1976 Chevrolet Corvette

1976 Chevrolet Corvette

- Modified C3

- 427ci V8

- 5 Speed Tremec Transmission

- 81k Miles Shown

- Dark Purple Exterior

- T Tops

- Black Interior

- Pioneer Radio

- Restored Over Past 13 Years

The Third Generation of Corvettes were produced from 1968-1982 and with only subtle changes made each year over the nearly 15-year run of the C3s. Because of this, these cars present a remarkable potential for enthusiasts looking to resto-mod a Corvette. With a variety of options offered over the course of production, you can literally build a custom Corvette out of factory parts that is unique to your taste but still looks factory. This vehicle featured here is a prime example of how previous ownership tastefully created a unique resto-mod out of a 1976 Chevrolet Corvette that is both a stunning vehicle and a well-running and driving vehicle that is ready to enjoy and cruise.

This Corvette has been a work in progress for the past 13 years as the owner has been restoring and modifying this, Corvette. The dark purple paint has been well cared for and shines with a brilliant luster showing only some minor flaws which you have to look closely to find. The rear tail panel was upgraded to a 1980 unit and the front features a chin spoiler that ties in the 80’s style aerodynamic package along with the tinted transparent T-Tops only available on C3 Corvettes built at the end of the C3 era. A custom 4” cowl induction style hood completes the updated look of the smoother and flowing lines of the early 80’s styling and also is a subtle clue to what lurks beneath that hood.

Under the hood, the builder drew from the early performance years of C3 heritage and upgraded the engine compartment with a big block 427cid V8. This powerplant has been modified with a Holley double pumper carburetor sitting atop an aluminum high-rise dual plane intake. The block has been painted to match the body color and features a deep sump oil pan. The alternator and starter and fuel pump are all new. A new HEI distributor with MSD 8mm wires sends the fire to the combustion chamber and the spent gases flow through tube headers into a set of road course-style side pipes that gives this Corvette a serious performance note. Power is transferred to a TREMEC 5-speed manual transmission.

Underneath the car is lightly detailed with much of the suspension and steering components either replaced or rebuilt. The front A-arms feature all new bushings and ball joints with new tie rods and a power steering hydraulic cylinder, and the shocks have been replaced with gas-charged units. The front sway bar has been upgraded to a larger diameter unit with all new stabilizer links and related bushings. The power-assist 4-wheel disc brakes have been fully serviced including new dust shields and upgraded with drilled and slotted rotors. New brake and fuel lines have been installed along with new emergency brake cables. Out back the differential half shafts have been rebuilt with new u-joints, and a composite transverse spring replaces the factory multi-leaf spring set-up. All the rubber bushings have been replaced and the shocks have been replaced with gas-charged units out back as well.

The floorboards are clean and free of any damage and the frame is rust-free, and a new gas tank has been installed. This car rolls on a set of 15 X 8 American Racing Slotted mag wheels wrapped in Cooper Cobra Radial GT raised white letter tires.

Inside the cab, the interior has been restored with a two-tone black and white theme. The seats have been recovered with black upholstery complemented by new black carpeting and new black vinyl floor mats decorated with the Corvette logo. The door panels have been restored in white with black inserts. This theme continues with the dash with a black upper pad and white face and black console. Sitting inside the cockpit of a C3 Corvette is reminiscent of riding in a small aircraft with all the gauges and driver center controls. The factory radio has been replaced with an aftermarket Pioneer AM/FM radio with AUX input that fits well and plays the tunes through a set of Sony 6X9 speakers. Other options include tilt steering with a tilt steering column and power windows.

This is really a neat car that has a great road course racer vibe with the manual and side pipe exhaust. This is a great car to enjoy driving with the T-Tops off, the sun on your face, and the wind in your hair while the sweet sounds of that big block tickles your ears as you run it through the gears. Please call if interested or e-mail with specific questions. Thanks for looking.