1976 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray L82 For Sale by Auction

The Bolesworth Castle October 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction
Sunday, 1st October 2023 12:00

1976 Corvette Stringray

Registration - PAO 542P
Chassis No - 1237L65414034
M. O. T. - Exempt
Odometer - TBC

Now here’s something to set the pulse racing. It’s a manual gearbox C3 Corvette equipped with the relatively rare L82 engine, which means 5. 7-litres (350ci) of torquey V8 performance – sufficient, according to the American magazines of the day, to whisk the mighty Vette to 60mph in as little as 6. 8 seconds. It’s true to say that ‘PAO 524P’ couldn’t manage that right now as it’s in need of a new clutch, but the Chevy starts, runs and makes all the right noises, so the potential is self-evident. The car’s striking grey exterior is enhanced by a broad central black and orange stripe, suitably shiny side mufflers and chunky Riken tyres on alloy rims. The purposeful interior features orange-piped black leather seats, a Pioneer stereo system and monogrammed Corvette mats. The clutch aside, the vendor presently classes the eight-cylinder engine, four-speed manual gearbox and electrics as ‘excellent’, and the bodywork, paintwork and upholstery as ‘good’. The lefthand drive Stingray comes without history, so the currently indicated total mileage of 25, 808 is unwarranted, though highly credible.

The third generation Corvette (C3) came to market in 1968 and was continually developed until the all-new C4 model of 1984. While the engine and chassis components were mostly carried over from the C2, the interior and most striking of bodies were all new. The exterior design was a development of that penned by Larry Shinoda under the guidance of Bill Mitchell for the Mako Shark II concept car. The ladder-type chassis was broadly as created for the C2 by Zora Arkus-Duntov - the most significant element of which was the independent rear suspension that featured lateral struts, radius rods and transverse leaf spring. 1979 was the best ever year for Corvette production, with 53, 807 cars manufactured. Only 5, 720 examples were fitted with the desirable L82 engine in 1976, which makes the sale car a pretty rare beast, especially on this side of the pond.

In summary:
• An eye-catching example equipped with the desirable L82 engine
• Just one recorded UK owner since being imported in 2020
• Currently in need of a replacement clutch





This Car has been entered into Hampson Auctions’ The Bolesworth classic and performance car and motorcycle auction, which will be held at Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall, Chester, CH3 9JJ on Sunday 1st October 2023.

Viewing sessions will take place from 9am – 7pm on Saturday 30th September and from 9am – 12:00 on Sunday 1st October, with the auction itself commencing at 12pm on Sunday 1st October, and you are very welcome to join us there.

Prospective buyers can bid in the room, online, over the telephone or via commission – please contact Hampson Auctions directly if you would like to arrange one of the latter two options, or if you would like to request a condition report.

The auction catalogue so far is available to view via our website.

Auction entries are currently still being accepted, if you have a vehicle which you would like to consign, please contact us.

Estimate £10000 - £12000

Buyer's Premium 12. 5%