1976 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3 |

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1976 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3

Sold Price

£11,078

Mileage~96,714 on clock
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine5.3-litre
LocationMarket Harborough

SOLD

1976 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C3

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Glyn Parry

Professional Consigner

There’s something quite appealing about '70s retro American muscle and it doesn't get more retro than the Corvette Stingray C3.

In 1968, Chevrolet introduced the highly anticipated third-generation Corvette, dubbed the "C3". This revamped Corvette Stingray retained much of the previous C2 chassis and engine lineup but boasted a striking new exterior, catapulting it into the 1970s. Drawing inspiration from Larry Shinoda's impressive 1964 Mako Shark II concept car, the design was refined for production under the guidance of GM design chief Bill Mitchell. Characterised by its well-proportioned, sleek profile and a blend of flowing contours and sharp lines, the new Stingray represented a pinnacle in sports car design of its era.

Before 1973, models were distinguished by their Kamm tail and chrome bumpers. Post-1973, the Corvette underwent a transformation to incorporate seamlessly integrated urethane bumpers, meeting federal five-mph impact bumper regulations. This clean and streamlined solution surpassed the clunky overriders seen on some competing models, ensuring the Corvette's design remained modern and appealing. With only one additional facelift until its production ended in 1982, the Corvette's design endured as a timeless classic.

This lovely 1976 Chevrolet Corvette C3 comes to the market from a ten-year ownership where our enthusiastic owner, Adrian, has pampered and meticulously maintained the car, a fresh MOT has been actioned on the C3 and is valid until 21.03.2025.

This listing was written from information supplied by Glyn after meeting Adrian the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

The amazing looks and raucous sound are just two of the things why the Corvette appeals to Adrian.

Adrian has always been a fan of the Corvette C3, and becoming the owner of this fine example around ten years ago was pretty much his dream car ticked off the list. He has meticulously maintained it over the years, giving the car everything it needed and probably things it didn’t need, just to ensure it's always in tip-top condition, always looking to improve it wherever possible.

After ten enjoyable years with the Corvette and a planned property downsize, Adrian has decided to part with the American classic.

Adrian

Vehicle Owner

Adrian saved £1,980* when they
sold their Chevrolet with us.

SELLING MADE EASY

We'll take the photos & create the listing.
We'll market it to our 62K buyers & online.
You'll keep your car until it's paid for.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The C3 generation's shark-inspired front end and focus on aerodynamics emerged as defining characteristics, creating a lasting legacy that resonates even today.

Wheels and Tyres

The steel wheels look in good condition, and they are finished with chrome hubcaps and trims. Some of the trims have a few scratches, but nothing excessive.

A set of Cooper Cobra tyres are fitted, which have approximately ~3-4mm of tread remaining.

Please see the image gallery to take a closer look at the wheels.

Bodywork

The stunning-looking fibreglass body is in good condition with the panels fitting well. The doors and bonnet open and close nicely, and the roof panels fit well and come out as expected. Adrian told us a speed bump caused a dent in the stainless steel sill cover on the passenger side.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The car was originally finished in metallic green. A previous keeper had it repainted in this bright colour, which is thought to be "Corvette Orange Flame", but we cannot confirm this (maybe someone can give their opinion in the comments). The paintwork is presented very well; the bonnet has a minor blemish, which is difficult to see but is there if you look closely.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

All the windows appear free from noticeable scratches, and the seals look to be in good condition with no perishing. The chrome window trims, door mirrors, and handles have a nice bright finish.

In true '70s style, the headlights pop up and work correctly - the recessed rear lights are free from damage, and a handy luggage rack has been fitted.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

A white leather interior gives the Corvette a clean and light feel inside the cabin.

Seats and Carpets

The seats have been retrimmed in white/black leather and finished off with embroidered logos of the iconic Corvette flags. The door cards have been recoloured in white to match the seats, and these do have a few age-related marks but nothing excessive.

Fitted with red carpets, these have been replaced at some point and are in very good condition with minimal signs of age.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Dashboard

Like the door cards, the dashboard has also been recoloured and is in good condition. A dash cover is in place to prevent glare on the windscreen from the white dashboard.

All instruments appear in good condition and are reported to be working correctly. The odometer shows a reading of 96,714 miles.

Please see the interior gallery for more hi-resolution images.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The 1976 model Corvette gained a four-spoke leather steering wheel. This has had the spokes painted white, and there are some signs of use where the paint has worn off on the edges.

The original gear knob is in place; there is some patina around the surround in keeping with the age of the C3.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Fitted with a 5.3 litre V8, the soundtrack is intoxicating through the stainless exhaust.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine has been meticulously maintained, as you can see when you look through the stacks of paperwork. New core plugs were fitted in 2016, and a new inlet manifold and carburettor in 2017. The car starts up nicely, sounds fantastic, and runs well, with no issues reported.

It pulls well through the gears using a three-speed automatic gearbox, and the change is smooth.

Suspension and Brakes

The Corvette sits nicely on the road and soaks up any uneven undulations well, with no noticeable knocks or bangs coming from either corner of the car.

The brakes bring it to a stop in a straight line with no juddering through the pedal.

The Drive

Indeed, this vehicle commands attention, eliciting admiring glances wherever it goes. With a spirited acceleration, the distinctive sound of its engine announces its presence even before it comes into view. However, for those moments when a leisurely drive is preferred, the Corvette effortlessly transitions into a quieter mode, with the 5.3-litre V8 emitting only a subtle rumble, allowing for a more relaxed and refined driving experience.

Electrics and Other

All of the switchgear is reported to be working correctly. A Sony CD head unit has been installed. It also has Bluetooth, enabling you to stream music from your mobile phone easily.

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History and Paperwork

The Corvette has over ~£10,000 worth of receipts for parts and work carried out.

An excellent history file is included with the Corvette, which dates back to when the car came to the UK in 1989. There are invoices totalling over ~£10,000 and cover many new parts and work carried out by enthusiastic owners. The invoices shown in the paperwork photographs are just those gathered over the past ten years while in Adrian’s ownership.

The car has a current MOT, which is valid until 21st March 2025 and it passed with no advisories.

If you want a true retro American muscle car, this 1976 Corvette C3 is an excellent opportunity to get that box ticked. It has been well maintained, has a very good history, looks fantastic, and has been in enthusiast ownership for the last ten years.

We've done all our usual seller checks, including photo ID, V5, and also actioned an HPI check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above. However, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail. This has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa, and take your time to review everything on this listing to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
22.03.2024	MOT	96,751
28.10.2022	MOT	96,187
29.06.2021	MOT	95,499
23.06.2021	Sevice	95,493
25.07.2018	Water Pump
04.06.2018	MOT	93,782
05.10.2017	Inlet Manifold & Carb
05.06.2017	MOT	92,390
11.06.2016	MOT	90,533
03.03.2016	Engine removed to replace gaskets and core plugs	90,209
16.07.2015	Radiator Repair
25.06.2015	Interior Re-trim
11.05.2015	MOT	89,569
11.08.2014	Head Skim	88,690
15.05.2014	MOT	88,588
07.06.2013	MOT	88,554
08.07.2010	MOT	88,474
16.05.2008	MOT	88,194
24.11.2006	MOT	88,022
17.09.2005	MOT	87,589
13.09.2004	MOT	85,388
25.06.2003	MOT	82,381
06.07.2002	MOT	80,643
22.06.2002	Ball Joints
23.06.2001	MOT	79,075
17.06.2000	MOT	77,654
19.06.1999	MOT	76,034
27.04.1999	Service
21.05.1997	MOT	75,304
09.03.1996	MOT	73,603
15.03.1995	MOT	70,322
14.04.1994	MOT	68,341
20.04.1993	MOT	62,769
19.02.1992	MOT	61,606