1976 Corvette Specifications

• The 1976 Corvette featured a smaller, sporty steering wheel. tableau de bord image by marc delhoune from Fotolia.com

  The Corvette, manufactured my Chevrolet, made its debut in 1953. The car was named after the "Corvette," which is a small, maneuverable warship. Nicknamed a "Vette" by many, the 1976 Corvette is part of the third generation of Corvettes produced.

Model and Production

• All Corvette models in 1976 were coupes. In 1976, the Corvette featured a modified hood which changed the air-induction system. This modification helped to eliminate a howl that could be heard in the cabin. The 1976 Corvette was produced in colors such as silver, classic white, bright blue, dark brown, bright yellow, red, orange flame and buckskin. Interior colors included white leather, black leather, black vinyl, buckskin leather, firethorn vinyl and smoked gray leather. In 1976, the fiberglass floor was replaced with steel panels. This was to protect the car from the catalytic converter's high operating temperature. The Stingray nameplate --- synonymous with Corvette --- was dropped after 1976.

Engine

• The engine in the Corvette is a V-8. The 1976 Corvette was produced with a four-speed manual transmission or three-speed automatic transmission. The Corvette can reach top speeds of about 132 mph. It can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 8.1 seconds. The fuel tank can hold about 18 gallons.

Dimensions

• The 1976 Corvette is 185.2 inches long, 69 inches wide and its wheelbase clocks in at 98 inches. The curb weight for this car is about 3,660 lb. The "Vette" has a ground clearance of 4.5 inches. The vehicles had fully-independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes.

Layout and features

• The 1976 Corvette featured options such as power windows, power steering, air-conditioning and a targa-top roof. Aluminum wheels were available for some 1976 Corvettes. A smaller "sport" steering wheel was also a feature in the 1976 Corvette, but after some complaints it was discontinued and therefore was only available in 1976 models. A convertible option was not available in 1976 --- and in fact would not return until the mid-1980s. Safety features includes bumper guards, tinted glass, hide-a-way wipers, and flush retracting headlamps. The Corvette seats two people. There are storage compartments behind the seats.