Last week I covered this 1976 Chevrolet Corvette and suggested that while it was uninspiring, in both color and lack of underhood oomph, I suggested that it was a product of its unfortunate times but it could serve as a reasonable entry point into Corvette world. Today’s Corvette find, also a ’76 variant, is powered by the one optional engine that was available so I thought it worthy of a comparison. This “Little Red Corvette” is located in Alameda, California and is available, here on eBay for a current, no reserve bid of $3,250 with seventeen bids tendered so far.

As late as 1972, Chevrolet still offered a solid-lifter, Holley carburetor fed, 350 CI small block V8 engine known as the LT-1. It was standard equipment in the Z28 Camaro and an option in the Corvette. As 1973 dawned, emission control standards became stricter and the LT-1 got the bum’s rush. Replacing it was RPO L82 (’73-’80) and it served, at first, in the same applications as its LT-1 predecessor. Though it was a Quadrajet/iron intake manifold arrangement, the L82 featured more robust forged internals, four-bolt mains, improved flow heads with a 9.0:1 compression ratio, and a more aggressive hydraulic lifter camshaft. Debuting with 245 net HP (the ’72 LT-1 mustered 255), the L82 was chugging out a middling 210 by ’76 but it was still a 30 HP improvement over the standard L48 version. The seller tells us that the  “Original engine is tired, but still cranks up reliably” and surprisingly, is fed by an aged Holley fuel injection throttle body get-up. Unlike last week’s car, this ‘Vette utilizes an automatic transmission, a Turbo-Hydramatic 400, three-speed. This would be the last year for the big 400 auto. as diminished HP no longer required the services of such a robust box. The seller mentions that the transmission leaks, but works.

We’re looking at a twenty-four-year-old paint job (code 24 – Red) and it shows well, there’s no indication of fade or body seam separation but the front bumper reveals the results of having been kissed a couple of times. Unfortunately, there are no real comprehensive external images in the listing, so getting a complete look at this Chevy is a piece-it-together exercise. The optional cast aluminum wheels are a nice upgrade over the done-to-death standard Corvette Rally wheel but such items as bright door edge guards and “Chevrolet” lock cylinder decals detract from the ‘Vette vibe.

OK, the elephant in the room is the seats. The seller tells us, “Seats were partially reupholstered at that time with cloth inserts sewn over the original leather“. Yikes, my eyes! On a positive note, the carpet and dash pad were replaced at the same time as the exterior refinishing occurred, and both items present well. The interior, all-in-all, displays nicely it’s just those seats, wow! (And that steering wheel cover needs to go too.)

So, this ‘Vette has a lot more miles on its clock than the previously reviewed ’76 – this one is at the 123K mile mark, and the automatic gearbox is probably an enthusiast’s detraction. The L82 powerplant is preferred but this motor is, as the seller states, tired and it has the whole F.I. unit vs a carburetor matter to consider. But, the red finish is nice and more in keeping with what one would expect to find being worn by Chevrolet’s iconic two-seater. So, what’s your preference, a beige, standard engine, four-speed equipped model, or a red, higher performer – though tired, automatic-outfitted edition?