1976 Chevrolet Corvette L-82

Description

Don't get caught up in the hype of big blocks and pedigrees when there's no need for it. Instead look at the tangible stuff like whether it makes your heart beat faster when you look at it. This 1976 Corvette is cool, particularly at this price, and reminds you that having fun in an old car is what this hobby is all about, not just showing up with more horsepower than the other guy.

This is the archetypal Corvette and if you grew up anytime between 1960 and 1985, it was probably a regular part of your classroom daydreams to someday own one of these. That day has arrived and why not go all-out with a car that's clearly led an easy life? As a high-grade survivor that's still wearing its original paint, so fit and finish are decent, about what you'd expect from a car that's been enjoyed but never abused. Code 69 is Dark Brown, but you'll probably find that it's suddenly a color that's very much back in style to day; just stop by your local Mercedes-Benz dealership if you need proof. It's original, so it has a few nicks and scratches, but when you're rolling down the road, everyone around you is going to see a gorgeous Corvette with a grinning owner behind the wheel, not the little stuff that only you and I know about. The bumpers fit well, the doors close easily, and it has a very uniform look that says it has been loved but they didn't forget that Corvettes were built to drive. There wasn't much chrome left in '76, but the rocker panel moldings are in great shape and the badges are crisp and bright, including the important 'L-82' on the hood.

The code 642 Buckskin leather interior is also original to the car and in outstanding condition. The seating surfaces are in remarkably good shape with only light stretching and some very inviting patina, but no splits or signs of dryness. Those are also the original door panels and quite likely the original carpets, which are perhaps the only part that reveals any age and fortunately, it's also inexpensive to fix. There are big, bright gauge faces in the dash and yes, this is a rather rare 4-speed car, which makes it far more entertaining than its more sedate automatic-equipped siblings. There's an aftermarket AM/FM/cassette radio in the dash and factory A/C that's still fully functional, making this a 'Vette that's very easy to love. Pull the T-tops off and enjoy open-air motoring, Corvette style!

The engine is the optional (and numbers-matching) L82 350 cubic inch V8, which, along with the close-ratio 4-speed, was a relatively rare combination in 1976. The engine bay looks great and fairly original, although the chrome open-element air cleaner and finned valve covers are there for a bit of dress-up. It's a little crusty, a little grimy maybe, but that's the sign of a car that's been properly exercised and the way it runs means that the exercise made a difference. Headers appear to be the lone significant modification, adding a bit of low-end torque and a throaty sound through the stock-style dual exhaust system. The 4-speed shifts properly and the suspension feels tight, unlike so many Corvettes of the period which seem to rattle themselves to pieces. Factory Rally wheels and fat 255/60/15 white letter radials add the right Corvette look.

A turn-key Corvette that's ready to rock without worries or a major investment. Enjoy it as-is or spend some time on the details and take it to the next level, but you'll finally be driving your dream car. Call now!