Last Year for the Corvette Stingray
The term "Stingray", which first appeared on the 1963 Corvette as a two form "Sting Ray" would cease after 1976. It also notably took a leave in 1968 for unknown reasons. It would reappear in 2014 as the moniker for the standard Corvette and would continue in that capacity for the C8 Corvette in 2020.
There were few changes in the 1976 Corvette, as engineering resources were occupied with meeting the demands of safety and pollution requirements while still managing to keep the character of the Corvette intact. The base engine horsepower rating was boosted 15 hp to 180 hp, marking the start of a long slow comeback to the performance of past years.
L-82 hood emblem. The L-82 would be the optional solid lifter high output small block engine from 1973 thru 1980. The cost was $481.00 and 5,720 (12.29%) were sold. It was not available in California. When combined with a four speed transmission it was the go fast solution for those years. In 1976 it was rated at 210 horsepower while the standard engine produced 180 horsepower.
The steering wheel was the same as found on the Chevrolet Vega, a car that all involved, especially its owners, would like to forget. The lineage resulted in a negative reaction from the Corvette public and the mistake was not repeated after 1977.
