Description

1977 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Targa

Pretty, 5.7 L-48 C3 'Vette with history back to the beginning to support the low mileage of just 43,668 - very macho!

Dating from 1977 this shark-nose era of C3 Corvette is among the most popular and user friendly, the first C3 appearing in 1968, with the model running until 1982 with various model year changes, facelifts and refreshments. Power outputs varied along the way, from 350bhp all the way to 460bhp, many changes reflecting the constantly evolving emission laws constraining manufacturers - the California market being the toughest.

This striking Grey example comes to us from 23 year ownership and really looks the part finished in grey and sitting on the optional 15” concave cast alluminium wheels (a $299 option). These are shod in big Windforce rubber with white lettering and it has an optional rear luggage rack.  ’77 was the last year of the beautiful ‘sugar scoop’ rear end with the vertical rear window and tunnel roof line with flowing flying buttresses and black painted ‘thin’ windscreen pillars so it is regarded as the 'one to have'.

Under that impressively sculpted hood (bonnet to us) we find the large yet ‘base’ 5.7 litre L-48 (350CID) V8 engine which in the ’77 model year produced 180bhp due to ever stricter emissions. This drives the rear wheels via an automatic TH350 transmission giving lively performance typical of the Corvette with a wonderful, all-American V8 soundtrack.

Inside, as a ’77 year car we find the newly introduced three-spoke steering wheel wrapped (here) in Blue leather to match the Indigo Blue leather interior and blue carpets. We also find power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, radio/cassette player, cruise control and on this example, removable Targa top panels totalling $10,130 according to the original bill of sale on file.

The car shows just 43,668 miles which looks to be genuine given the considerable history on file, although the speedo, odometer and rev counter appear to have ceased working ahead of the sale although the other gauges look to work correctly. Starting promptly and moving about with ease, the car looks epic and feels easy to drive with power steering, brakes and that lovely sculpted bonnet with huge power bulge ahead of you and was driven 40 miles to the sale.

The history file includes the current V5C confirming first registration in the UK in April 1985 and an early V5, the previous owner purchasing it in August 1993, with supporting history dating back to the beginning when the car was registered (GA) FON798 in the USA.

The car was bought new by a US airman doctor, Capt. Michael Alday of Georgia from Solomon Corvette , Dothan, Alabama who received it as a graduation present from his parents. It appears to have only been used sparsely in the States, no doubt due to be being posted away from home. He then shipped it to the UK with him on transfer to USAF Clinic, Alconbury in March 1984 according to shipping documents on file.  We also find an Odometer mileage statement dated October 1977 on transfer of ownership from the selling dealer to the Capt. Alday at just 10 miles in Alabama along with the original bill of sale as mentioned, purchase contract, original Certificate of Title and shipping docs.

In addition, we find 24 old MOTs dating back to 1986 at 12,077 miles rising steadily to 43,241 miles at its last MOT in October 2016 since when the car has not seen much use and been in storage until being pulled out late last year and subject to some minor works including new carpets, refurbished wheels, new wheel caps and badges.  The file also includes a purchase receipt from our long-term owner dated September 1999 and a letter from the 4th owner to the second keeper in 1991 who bought the car off the first owner, Capt. Alday confirming he re-painted the car on purchase.

Furthermore, the history file includes a ream of bills for parts and maintenance dating back to 1983 from both the UK and the States, with lots of money spent by our vendor during the late 90’s and early noughties when the car saw regular use plus over £1,000 recently spent on new carpets, trim and new weather seals which are included but not yet fitted plus a valuation by Claremont Corvette in March 1991 at 27,680 miles and Corvette Club membership details.

Ready to be enjoyed, this low mileage 5.7 litre Targa topped C3 Corvette looks the business and as a model, the C3 looks to be climbing in value and really going places – get involved now while you still can.

For more information contact - [email protected]