1977 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

Time to get your hands on a numbers-matching and complete Corvette for under $20K. This 1977 Chevrolet Corvette is not only a survivor, but it's also a head-turner with nice desirable factory options.

The C3 Corvette is one of the most recognizable shapes of all time. This one still fits together as well as it did when it was new, with decent gaps and flush-fitting headlight doors that are a big part of the look. 1977 was the last year of the traditional flying buttress look and the flexible urethane front and rear bumpers show no signs of cracking or deterioration. The metallic silver paint was one of the best colors on the later C3s, and it has helped this shark-nosed classic look cool in modern times. This is the original factory paintjob, which means you can get some serious bonus points from Corvette fans at the car shows. There isn't a whole lot of chrome on these models, so the original badging and aluminum wheels are nice standouts even on a silver car.

Inside you can tell plenty of option boxes were checked off on this one (and we have the window sticker and build sheet to prove it!) It starts with Smoked Gray leather bucket seats that truly envelope the driver and passenger. They are complete, but do show some wear that proves you actually drive your classic. The seats demonstrate the underlying feeling that makes this Corvette special – a well-respected and maintained classic. This is seen throughout the interior with its original door panels, carpeting, and full gauge cluster. The optional AM/FM stereo with 8-track player is even still in place. While that's more of a novelty today, the more luxurious options include the power windows, automatic transmission, and the ice-cold air conditioning that has been converted to R134a for easy servicing. In fact, having A/C is a great feature, because that means you can take out the T-tops even on the hottest summer day and still feel cool behind the wheel.

The engine is the optional (and numbers-matching) L82 350 cubic-inch V8. This higher compression motor was a must-have for the performance fans in 1977 because it offered 17% more horsepower than the standard Corvette V8. Just like the rest of the car, the engine bay is highly detailed and very original right down to the factory stickers on the side of the air cleaner. Any non-factory upgrades are well hidden, like the Magnaflow mufflers that offer better sound and performance from this upgraded motor. The power is sent to a Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed automatic transmission, which is perfect for good performance and driving comfort. The same can be said for the four-wheel disc brakes. For the pure performance fans, this one has the optional code-FE7 Gymkhana suspension package. This was recently serviced, and gives this 'Vette a more sporting feeling through the corners than its already-worthy contemporaries.

Starting to get the full picture? This one is original right down to its included title paperwork, owner's manual, and maintenance records. There are some easy and inexpensive ways to upgrade this Corvette, but you may just want to leave it alone and enjoy the survivor status of this affordable and fun sports car. After all, they are only original once...call today!!