Make: | Chevrolet |
Model: | Corvette |
Type: | Coupe |
Trim: | -- |
Year: | 1976 |
Mileage: | 28875 |
VIN: | 1Z37L6S429243 |
Color: | Blue |
Engine: | 350 V8 L48 |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Transmission: | Manual |
Interior color: | Black |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Local pick-up only |
We probably sell more C3 Corvettes than anyone else, but in the midst of all the Special Editions and Anniversary models and pace cars, this blue-on-black 1976 Stingray stands out. Beautifully restored less than 5k miles ago, it's probably the best-looking sub-$25,000 car we're currently offering. Originally code 22 Bright Blue, this slick Corvette was repainted in 2007 in a Bright Blue Metallic that pops as brilliantly in person as it does in our pictures, and it will... never go out of style on the Corvette's timeless plastic fantastic. The extensive repaint covered every noteworthy surface of the car with the shiny blue urethane, which, once cured, was buffed to the kind of shine only a professionally restored car can really carry. Fit and finish are quite good and particularly impressive for the price range, and you'll note they took no liberties with the classic shape and just put it back together the way the factory might have wanted it. You can see in the photos that the surfaces are smooth and glossy, and it's probably true that bright paint makes any car look like a million bucks. All the shiny trim was restored and chromed while the car was apart, including the rocker moldings, and all the glass and rubber seals are new as well. Man, this Corvette looks great! The code 19V black leather interior is how this Corvette came from the factory as well, although it was also restored not long ago and looks incredible against that blue paint. Bucket seats are every bit as comfortable as they look, with nary any signs of use since the work was completed. New plush carpets and door panels accented with woodgrain appliques enhance a very polished presentation, and it even the dash is newer and full of fresh OEM gauges. By 1976, the Corvette was as much grand tourer as sports car, so things like A/C, power windows, and a tilt/telescoping steering column are pretty much expected and there's an AM/FM stereo radio in the center of the dash. You'd think that it would be black overload inside, but the overall effect is quite elegant and polished, and it's part of why this Corvette attracts so much attention on the showroom floor. It's a combination that will simply never go out of style, especially with the 4-speed shifter dominating the center of the cabin, begging each passer-by to hop in and have a quick spin. The "L" in the VIN means this is an L48 350 cubic inch V8, rated at 180 horsepower. It was rebuilt 5k miles ago and runs as you'd expect the world's most popular V8 to run. Turn the key and it fires quickly and while 180 horsepower doesn't seem like a lot today, an L82 cam was added during the rebuild and the resulting fat torque curve makes this C3 feel quick around town and makes it easy to dispatch lesser cars. A few chrome bits dress up the under-hood area, along with finned aluminum valve covers that are a traditional touch. You can see that there are quite a few new components under the hood, so someone's been taking care of this 'Vette, so you shouldn't think twice about heading out on the road with it. Underneath, it's quite impressive as well and again shows signs of conscientious ownership over the years, and the quick-shifting 4-speed manual transmission gives it great point-and-shoot capabilities. Power steering and power 4-wheel disc brakes make driving this C3 an absolute delight, and the fresh Flowmaster dual exhaust system sounds downright menacing when the throttle is down. Slotted alloy wheels were standard and wear fat 225/70/15 BFGoodrich T/A white-letter radials that totally fill the fenders. Where else are you going to be able to own an icon with fresh paint and interior, built V8 performance, and an awesome color combination for so little cash? Don't expect this one to stick around, call today!