1976 Chevrolet Corvette C3

In 1974, the big-block V8 was no longer offered, making the small-block the only available option on the Corvette. The 350 cubic-inch, overhead-valve V8 produced 180 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The 180 HP 5.7-liter was fifteen more horsepower than in 1975. A new Carburetor Outside Air induction system moved the intake from the cowl to just above the radiator. An optional L82 V8 brought horsepower to 210 HP. The optional L82 had impact-extruded pistons, finned aluminum rocker covers, and special heads with larger valves. 5,720 owners select the L82 V8 engine.

The 1976 Corvette had a wide-range four-speed fully synchronized manual transmission as standard with a three-speed automatic as optional. A close-ratio four-speed (fully synchronized) was available at no additional cost. The Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 was improved over the prior years; it became lighter and had improved shifting during wide-open throttle.

Corvette buyers had ten color options to choose from, with eight of those being exclusive to the Corvette. The interior leather trim was available in seven colors. They had parking lamps that went on with the headlamps, side marker lights with reflectors, and lane-change turn signals. On the back, in-between the twin-unit tail-lamps, was a new one-piece bar with the Corvette nameplate.

Standard equipment included an anti-theft alarm, retracting headlamps, bumper guards, Soft-Ray tinted glass, a center console with lighter and ashtray, Hide-A-Way wipers, bucket seats. New options included cast-aluminum wheels, which were installed on 6,253 Corvettes.

The fiberglass sports car had disc brakes, a fully-independent suspension, and a factory price of $7,600. The coupe with twin removable roof panels was the only available body style. To help reduce heat from the exhaust and to improve strength, it was given a partial steel underbody in place of the fiberglass. In total, Chevrolet produced 46,558 examples of the 1976 Corvette.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2015