framing the near vertical
rear glass and we also note the rounded rear look with the circular
tail lights are iconic in their design almost expected in a
Corvette. 15-inch polished and slotted wheels are wrapped by older
blackwall 215/75R15's all around.
Interior
Some smoke gray vinyl and wood applique, along with minimal chrome
trimmings cover the door panels. Sleek thin styled high backed
leather buckets show some slight folds, as leather tends to do with
age, but there is also some seam separation noted on the driver's
bucket at the bolster piping. The center console has a nicely
padded black leather armrest and this drives the eye forward to the
shift lever lighter and temp wheels. The deep set gauges in the
swooping upward and outward dash are original, and appear as very
clean. Next to this driver's panel is a group of 5 instruments to
help keep the pulse, and just below the center dash of this car is
the factory AM/FM radio. Behind the seats is the rear storage area
covered in soiled gray carpeting, as are all the floors where the
seats are and under the dash. I have to comment on all the chromed
surrounds, lettering on dials and levers and all over, I see none
of it is chipped off. This is a rare detail not often experienced
on these cars of this year, so it WAS well taken care of.
Drivetrain
A lift forward of the scooped hood, and we see a numbers matching
350ci V8 in L48 form. It has a 4-barrel carburetor feeding it and a
numbers matching TH350 3-speed automatic transmission on back. A
3.08 Positraction rear axle is spinning the rear tires. All
original...a real breath of fresh air. (Which it mixes with the
fossils and kicks you in the butt!)
Undercarriage
A surface rust only underside that has good structural stability
with a light patina on the flooring and frame. The factory style
dual to single to dual muffler exhaust arrangement is on to handle
the mighty exhale and we note power disk braking is all around.
Independent coil spring suspension up front and a fully independent
rear suspension with a frame anchored differential and transverse
leaf spring provides the ride and rail like handling.
Drive-Ability
The car started right up, and ran well. Good handling, and nice
overall ride with power steering and power brakes. When you go full
throttle, you notice a nice kick in your pants, as well as a smile
on your face! During our drive we noted all functions were working
save for the AC which blew warm.
A looker and a definite cooker, this "unmolested" original will
allow your neighbors to be able to hear and if close enough feel
the rumble from this racer, 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-declare-WAR!
1Z37L6S411667
1-Chevrolet
Z-Corvette
37-Coupe
L-350ci 180hp L48 4bbl V8
6-1976
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
411667-Sequential Unit Number
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.
