The second generation of the Chevy Camaro had a long run: 12 years (1970 to 1981). Changes were generally few from year to year, yet the Camaro was able to almost tie the Ford Mustang in pony car sales in 1976. But the Mustang was more of a sporty subcompact after 1974, so it was attracting folks who were interested in saving money at the gas pump. This 1976 Camaro has something you couldn’t get from the factory: a 454 cubic inch V8 engine. Perhaps only needing paint, this ’76 Chevy is in Kingston, Massachusetts, and is available here on craigslist for $10,000. Kudos to Rocco B. for the cool tip.
When this Camaro was assembled, you could get it with either a 250 CI inline-6 or one of two V8s, the new 305 and the 350. We don’t know what was in the seller’s car before the big block was installed, but one of the heavier V8s may have involved less beefing up of the suspension to handle it. Since the car is an automatic, we’re guessing the transmission was upgraded from a TH-350 to a TH-400, but that’s just an assumption.
This Camaro’s odometer reads 97,000 miles. And the seller believes the 454 V8 has 40,000. But we don’t know at what point the marriage commenced. We’re told this car lived in California for its first 42 years, having migrated to New England eight years ago. The machine runs well, and the Chevy has “many new parts,” though the seller does not include a list. The interior looks very good, the body is fine, and the paint is okay where there is no primer.
Perhaps you could try to spot-spray some matching yellow paint, though a completely new finish is probably the better choice. The car wears a set of Rally wheels from a Corvette, which are wider than the ones a 1976 Camaro would have worn. Those will be swapped for the sale, but the seller doesn’t say anything about how good the replacement tires will be. Is the 454 overkill for a car this size?
Not a great ad, but the car has a 454 and looks nice enough and the price seems more than reasonable, anyone with serious interest is going to come and look at it in person. It’s easier to sell a car if you put effort into an ad, a good deal is nearly as effective.
Not a fan of the seller showing wheels in the ad that aren’t included, but rally’s are played out. Swapmeets, Facebook, and Craigslist are full of inexpensive sets of more interesting wheel choices.
Steve R
I like the Chevy rally wheels, but they just don’t work on this car. As you said, there are tons of wheels to choose from.
At first glance, it would seem a good price. Then you start noting all the question marks that the seller is dancing around and you have to wonder. The limited quantity and the quality of the photos sure doesn’t help.
10k probably means 8,800 to 9,100 for this because of a lot of warts. I’d have to see it in person and with my favorite mechanic. That being said, I have a soft spot for the 76 because I had one and it was my first car. Same beige interior. Brings memories full circle. Plus I had the 305 and would have loved to have a beefier engine.
Definitely needs a full paint job. Probably not yellow either. A two tone cream and metallic brown separated by a modest pin striping. Paint that grill black and just enjoy cruising around.
if wheels on the car are not part of the deal than put what is being sold on the car before you take the pics and list it. craigslist clown.
I bought a 1977 Z28 from a deceased friends estate. He had an L88 installed from a 68 Corvette(numbers matched). Car ran well, however the roof was starting to crack right at the B pillars. I’m thinking the same would happen to this 454. Maybe the auto would save it, mine was a 4 speed. Sold it to a friend of mine who eventually gave it to his son who then totaled it plowing it into a mini van.
I am surprised that an L88 didn’t tear it apart…
I’m guessing it kind of did. The roof was cracking from both sides right at the “B” pillars.
I had a 75 type LT 350 brand new. Is it just me when I look at the front bumper & notice the big gap on the driver’s side? I realize they went to impact bumpers but I don’t recall a gap like that & the passenger side isn’t like that. Makes everything else suspect to me. ✌
The mounting nuts/bolts are probably just loose – just slightly jack up the bumper & tighten. Happened on my ’74 firebird – those bumpers are heavy!
The wheel change thing kind of turns me off. It doesn’t matter if one likes Rally wheels or not. What is shown should be what gets delivered. When I put a car up for sale, I don’t drive it anymore (to keep the mileage true), and disclose directly what the buyer will get. If something is going to change, I would tell them that outright and be clear what they are getting in exchange. It is an easy thing to do and gives the seller credibility.
Man. I like it!
I would make a Transformers Bumblebee replica out of it. Get a cowl scoop hood, stripes and Crager SS up front and whatever rims it had out back. Radir? I dunno. Oh yeah, little Transformer emblems! I’m not so much into Transformers, just really like the street brawler look of that Camaro! I would just drive it and have fun with it!
Nothing wrong with a bigblock Camaro, or with Rally wheels either in my opinion, although these don’t look period correct, I’ll agree there. Z28 mags would look better, but they didn’t make them in 75 or 76 so you’d hafta borrow them from 77 or newer. Whatever you like, just don’t put some garish 17s or 18s on it!
A 10K big block 70’s Camaro in MA with no visible rust – how is this not sold yet?
I went to a private HS in MA and our parking lot was littered with Camaros, easily the most popular car at the time. I graduated in ’79.