Vehicle Description
In 1968, Chevrolet unveiled their much-anticipated, thoroughly
redesigned third-generation Corvette. Known internally as the "C3,"
the new Corvette Stingray shared much of the outgoing
second-generation C2 chassis and engine range but with striking new
bodywork to launch it into the 1970s. Larry Shinoda's superb 1964
Mako Shark II concept car served as the inspiration for the design,
which was modified and adapted for production under the direction
of GM design czar Bill Mitchell. Well-proportioned, low-slung, and
with flowing curves intersected by sharp creases, the new Stingray
is a triumph of sports car design for the period. Pre-1973 models
are defined by their Kamm tail and chrome bumpers, while after
1973, the Corvette gained smoothly integrated urethane bumpers to
comply with federal five-mph impact bumper regulations. The clean,
uncluttered solution was considerably better resolved than many of
the ungainly overriders that sullied some of the Corvette's
competitors, and the design stayed fresh with only one more
facelift through the end of 1982. The C3 chassis was effectively a
carry-over from the C2, featuring four-wheel independent
suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and minor refinements to
improve the ride, handling, and weight distribution. Engine options
varied by year, and as the 70s wore on, emissions and economy
standards spelled the end of the heady high-horsepower and big-cube
engines. In 1976, Chevy offered the Corvette with two 350
cubic-inch V8 engines - the base L48 with 180 horsepower or the
optional L82 with 210 horsepower. Car and Driver magazine tested
both versions in period and found the performance nearly identical,
praising the Corvette's poise, comfort, and ability as a
long-distance Grand Tourer. Finished in itsde rigueur1970s shade of
Dark Brown Metallic over Buckskin leather upholstery, this
fantastic, time-warp 1976 Corvette coupe has covered 2,418 miles
from new and remained in the hands of its first owner from 1976 to
2021. The car's original owner, Mr. William Madden of Brighton,
Michigan, had just started working for GM in the early 70s and
wanted to treat himself to a new Corvette, but in 1975, he lacked
the seniority in the company to qualify for the full employee
discount. As a workaround, he turned to his uncle, Mr. Arthur
Snyder, a senior GM employee, to order the car in his name to get
the best price. The order was confirmed in September 1975 via
Trumbull Chevrolet in Detroit. Both Arthur and William are named on
the purchase agreement, and soon after William took delivery, he
re-titled the car in his name alone. Mr. Madden equipped his
Corvette Coupe with options including power windows, rear defogger,
air conditioning, power brakes, tilt/telescopic wheel, black wall
radials on rally wheels, heavy-duty battery, AM/FM stereo, and the
Hydramatic transmission paired with the L48 engine. He methodically
preserved every document from the purchase, including the original
window sticker, dealer invoice, tank sticker, owner's manual,
warranty card, and more - all of which are still with the car. The
same obsessive preservation was applied to the car, which Madden
drove on only a handful of occasions, keeping the mileage amazingly
low. As offered, the car is completely unrestored and presented in
original condition. It retains the original paint, exterior trim,
and wheels - while the tires were replaced in 1979 due to the
originals being recalled by Firestone. Some slight discoloration
and distortion are noted on the urethane bumper covers, along with
a small crack in the rear - common issues afflicting nearly all
Corvettes of this era, but it is otherwise just as it rolled out of
Trumbull Chevrolet some 46 years ago. With fewer than 2,500 miles
on the clock, the interior is expectedly in excellent condition and
free of any appreciable wear, with all the original upholstery,
switches, and trim appearing like-new. Likewise, the underhood
presentation is excellent, with factory-applied finishes, decals,
and labels intact. Some surface corrosion is present on raw
castings, but the engine bay is otherwise preserved in its original
order. The underside is also well-preserved, thanks mainly to the
Ziebart anti-corrosion coating applied on October 13, 1976. When it
comes to the cars of the mid-70s, many collectors today are taking
note of their affordable nature and unique period charm. This
incredible time-warp Corvette is a rare survivor of the era, ideal
for top honors in the AACA historic preservation (HPOF) class or as
a benchmark example for a serious Corvette collector to round out
their collection. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7293-1976-chevrolet-corvette/
