Many enthusiasts crave nothing more than a driver-grade classic that will provide them with immediate motoring pleasure. If you fall into that category and a C3 Corvette is on your Wish List, this 1977 model is worth more than a passing glance. Every aspect of this car has been restored, leaving nothing for its new owner to do but slip behind the wheel and drive off into the sunset. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting it listed here on Craigslist in Ridgefield, New Jersey. The seller isn’t interested in trades, but handing them $16,500 could make your C3 dream a reality.
The 1977 model year was evolutionary for the Corvette, with the company making only minor styling tweaks to differentiate it from its predecessor. The “Stingray” badges disappeared from the front fenders, with Black A-pillars providing a “lighter” appearance. It would be the final year for the vertical rear window, with Chevrolet adopting a “fastback” rear window from 1978. This car makes a positive impression in Classic White. It proved the most popular of the twelve available colors in 1977, chosen by 9,408 buyers. The vehicle presents extremely well, with the seller confirming that this Corvette underwent a total restoration while in the care of its previous owner. It seems that nothing escaped their attention, with the paint shining nicely and no evidence of cosmetic flaws. There is no mention of rust, and I see nothing in the supplied images that causes concern. The trim and glass are in good order, as are the Rally wheels with their trim rings and center caps.
Powering this Corvette is the L48 version of Chevrolet’s venerable 350ci V8. The small-block delivered 180hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque in 1977, and I suspect it should go close to matching those numbers today. The three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission was the most popular choice during this model year, accounting for an incredible 83.8% of total sales. Power assistance for the steering and brakes had become standard equipment, meaning that the driver’s load behind the wheel of this car should be pretty light. The previous owner’s restoration of this classic extended to the drivetrain, which received a complete rebuild. Therefore, it is unsurprising that this beauty runs and drives extremely well, and is ready for action with its new owner behind the wheel.
The TLC lavished on this Corvette by its previous owner extended to the interior, which is trimmed in Blue. The leather seatcovers have the usual wrinkles, but no evidence of wear. There are marks on the outer edge of the carpet on the driver’s side, but that is about the only thing that I can criticize. The remaining surfaces are crisp and clean, the dash looks excellent, and there are no aftermarket additions. One interesting aspect from my perspective is the first owner’s choice of options. They equipped this Corvette with air conditioning, a leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic wheel, a rear defogger, and an AM/FM radio. The surprise is that they didn’t spend an extra $116.00 on power windows. With over 90% of buyers ticking that box on their Order Form, that makes this car slightly unusual.
Considering how close the Corvette came to extinction during its early years, Chevrolet’s decision to persevere was rewarded when total Corvette production passed half a million cars in 1977. It had found its feet and has remained a staple of the American new car market ever since. This 1977 model is an impressive vehicle, and its condition as a high-end driver will appeal to many people. The seller’s price appears very competitive, which makes it surprising that it has been on the market for around three weeks. Is that a situation that you are tempted to change?
Sad, nicely done vettes like this sell for peanuts. Wish I would have realized that before I restored a 76…
Sad they bring no money
If it is as it appears, this one seems (To me) to be priced right. For those with the know-how, either tweaking the 350 for more horsepower or even replacing it altogether would make it perfect.
This very tidy ’77 is an excellent example of why you should not even consider trying to restore a C3 from this era. Just doing body and paint on the typical neglected examples commonly appearing on BF could cost as much (or more) than the asking price for this nice ride.
If you want a rubber-bumper C3….buy a good one like this.
current temp tag on it. buyer’s remorse? now looking to push it down the road to someone else. not sure they would make profit unless they got it super cheap
I’m from the era where C1, C2 and early C3’s had some grunt. Sadly, by 1977 they were dogs……..hate to say it. Of course, with a low enough price, rip out that wimpy engine. LS? L88? 502? Now you’re talking.
Nice car at a fair price with one big caveat, the auto loader gear box. Corvettes were never supposed to be an automatic, (except of course these newer rocket ships). That gearbox coupled to that engine would be a complete pig. Still a nice car though, and if someone were to buy it correctly and be able to heat up that motor and swap the automatic for a 4 speed, it would be a pretty sweet mid seventies Corvette. (Also, don’t hit me with “older people prefer an automatic”. I’m 76, a stroke and cancer survivor, and I still manage to enter, exit, and drive my 6 speed FRC)
Cam and intake. Live with the small valve heads and stock exhaust. Pick up 50 or so horses and drive it like you stole it!
IDK, I guess if you want to be an entry level Corvette owner, it may satisfy someone. Having had from ’81 till ’99 , a ’70 convertible 350/350, M21 ragtop in Marlboro maroon with black leather as the only option, I’ll say this..
I was quite disappointed when in ’93, I traded my ’82 Harley Sturgis 98″ Stroker with a wide glide, customized, for a ’78 silver anniversary Corvette.
Nothing like the ’70 I had still sitting in the garage. Only thing ‘Corvette’ about it was the emblem on the horn cover which I still have in a toolbox. It was just a point and steer, automatic torquey pig. The L48, HP @180 if I recall right, and it’s 85 mph Speedo was always beyond buried at the 6 O’clock mark, so topping a mediocre 100 maybe? Oh, the silver leather seats were another nice thing. I would much rather have the Sturgis today no doubt, but my ’15 RG CVO will suffice. And rewind to the ’70 vet I’d rather have over the CVO, LOL, only sold 25yrs ago to relocate from Bpt, CT to Meridian,ID. Best decision over all the above!
77 the worst C3 to own. Many one year parts. Cheap enough so I guess the owner sunk a tom of money including the totally ugly and useless luggage rack.
Why don’t you tell us how you REALLY feel?