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Closed Auction- Unsold

1977 Chevrolet Corvette C3

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  • Mileage~66,676 on clock
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine5.7L
  • LocationAndover

AUCTION CLOSED

1977 Chevrolet Corvette C3

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Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

An arresting head-turner that oozes retro cross-pond charm.

The Corvette has been part of GM’s range for almost 70 years, firmly establishing its reputation as an American icon. Each one of the 8 distinct generations of the Corvette has its fans, but it’s widely regarded that the C3 model helped the model become the most popular sports car in the US. This third generation had a 14-year production history and offered T-top removable roof panels adding a further sense of freedom and adventure to the purposeful styling. Built during a period when regulations and emission controls diluted the appeal of most American cars, the Corvette thanks to its lightweight construction and use of composite materials offered the American public a homegrown option that still felt and drove like a sports car.

Imported into the UK in 2014, this 1977 C3 Corvette has evidence of £5,000 worth of work, the current owner bought the car as a solid project and it has seen regular mechanical and fettling over the three years of his ownership.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Ben the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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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 car is no paperweight - I bought it to drive and enjoy!

The Corvette captured Bens's imagination when he was a youngster, and the opportunity to buy one three years ago was a dream fulfilled. After dealing with a handful of teething issues, he can now rely on the reliability of the Corvette and used it as a daily driver. He summed up the car in its current state as, "a comfortable reliable drive that needs a few finishing touches".

Although Ben keeps the car covered, he believes it should be stored properly.

Additionally, his focus on his other American icon, a Jeep, is another reason why the Corvette is being sold.

Ben
Vehicle Owner

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Exterior

The paintwork is almost as loud as the V8 power...!

Wheels and Tyres

The impressive Wolfrace alloys show light signs of age but are in good condition with no metal damage.

The tyres have plenty of tread left in them but there are signs of sidewall age.

Bodywork

The car looks to be structurally solid, with nothing more than a sheen of age noted on the chassis. The body tub also looks solid with no issues noted in the inner wings. The external fibreglass is generally a good fit, with no issues with opening or closing the doors. The panel gaps are as good as you can expect for a Corvette of this vintage, with the front and rear nose cones showing slight misalignment but not excessively so.

The removable roof panels are tidy and offer a good fit.

The chrome Targa roof is slightly pitted in places but retains its integrity.

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 at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The paint coverage is generally good, with an even hue throughout. There are several notable blemishes on the nose of the car, where the gel coat has been cracked. Various nicks, minor scuffs and light wear are found across the body, but not to a degree where it looks untidy.

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

The glass is all intact, with some minor wear noted on the edges of the side glass. The trim is correct for the model year and is in good shape. The rubber seals are generally positive.

The headlamps have been upgraded with a set of new angel-eye lenses fitted without any modification to the unit.

Interior

Compact and poised, the cabin is a cosy place to be.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in good shape, with no rips or damage. The carpets are complete - they show the odd signs of age but are generally intact and bone dry. The rear cabin is also carpeted with cubby holes.

Dashboard

The dashboard is intact, with no damage on the padding, although it is in line with the age of the car. The plastics are generally intact, with the centre console free of damage with a few loose items. All of the dashboard controls are said to be fully operational, with the dials and controls working as expected with the auxiliary dials faces showing their age.

The electric window drive is currently disabled, their motors still function but have been disconnected as they will need attention.

The driver's sun visor will also be fitted in time for the sale.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The preferred three-spoke steering wheel has a cover on it, with the actual wheel showing typical wear for a 1977 car.

The gear stick is worn but still functional.

Mechanics

Easy and straightforward to maintain - the heart of the car is the unbreakable V8.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine has seen a fair amount of attention since it's been in the UK, with any niggly engine block issues ironed out over the last three years. Additional attention has been spent on the cooling and a lot of wiring work carried out to resolve issues with the old loom. As a result, the car is dependable and starts up with no issues.

The engine idles well with no unwanted noises heard from the small block V8.

The auto box is fully operational with no reported issues.

Please watch the Mechanical review video to watch Ben put the car through its paces.

Suspension and Brakes

The car drives well, with no noticeable creaking or thuds heard. The car brakes well, with the steering wheel remaining true as the car was brought to a halt.

No grinding or squealing was heard from the wheels on the day.

The Drive

Surprisingly docile at cruising speeds, the V8 burble isn't too intrusive and the low-set driving position and a slinky poise are just one of the many attractions of the car.

Ben demonstrated the prowess of the engine when blipping the throttle, with the kick down engaging quickly without issue as the car impressively reached the national speed limit.

The Corvette's steering and ride remained composed upon accelerating.

There was no evidence of oil pressure or engine temperature issues during the 20-minute drive, on a fairly warm day.

Electrics and Other

The retractable headlamps' vacuum pump is a little lazy and may need a little tweaking.

The off-side Targa-roof inner panel will be supplied with the car.

History and Paperwork

Over £5,000 was spent on the car shortly after it was imported - it's a good usable classic that can be improved further over time.

The Corvette has a copy of its US title, which suggests the car came via New Jersey in 2014 and appears to have been registered and issued with UK plates in 2016. It's covered not much more than 3,000 miles since then, with invoices documenting over £2,000 worth of work by Corvette Kingdom in 2017, followed by another £3,000 worth of work within the year. The owner obtained the car via a specialist in late 2019, and during the lockdown addressed several key issues regarding the Corvettes running, including new fuel lines, a radiator and coolant hoses and ongoing mechanical fettling by Hit Hard Customs.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and 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 in order to make your own assessment on 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 first 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
30-05-2018 MOT 63,931
29-11-2016 MOT 63,364
Key Details
  • ModelCorvette
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Year of Manufacture1977
  • Reg. Date UKDecember 2016
  • CC5700
  • Mileage66,676
  • HistoryRecent
  • ColourOrange
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Interior TrimVinyl
  • Chassis #1237L7S441813
  • MOTLast MOT Exp. 30-05-2018
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes - Clear
  • LHD or RHDLHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned3 years
  • Key FeatureOriginal Car
  • Auction ID489733






Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information.

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Ask Questions
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2 Comments
SimonKD
SimonKD
2 years ago

Hi I’m very interested in the car, but what are a few finishing touches, thanks Simon.

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Vehicle Location

Andover, Hampshire

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