It is no secret that by 1976, the C3 Corvette was no longer the fire-breathing monster it had been at the decade’s start. However, it compensated for its performance losses by being more civilized and comfortable. It hit a sweet spot with buyers, with 1976 producing a new sales record for what has become an American icon. This ‘Vette is an original classic that can be considered a turnkey survivor. It isn’t perfect, but its overall condition guarantees it can still turn heads almost five decades after it rolled off the line. The seller has listed this beauty here on Craigslist in Saline, Michigan. They set their price at $12,900, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting this tidy classic.
Chevrolet followed its typical practice in 1976 by offering Corvette buyers the choice of ten paint colors. This car is 1-of-4,447 ordered in Code 69 Dark Brown Metallic, representing a take-up rate of around 9.6%. That figure is lower than those for Classic White, Silver Metallic, and Red, making it the fourth most popular shade in 1976. The seller indicates that apart from replaced and repainted bumpers, this Corvette is as it left the factory. It retains a healthy shine, although the close-up shots reveal deterioration and checking, which might prompt a future cosmetic refresh for this classic. The fiberglass is in good order, and with the seller assuring us the frame and birdcage are sound, this beauty has no pressing needs. The trim looks exceptional for an unrestored survivor of this vintage, the glass is spotless, and there are no issues with the Rally wheels, center caps, or trim rings.
This Corvette’s interior features Buckskin leather seatcovers, and whether the new owner performs any restoration work will depend on their desire for perfection versus the need to protect the car’s originality. The leather has slight wear and the typical wrinkles found with age, and I’m unsure whether there is a developing hole in the driver’s seat base. It might be nothing, but it may require specialist attention to prevent further deterioration if there is an issue. The remaining trim looks good, as do the plastic components. The carpet shows patchiness in several locations which is common as Corvettes of this vintage age. Still, the lack of appreciable wear may motivate some potential buyers to maintain the status quo. There are no aftermarket additions, with the new owner receiving ice-cold air conditioning recently upgraded with a new compressor and R134a refrigerant, power windows, a tilt/telescopic wheel, and an AM/FM radio.
Tipping the hood forward reveals a multitude of surfaces that are clean enough to eat off. This Corvette features a numbers-matching drivetrain that includes the L48 version of the 350ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The small-block produces 180hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque, which is enough to launch this classic through the ¼-mile in 17.2 seconds. That isn’t fast by any stretch of the imagination, but it indicates the impact tighter emission regulations had on performance. An equivalent car in 1970 would have covered that distance in a neat 15 seconds while the potential top speed slumped from 132mph to 116mph. Is it any wonder this period earned the handle of The Malaise Era? This Corvette’s engine bay presents superbly and doesn’t flatter to deceive. The seller recently replaced the power steering pump and valve, the front brakes and master cylinder, the shocks, and the sway bar bushes. It runs and drives perfectly, making it a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
The 1976 Corvette may not have been the most potent car on the planet, but its inherent charisma motivated 46,558 buyers to hand over their cash to take one home. That figure represented a new sales record for the badge and an impressive 17% increase over the previous year’s record number. This one isn’t perfect, but with no pressing needs, it is ready to offer a new owner immediate classic motoring enjoyment. If you have been searching for a tidy C3, would you consider this one?
Another nice “starter” for someone interested in Corvettes.
My son-in-law was set on buying a C3 after seeing one at a Mecum auction. He wanted a red one, specifically a 1976 model. He found a brown one and we went to check it out with some reservations. These brown cars are striking in person – pictures don’t do them justice.
My primary criterion for buying a car is ego gratification which is why l drive a Corvette. Think what you like about Corvette drivers but you get a lot of compliments, as you would with this brown beauty.
You got that right, until you own one you won’t get it. I have 3, including an unrestored 77 with a new crate engine. Thinking about listing that one here.
Excellent candidate for a performance 383 transplant.
350hp/tq would totally change that into a beast.
If you don’t like it don’t buy it ….just that simple….you do not have to be nasty and rude.
It looks great for the money, now if I could afford the insurance..
Jackie, for some reason there are many “experts” who comment here that seem determined to do just that – Be nasty and rude.
These were still good looking cars, especially the 82 anniversary edition but unfortunately you’ll still get negative comments about the 74 -82 Vette for what it is and that’s unfortunate.
Ok Jones
When I see comments like that its someone that doesn’t have the money to buy one very clean car
I just want to remind everybody that the Corvette was not the only car to suffer lack of power during the malaise years.
May not be fast, but it sure looks good!
Even the color.
For what 13K buys in a car these days, this Vette is a screaming deal!
I don’t like seeing POR-15 on a frame, hard to tell condition with it on there, but the pics show it to be solid enough.
Beautiful car, leave it stock appearing. But give it some life under the hood. Then you look like a Vette and feel like one too. Dog year Vettes looked good but ran like, well a slug.
Every car that generation ran like a slug.