Despite the convertible being discontinued and the largest engine available reduced to a 350 cubic inch V8, the Chevy Corvette had record sales in 1976. It was still the only 2-door U.S. production sports car on the market and buyers still kept their love affair going with the Corvette. This ‘76 edition is one of about 10% painted red and we’re told it’s currently under restoration. From the limited photos, it looks as though more needs to be done than has already been accomplished. Located in a garage in Verona Beach, New York (near Syracuse), this T-top project is available here on craigslist for $12,500. Thanks for the nod, Mitchell G.!
The U.S. economy was starting to bounce back in 1976 after a recession brought on by the 1973 OPEC oil embargo. The country was also celebrating its 200th birthday and Chevrolet itself was approaching its 65th anniversary. Buyers scooped up more than 46,000 Corvettes that year, with either a 180 or 210 hp 350 V8 (the latter not being available in California). And if you lived out west, you could only get an automatic transmission. And 1976 was the last year for convertibles at GM (for a while) though the ‘Vette lost its drop-top the prior season. Things were indeed different for the sporty car than just five years earlier.
From the looks of things, this ’76 Corvette hasn’t moved anywhere in a while. The fiberglass body seems to be in decent shape and the seller provides a list of new parts but doesn’t clarify if they’re installed or just coming with the sale. We also don’t know if there’s an engine under the hood, but two are in the photographs. Are both coming in the sale or just the 400 small block from 1971 that the seller mentions?
We gather the seller is getting out of the car restoration business as an engine stand and hoist are included with the Chevy when it leaves this garage. Three sets of T-tops are thrown in (soft, hard, and glass), so you’ll have your choice as to how to enjoy the sunlight while driving – once you get this machine back on the road. We’re told it has a 4-speed manual, so that means this Corvette wasn’t sold in California when new.
The 4-speed, and all the new parts and extras that come with this car make it an appealing project. The downside is that a ’76 is not a particularly desirable C3.
This car has clearly been parked a long time, so the recommissioning expenses for complete brakes, tires, suspension, and fuel system overhaul will be substantial. If the paint and body was really good, this car would be a viable project. But it isn’t good…. A proper, complete paint job could cost more than it is worth.
*Note to Corvette newbies: Properly preparing and painting a fiberglass car requires significantly more time and different products and skills.
It is expensive, if you can even find someone. If you are considering a Vette that needs paint and body, make sure you have that covered.
In the current market, I think this car may be worth about half of the asking price.
When an unrestored, all original ‘68 with loads of paperwork, featured on this site the other day sells $25k this ‘76 makes no sense anywhere close to the asking price.
Steve R
Such a deal! Such a piece of crap!
I purchased a1976 L82 four speed last year in great condition for $12K. Not perfect but a good running car with great body and paint. This one is not worth the asking price. Too much work needed.
Good luck with that price! That’s a 4-5K C3 tops in it’s current condition, I actually really like this era of C3 styling, it’s just the malaise era that it comes from that kills it for that price.
Too much…As mentioned body and paint costs alone would exceed value of car. Parting out oddly enough may bring decent money if you could wait it out as the owner.
12.5k$ for a LITERAL BASKETCASE 😅
Guy wants his cash back for all the parts & it doesn’t work that way.
It’s mostly junk anyhow.
3k for the rolling shell.
Dudes from Verona Beach so that means he’s a Gumba & probably has his moms Meatballs in the garage also
Car is awful.
The guy is “getting out of the car restoration business”? … looks to be a good idea. Total junkyard dog here.
The only year Corvette with a Vega steering wheel.
Your right the 76 Corvette had the ugliest steering wheel of all the C-3’s with all the work this one needs its value would be 5k or less
Lots of good comments/advice here especially from Cam W about fiberglass bodywork and paint. I’d add that when it comes to Corvettes buy one that is either a pristine original or a correctly restored vehicle. Yeah you’ll pay more (probably a lot more) upfront but save money in the long run. The “Patina” spin doesn’t cut it in the Corvette market.
Some you can restore some you can’t. Just use common sense..
I seem to recall 75 was last C3 convertible