Sometimes, advertising a classic car involves a degree of poetic license. This 1976 Corvette is a perfect example. The seller describes it as “all original,” although noticeable changes call that claim into doubt. However, it is a solid vehicle with only cosmetic needs. Addressing them could be rewarding, making it ideal for someone who prefers the hands-on approach. The Corvette is listed here on eBay in Riverside, California. Bidding sits at $6,100, and with No Reserve in play, someone is days away from driving home behind the wheel of this beauty.

The 1976 Corvette marked an evolution of the previous year’s model. The most significant change was the transition from fiberglass to steel floors, bringing a minor weight reduction. This car is a one-owner classic that is listed to settle their estate. It has always been garage-kept, making its structurally sound state unsurprising. There are no issues with the frame or birdcage, However, it needs some cosmetic love. I question the seller’s claims of originality on two grounds. The first is the aftermarket wheels, while the second might be the paint shade. It could be a Special Order, but this shade of Red doesn’t gel with anything on the ’76 Corvette color palette. It holds a nice shine, although the clear is peeling away in various locations. This is most apparent around the car’s rear, and the deterioration means a complete repaint is probably on the agenda. Significant scratching on the door frames also requires attention for a satisfactory result. However, with the fiberglass in good order, recapturing its youthful good looks should be reasonably straightforward. The passenger-side mirror is missing, but the remaining trim and tinted glass look fine.

The Corvette’s interior raises as many questions as it answers, but some aspects require attention to achieve an acceptable presentation. The leather seatcovers have deteriorated beyond the point of no return, with replacements going on the new owner’s shopping list. The factory radio has gone, and the rear console section is cracked. The remaining upholstered surfaces are in good order, as are the dash and pad. I mentioned questions, and the first revolves around the trim combination. Although it wasn’t listed on the options list, buyers could order the ’76 Corvette with two-tone interior trim if the dealer performed an override using Trim Code ZJ1. There were several available combinations, all of which are pretty rare. Inspecting the Tag should reveal the truth, but even if this is one of those cars, the Black carpet will be a later addition. The seller also refers to this car featuring power seats and locks, but neither appeared on the RPO list in 1976. However, the new owner receives ice-cold air conditioning, power windows, and a tilt/telescopic wheel.

Powering this Corvette is the ZQ3 version of the venerable 350ci V8, bolted to a three-speed Hydramatic transmission. This small-block produces 180hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque, and while neither figure is dazzling, it represented a notable increase over the 165hp and 255 ft/lbs available to buyers in 1975. This Corvette would be more of a comfortable cruiser than an outright performance car, with the power assistance for the steering and brakes reinforcing that impression. The seller claims this classic has 77,000 genuine miles on the clock but doesn’t mention verifying evidence. However, its ownership history and the fact it has been meticulously maintained suggests such evidence might exist. The ‘Vette runs and drives perfectly, allowing the winning bidder to indulge in immediate motoring enjoyment.

The potential question marks hanging over the originality of this 1976 Corvette may have stifled the auction action, with the car only receiving twelve bids at the time of writing. I would typically expect a higher figure, although some enthusiasts might be playing their cards close to their chests. They may leap at the last moment, meaning the closing minutes of this auction could be pretty frantic. That might make it worth monitoring, even if you don’t plan on joining the party. After all, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of free entertainment.