What else can be said about the C3 Chevy Corvette that hasn’t been repeated a million times? This iconic classic defined many eras but the coke-bottle design is instantly recognizable and screams 1970’s retro-coolness.
Our offering on Consignment is a nice example of a 1976 Stingray L-48 (180 hp 350-cid) 3-speed auto.
We start with an endearing history from the current owner; “...In 1978 a gentleman asked me to drive his daughter in a homecoming parade in this Corvette, three years later I married that girl. This guy then puts this car in storage for the next 25 years, and in 2005 we bought this Corvette from my now father-in-law. In the fall of 2005, I drove this car in another homecoming parade, this time with our youngest daughter as the Homecoming Queen. Since our ownership in 05’ we have accumulated approximately 4,000 miles…” So, family-owned, this 31k mile Bicentennial Corvette, in storage for roughly 25 years, needs some refreshing. It runs extremely well considering and it fires right up and shifts smoothly.
Let's start with what we found. Our thorough vehicle assessment (which we do on all vehicles on consignment with us) reveals some maintenance and safety items on this Corvette that could and should be addressed:
Although the Firestone Wide Oval Coker-replica tires are newer radials, the fronts have some slight bulging in spots along the sidewall.
The right-rear brake caliper is leaking fluid
The rear leaf bushing is cracked & dry rotted
The right front shock absorber is leaking
Both left & right lower ball joints need replacing
The steering box has a fluid leak
The fuel filter leaks
Lastly, the rear bumper support pistons appear to be seeping some fluid (first time we’ve seen that)
Still with us? Great! Let’s move on to the comfort, convenience, and maintenance items;
This is a factory A/C car but it blows “cool” at most. All components are there.
The “Door Ajar” dash light stays on with the doors closed, although the courtesy lights do go out.
The clock doesn’t function (do any of them?)
Typical oil, transmission and rear-end fluid gasket seepage
Battery charges high (around 19v)
Body & Paint are above average. There is good shine on the classic Corvette Red, front and rear bumpers have some fade (as most do). That stripe? It was painted on around the time it was new. You’ll definitely have a unique look cruising in this! Some stone chips can be observed, mostly along the bottom of the car. The chassis and underbody look better than average with minimal surface patina and are solid throughout.
The Interior is above average, with no rips, tears, or cracks on the factory Smoked Grey-colored surfaces or upholstery. Plastics and trim are also in fine shape. The removable top panels operate as they should with no leaks and include storage bags. Brightwork retains its shine with no pitting or fading. The glass is clear and the manual windows roll as they should. The dash gauges, wipers, AM/FM radio, and retractable headlights all operate.
A nice driver-quality Corvette priced so you can spend a few weekends smoothing it out.
Year: 1976
VIN: 1Z37L6S430161
Title: Clear Ohio
ODO: 31,334
Engine: L-48 350-cid V8 Gasoline
Transmission: TH350 3-speed automatic on the floor
Color: Red with smoke-grey vinyl interior
Price: $9,500 (negotiable)
E-DISCLAIMER: This vehicle description is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time posted. All information provided is true to our best efforts, but not guaranteed, and we assume no liability for any omissions or errors. We market classic cars for their owners in a variety of conditions, and may not see every imperfection or issue per vehicle. Our cars are sold on consignment by the owner as-is and without warranty. Price does not include state, city, or county taxes, title fees, license, registration, insurance, or shipping. Independent inspections are welcomed and encouraged.
