The C3-chassis Corvette remains perhaps one of the more recognizable classic cars available today, helped by generous production volumes and a seemingly universal appeal among car enthusiasts. While not particularly sporting or powerful by contemporary standards, the C3 Corvette looks good and makes the right noises. This example is claimed to have low mileage of just over 32,000 and is listed here on craigslist for $15,000.
Low mileage claims from this era of cars and trucks can be seen as suspect, and in most cases through no malicious intent of the owner. The odometers simply rolled over and you weren’t sure what you were actually getting for a reading. The seller seems confident that the 32,132 listed is accurate, and condition seems generally good enough to support those claims. However, most muscle cars that weren’t otherwise modified or wrecked were looked after by proud owners, so I wouldn’t expect condition to be rough, either.
Better photos of the interior would certainly help us be better armchair detectives, especially since this close-up of the front buckets appears to show some wear-and-tear on the driver’s seat. The beige cockpit is likely to show any excessive soiling or other damage indicating higher mileage, but it’s not easy to discern in this case. The light blue paint job is very attractive and the color scheme is a rarely seen combination among C3 ‘Vettes – personally, I dig it. The Corvette appears to remain in largely stock condition.
The listing notes the seller is the original owner, which is perhaps the strongest evidence yet that the mileage is genuine, as one would assume the sole owner would have documentation of some kind proving how many miles were added with each passing year. The C3 Corvette isn’t necessarily a car you buy for future appreciation these days, but it is one you can buy for instant enjoyment now – particularly a one-owner survivor like this one.
“However, most muscle cars that weren’t otherwise modified or wrecked were looked after by proud owners, so I wouldn’t expect condition to be rough, either.”
Jeff, not to nitpick, but to be clear, this is simply not a muscle car. Although it may be a nice car, period. Hard to tell.
Smoke grey interior listed on the window sticker. Need better interior pics.
The rear windows were nicer in 1978.
Why no mention of the motor what kind of person try to sell a Corvette without mentioning the motor and horsepower only lookers not car buffs
$15,000 for a 32,000 mile 77 Corvette…that (looks) to be in good condition)…..that’s a pretty good deal imo…..
Looks like a great deal if the 32k miles is accurate. I would like to see under carriage photos, because the engine compartment pics show a fair amount of rust. Other than the engine compartment, this car appears to be authentic and could be a keeper, just wish it had a third pedal.
I’ve tinkered with cars for over 60 years now. Anytime I see an odometer with numbers that don’t align perfectly I’m very suspect.
Bill Cowan:
The numbers in this mechanical odometer are aligned perfectly except for the last one. The ‘0’ is half way to turning to ‘1’ which is totally normal to see on this vintage car. I’m more interested in the rust under the hood and no pictures of the underside to assess rust underneath. And you know a 46 year old GM car will need all new suspension bushings, shocks and likely brakes. There are thousands of samples of the ‘77 Corvette and average selling price is around $12,000 for one in this condition.
If it is original owner post some evidence of it.
Nice car and a relatively cheap 350-400hp stroker transplant would make it even nicer.
Those seats look to have more wear than should be there
Those are most likely 46 year old original leather seats. Chevy did not put top quality hides in these cars, so no surprise that they look that way.
My ’99 Camaro with white leather was showing wear in a short amount of time.
Barn Finds featured a very similar car back a few years ago: https://barnfinds.com/48k-mile-1977-chevrolet-corvette/
I like this color combination, and both cars that have been featured in this color have been really clean / low mileage.
Looks pretty legit to me. Under the hood corrosion would make examining the frame and suspension a priority. Garage may have been a little damp over all those years of sitting. Adding to some 32K miles credibility is the Goodyear Polysteel tires. Can’t Remember the last time I saw a set of those. They would have been the hot ticket for the second set of tires on this ride.
Frank, I missed the Polysteel tires. When I bought my ’70 Corvette in 1985, it had a set of those on it.
Your comment about the tires made me take a closer look. The tires appear to have flat spots and obviously will need replacement indicating that the car sat for a long time. More importantly, I would want to check the condition of the fuel tank for varnish or rust, brake calipers and master cylinder for corrosion and leaks. Not to degrade a low mileage car, but the buyer should be aware of the probable cost of these these repairs.