Interesting Interior: 1977 Chevrolet Corvette 66K – Sold?

July 22, 2023, Update – We confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found, we’re assuming this ride is “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Entering its ninth year of production in 1977, the C3 Corvette evolved from a raw sports car depending on the powertrain to more of a grand tourer as increased safety and emission rules saw the choice of engines dwindle. Not exactly on the short list of Vette enthusiasts, 1977 Corvettes represent a bargain relative to their older C3 brethren.  That’s a shame, as it’s easy to get a lot more horsepower out of the emission-chocked engines while still making them appear stock under the hood.

This Tan over Brown Leather 1977 Corvette for sale, last spotted in June 2023 on Craigslist in Ewing, New Jersey, attracted us for several reasons. First is the two-owner, 66K-mile survivor-quality car provenance. Second is this stack of receipts dating all the way back to 1977. Finally, is the odd choice of carpet color…or is it?  Upon first inspection of this 1977 Corvette’s interior pictures, the carpets appear to contrast the brown leather seats.  However, upon further inspection, it appears the carpets may have faded from brown to green.  You’ll need to confirm with the car’s documentation on what this C3’s original carpet color was.

Last offered for $14,000, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is slightly below the one-year rolling average of this guide’s summary for third-generation Ford C3 Corvettes.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can navigate to each comparable car sold as a way to help you evaluate the price of the Corvette featured here:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #4 “Fair” estimate of $9,100 and its #3 “Good” appraisal of $14,900 before making adjustments for the powertrain and desirable options.

The 1977 Chevrolet Corvette is a classic American sports car that belongs to the third generation of the Corvette lineup, also known as the C3 generation. General Motors produced it under the Chevrolet brand. The 1977 model year marked the mid-cycle refresh for the third-generation Corvette, introducing several design and engineering updates.

The exterior design of the 1977 Corvette retained the iconic, sleek and aerodynamic lines that the C3 generation was known for. It featured a long, low-slung profile with a distinctive fastback rear end. The body was constructed using lightweight fiberglass panels, including the front and rear fenders, hood, and doors. The front end was characterized by the pop-up headlights, which became a signature feature of the Corvette.

The interior of the 1977 Corvette received various enhancements compared to previous years. The cockpit-style cabin offered a driver-focused layout. The seats were designed to provide excellent support and comfort during spirited driving. The dashboard featured a sporty instrument cluster with large gauges providing information on speed, engine RPM, fuel level, and more. The center console housed various controls and switches, including the air conditioning and audio system.  The biggest change saw the steering column repositioned two inches closer to the dashboard to allow a more “arms out” position for the driver;  the new column also featured a new three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel.  The custom interior with leather seat trim was now standard, with cloth and leather a no-cost option. A redesigned center console permitted universal Delco radio options. One consequence of this modification was that an 8-track tape player was now available as an option. Auxiliary gauges were restyled, and an ammeter replaced the voltmeter.  Chevrolet engineers also redesigned the sun visors with a swivel feature to provide some glare protection from the side as well as the front. Corvette’s refinement as a touring sports car continued as both power steering and power brakes became standard.  A new Convenience Group included a dome light delay, a headlight warning buzzer, an under-hood light, a low fuel warning light, interior courtesy lights, and a passenger-side visor mirror.

The 1977 Corvette came equipped with different engine options to cater to varying performance preferences. The standard engine was a 5.7-liter (350 cubic inch) V8 engine, which produced around 180 horsepower. It was mated to a three-speed manual transmission as standard, with an optional three-speed automatic transmission available. The Corvette offered a rear-wheel-drive layout, providing excellent traction and handling characteristics.

The 1977 Corvette introduced several notable features and innovations. It featured a redesigned alarm system, which included an ignition key buzzer and door-ajar warning. The optional power windows were equipped with a jam protection feature to prevent injuries. Additionally, Chevrolet introduced a new option called the Gymkhana Suspension package, which enhanced the Corvette’s handling and performance capabilities.

The 1977 Corvette is regarded as a classic and sought-after model by automotive enthusiasts. While it may not have been the most powerful Corvette of its time, it still captured the spirit of American muscle cars and delivered an exhilarating driving experience. Its timeless design and iconic features continue to make it a popular choice among collectors and fans of the Corvette brand.

The Emulsion Alchemist YouTube Channel features this restored 1974 Corvette Dealer training video:

This two-owner 1977 Chevrolet Corvette for sale with only 66K original miles appears to be a nice survivor quality example with detailed documentation dating back to new. C3 Corvettes are only expected to rise in value, so even this Malaise Era (1972-1984) example will likely maintain its value.  This is an affordable entry into vintage Corvette ownership that you can enjoy all summer before spending the winter replacing the interior carpet.

If you are serious about buying this Corvette, you can start the conversation by following the seller’s contact instructions provided in their Craigslist ad.  When you connect, please remember to mention you saw their C3 survivor featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

Show or go: What would you do with this 1977 Chevrolet Corvette for sale?  Please comment below and let us know!