1977 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C3) |

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1977 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C3)

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Mileage~85,228 on clock
Transmission4-Speed Manual
Engine5.7-litre
LocationWelwyn Garden City

AUCTION CLOSED

1977 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C3)

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Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Editor and Photographer

Affectionately dubbed 'America’s sports car,' the Chevrolet Corvette maintains a unique and special position in automotive history.

The 3rd generation Corvette, known as the C3, embodies the model's celebrated longevity and status as an enduring American sports car icon. Initially designed to challenge European rivals, the first Corvette revolutionized American design with its bold fiberglass body, stylish appearance, and affordability.

The 1977 model year, the last to feature the distinctive rear buttress wings, also introduced one-piece bumpers. Key improvements within the cabin cemented its role as a refined touring sports car, with power steering and power brakes becoming standard, alongside options like body-coloured sport mirrors and cruise control. Powered by the reliable and versatile small block 350 cu in (5.7L) V8, it is known for its widespread parts availability and ease of modification.

The C3 generation of Corvette Stingray is arguably one of the most attractive and attainable. Coming from ~4.5 years with our vendor, this Corvette is finished in silver metallic with grey leather seats, it is a rare find featuring the manual transmission gearbox and has benefitted from a historic US restoration. It comes with a current V5 and is both MOT and road tax exempt.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Adam 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

Great fun to drive, the Corvette never fails to attract attention.

Adam acquired the Corvette as a leisure vehicle, specifically seeking a well-maintained manual example, transporting it from Devon when he purchased it - he has since enjoyed taking it to local car shows.

Stored securely in an industrial unit when not in use, the car has covered minimal mileage recently. Adam feels it now deserves a new owner who will enjoy it more actively.

Adam will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Adam

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Well-presented with a crisp silver paintwork, this example benefits from an older restoration.

Wheels and Tyres

The 16" Chrome Rally wheels present well, showing only mild signs of age but are generally undamaged; the centre caps and rings are in decent shape.

The car is fitted with 235/50 Cooper Lifeliner tyres, except for the nearside rear tyre, which is a Rapid Ecosaver dating from 2020. While all show plenty of tread, the Cooper's are over 20 years old and display minor fracturing near the rims.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Bodywork

Body panel fit is generally flush, and the body sits evenly. The shut lines are acceptable, and the gelcoat is free of significant damage, with only a low-impact fracture noted on the nose. The passenger doors and bonnet opens and closes easily.

The car presents well structurally; the underside looks solid, though mild surface corrosion is visible on the chassis rails.

There is damage to the underside of the front fibreglass nose panel.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-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 metallic silver paint finish shows good, consistent coverage across the entire body. There are a handful of minor chips and a few light marks on the body. We also spotted a light rash of underpaint bubbles on the bonnet and the tops of the front wings, but the car maintains a decent lustre and presents smartly overall.

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 high-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 in good condition, supported by decent seals.

The lights are undamaged, and the exterior trim is clean and appears correct for the model year with no outstanding faults.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Benefitting from a re-trim in the past, the car retains much of its originality too.

Seats and Carpets

The grey leather seats are well-preserved, showing only mild age-related marks but no actual damage; however, the passenger seat back panel is loose.

The carpets are in good condition and free of dampness, while the mats are complete with only minor signs of age.

The luggage area is in good condition with decent carpet and trim.

Dashboard

The dashboard is clean and free of significant wear or cracks in the padding.

The facia and centre console show age-related wear but no unsightly damage.

The dials and controls are in line with the age of the car, with all components reported as functional except for the clock.

The removable T-bar roof internal panels show some edge damage and a replacement cover for the interior light is required.

The door cards are in good order.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel is clean, showing only a few marks on the rim, and the gear lever presents well.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The Corvette offers a cohesive driving experience, handling evenly and displaying surprising agility through bends.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine starts without hesitation, running smoothly and free of unwanted noises, splutters, or misfires. The dashboard warning lights remain off, and only typical cold engine condensation was noted in terms of exhaust smoke.

The L48 350cu V8 engine presents well, featuring decent hoses and ancillaries, and the chrome work / components are in good shape. It is believed to be fitted with an Edelbrock carburettor, and both the engine fan and cooling system have been upgraded.

The 4-speed manual gearbox operates without fault, engaging gears smoothly with no issues reported regarding the clutch.

Suspension and Brakes

Despite mild signs of surface age on the suspension components, there was no negative impact on the car's handling or ride quality. During the drive out, the car absorbed the road smoothly, with no significant noises from the wheels or when cornering.

The four-disc braking system has been upgraded with rear Wilwood calipers, resulting in effective braking that is free of wobbles or squeals.

The Drive

This Corvette channels all the visceral appeal of a 1970s American muscle car, boasting a potent V8 that provides immediate low-end thrust and an exciting, raw connection to the road. The compact size, T-bar roof, and driver-focused manual gearbox add an extra layer of engagement.

Adam demonstrated the Corvette's charm during a pleasurable 40 mph cruise in the winter sun. The steering remained compliant, offering no wobbles, pulling or negative feedback. The Chevrolet 350 cubic-inch (5.7L) small-block V8 pulled smoothly, delivering remarkable torque with consistent, even acceleration. The car holds the road without any unwanted suspension creaks, with only minor, non-severe cabin creaking noted.

The engine has proved reliable under Adam's ownership, who confirms that the vital signs, including oil pressure and temperature, have always remained stable.

Electrics and Other

We didn't test all the electrics during our visit but Adam told us everything , except from the clock, is in working order as far as he is aware.

The removable targa roof operation is straightforward providing a decent seal.

There are minor marks on the panels and T-bar but these appear to be cosmetic.

The vacuum operated headlamp lifts operate with no reported issues.

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History and Paperwork

Previously the car is believed to have been owned by the same owner for ~40 years, though its prior US restoration remains undocumented.

Imported to the UK in 2016, the car is believed to have undergone a full restoration in the US, commissioned by the original Connecticut-based lady owner who purchased it new in 1977 and retained it for nearly ~40 years.

The first UK owner kept the car for approximately 6 years before Adam acquired it in 2021. Documentation includes a 2009 condition appraisal form and correspondence with its last US owner. It comes with a current V5, and is both MOT and road tax exempt.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own 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 in order 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 first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, 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
26-06-2017	MOT	83,567
02-06-2016	MOT	83,406

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Key Details

ModelCorvette C3 Stingray Targa
Transmission4-Speed Manual
Original Reg. Year1977
First UK Reg. Date01-06-2016
CC5736
Mileage~ 85,228 on the clock
ColourSilver
Interior ColourGrey
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #1Z37L7S429306
Engine #GM3970010 (L48)
MOTLast Exp. 25-06-2018
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes - All Clear
Former Keepers1
Tyre BrandCooper Lifeliner + Rapid Ecosaver
LHD or RHDLHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~4 years, 6 months
Key FeatureManual Gearbox
Vehicle RegistrationTJA 750R
Driver’s SideRight
Fuel TypePetrol
Body Type2 door Targa
Auction ID3321

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All Images

History and Paperwork

All Videos

Vehicle Location

Welwyn Garden City

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Seller : Adam Purrier - Trade Classics

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Vehicle Location

Welwyn Garden City

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