1977 Chevrolet Corvette C3

Chevrolet made a radical departure from its typical production of sensible family transportation when it introduced a two-seater sportscar in 1953. Power was from the company's 235.5 cubic-inch (3.8-liter) overhead-valve straight-six backed by an automatic transmission, features that attracted much adverse criticism at the time. In 1955, a V8 engine was introduced, followed by a radical restyle the following year, helping place the Corvette on a path to becoming the world's best-selling and longest-lived sportscar.

The heavily revised Corvette Sting Ray arrived in 1963 using a new ladder-type chassis. Four years later, a slight change of model name ushered in the totally restyled 'Stingray.' In 1968 the Stingray became a 'notchback' coupe with the removable rear window and detachable two-piece Targa-type roof, while the convertible version could be ordered with an optional hardtop. The Corvette continued in this guise well into the 1980s, being replaced in 1984 by the sixth generation of America's classic sportscar.

On November 7th, 1969 - fifteen years after production of the Corvette began, Chevrolet produced its first quarter-million Corvette - a Riverside Gold convertible. Eight years later, it reached the half-million mark when Chevrolet General Sales Manager Robert Lund drove a Classic White coupe off the assembly line on March 15, 1977. The enthusiasm for the Corvette was monumental, especially considering the rising sticker prices and the demise of the convertible in 1975. Corvette sales had steadily increased during the 1970s, surpassing 30,000 for the first time in 1973 before soaring to a record 49,213 in 1977.

Horsepower remained the same at 180 in the standard 350 cubic-inch V-8 and 210 in the optional L82, however, the numbers rose across the board. Base price increased to $8,648 for 1977, a full $1,043 over 1976, and almost $2,000 over 1975. Optional extras drove the base prices higher for many of the Corvettes, as owners added such amenities as air conditioning, power windows, tilt-telescopic steering, and upscale sound systems. The M40 automatic transmission, a no-cost option, also dominated over the once-beloved 4-speed manual transmission.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2005