Off to a good start here, it’s green! My favorite color. Unfortunately, Corvette’s from the mid-’70s don’t always get the respect that their earlier brethren command but this one is a bit unique, it is a 16K original mile example! There is a lot here to consider, so let’s examine this 1976 Chevrolet Corvette in detail. It is located in Nixa, Missouri, and available here on BF Classifieds or here on craigslist for $19,500.
You have to wonder how a car like a Corvette can exist for 44 years and only experience 16K miles; what were the circumstances that lead to that? The seller doesn’t say, he just mentions that he bought it four years ago because of its splendid condition. And splendid it is, there is nothing that appears out of place or character inside or out. The Dark Green Metallic finish is deep and consistent while there is no evidence of fiberglass cracks or seam separation. There was a time GM’s darker colors had a tendency to oxidize and become cloudy with age and exposure but there is no sign of that with this ‘Vette, it has obviously been stored properly. The YJ8, optional aluminum wheels are a nice addition to this ’76 vintage car, they are frequently found on later model Corvettes and they are a nice substitute for the standard, ubiquitous Chevrolet rally wheels.
Under the hood is the base 180 net HP, 350 CI V8 engine. While unimpressive in the power rating, the motor is an improvement over the previous year’s nadir of only 165 HP. The seller states that it “drives great”! As was becoming more typical in 1976, this Corvette employes a Turbo-Hydramatic, three-speed automatic transmission connected to a limited-slip differential. While not a speed demon, this Chevy will have enough “go” to make for some very enjoyable motoring.
The interior is, what else, but like new! The Buckskin Leather upholstery contrasts perfectly while complementing the dark green exterior. It is showing no sign of wear, tear, scuffs, stains, water damage, or any of the other general use occurrences that befall auto interiors. The only exception that can be found with a Corvette’s interior of this era is the steering wheel. It’s the same generic piece found in many lesser Chevrolet models and considering this is the exalted Corvette, it was deserving of something unique and higher rent. Of note is the Kenwood radio/tape player substitution, the seller states that he has the original Delco AM/FM radio.
The seller adds that this Corvette comes with the original owner’s manual, the original invoice, T-Top storage bags, a reproduction window sticker, assembly manual, and a limited title history. This type of documentation always adds to the value of a car, especially one that has been so carefully kept and maintained. As stated at the outset, this vintage Corvette doesn’t always get its due but one that is in such magnificent, original, and low mileage condition is very hard to ignore. If a Corvette has always been an item on your bucket list but the price was too much of a stretch, this may be one to consider don’t you think?
A manual transmission might justify this price, but not the automatic. I mean, it IS a sports car, right? Chevrolet NEVER should have offered an automatic in the Corvette. I do like the car though. LS3 and a manual may be in its future.
Yeah man, because people who physically can’t drive a manual don’t deserve to enjoy America’s sports car, right?
Why would someone engine swap this mint example? Plenty of plastic bumper c3 projects in the $5k range why would you spent 20k on this and then drop another 15k in a swap?
90% of vettes left the factory with an automatic so your comment is wrong on multiple levels
I concur , automatic is downer ..
Actually, for me cars went to hell when they introduced automatic spark advance. I can advance my own dang spark, thankyouverymuch. And electric starters? Totally eliminated a fundamental motoring skill. Kids these days.
Yer dang tootin!
I normally don’t like green but this corvette looks nice. Why change anything if I wanted a fast car I would buy something like a new ZR1 or hellcat. This would make a good Sunday cruiser.
Love the color combo. Drop dead beautiful.
Buy it and drive it.
It’s a brand new 1976 Corvette.
Where you going to find another like it ?
I always laugh at all of the writers on here that get so upset about Corvettes, and other performance cars, that have automatics. My guess is that 50 percent of the “I’d never buy a Corvette with an automatic” crowd on here, have probably never driven a stick shift car, and 75 percent have never owned one. I have both automatic and a 4 speed Corvettes, and anymore, I find the automatic much more enjoyable to just take out for a nice ride.
The Dark Green was the least popular color offered in 76, but it really is a nice color. It’s actually more of a blue-green, than a true green though. As someone who does Corvette pre-purchase inspections, I’d say that the price is pretty strong, but if there is a 76 worth $19K, this is probably the one. I can’t find much in the photos to complain about.
Just for the record, in my driving years (a hefty number) I have driven far more manual-transmission cars than automatics. I’ve owned some (my Kaisers all had four-speed Hydros), so I don’t really dislike self-shifters.
That said, if I was to shell out $20K for a performance car that has the design, engine, color scheme and wheels I like, I would also want it to have a manual transmission.
It’s strictly a “YMMV” issue, as far as I’m concerned. At least Chevy catered to both tastes!
Only problem is, we’re not talking new cars, we’re talking old cars. You take what you can get. As the guys on TV say, when was the last time you saw one and when do you think you’ll see another one?
$19,000 should be a non-starter on an L-48 automatic. Hope the buyer loves the car or taking long baths because that kind of money will never be recovered. No way, no how.
…….wel look at the prices they pay in Europe for a junk c3…
Are we in Europe? Nope. Price is too high for base engine, automatic.
I don’t have the numbers in front of me, but I would venture a guess that the majority of Corvettes from that era were automatics. I bought a 75 for my wife at the time, and it was a real dog. What would be the point in having to shift a car that really couldn’t get out of its own way?
My dad bought a 78 anniversary addition for 12000 last summer. He bought it from the original owner and had only 22000 miles on it .the car is mint .in my opinion way to much money
My friend bought one and had it taken to his house on a roll back. He had it a good while and said one day he,d say it for a good bit.Because on less then a mile. He got married.Then divorced . She took the car. .He didn,t get to sale it. He didn,t get a good bit either. hahaha
what ?
These cars are basically just as good (or bad) as the earlier C-3’s. They just happen to have junk engines.
Mechanically ( drivetrain, suspension, frame) all corvettes are the same from 1962 to 1982, the only difference is a lighter diff in 1980 and the leaf spirings got thicker by half an inch in 78
It’s interesting to see all the old green cars show up these days. As mentioned, no one wanted a green sports car unless it was an MG in BRG. I must be getting old, because now I like it.
For a little carb tweaking you could make these run fair. But these really suck ! They are the epitome of smog dogs !!!
If it were only Red !!
Fix the clock!
Yes the power was down on these compared to older or newer one. A sign of those times. I love these. Maybe the fact that I was in my teens when this came out is a factor. Also the fact that Motor Trend or Car and Driver, can’t remember which, did a multi part series about driving one on the Alaskan Highway played a roll for me. I’d love to own this at 10k but then again I’d love dollar a gallon gas. Lol
Car and Driver. I have a copy autographed by Brock Yates.
I love 4 speed cars, when they belong to someone else, great for a blast, perfect conditions, but I live in NY, roads to Long Island where you would drive this car to, bumper to bumper summer weekends, Hamptons Montauk, 3 hrs of traffic, Jersey shore 3 hrs stop n go even on Saturday afternoon, thanks I’ll keep my automatic, maybe when I retire to Florida I’ll get a car w stick, till then no
If I’m reading the numbers correctly, only 4.5% of production (2,088 cars) came with the M21 manual option. Those YJ8 aluminum wheels were an option in ’76 and 13.4% (6,253) cam with them.
So, they are out there, going to be tough finding one in this condition. Not that it can’t be done.
By 1975 or so, Vettes were more of a poor man’s 450SL than a sports car. Hence all the automatic cruisers sold.
Brand new cast items sure enhance the under hood look.
Alternator, master cylinder, and exhaust manifolds make it look brand new.
Really nice example!! I customer of mine is paralyzed from the waist down due to a motorcycle accident when he was in his teens!! He has a ZO-6 corvette I really don’t know what year it is but it is a standard and he has hand controls for the clutch, break and throttle!! I don’t know if the technology was there in 76 but he says he would never buy an automatic sports car!! I do see the point in offering automatics for that reason!!!
I know this car and it is worth every penny
Maybe, 19k won’t even get you a new Honda Civic.
19k will get you a 700hp supercharged sorted out c5 or a chrome bumper C3 that will hold value better and be faster too.
Lots options at this price range