1977 Corvette

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1977 Corvette
The 1977 Corvette was one of the few American performance cars still left, one reason yet another Corvette sales record was set that year. See more pictures of classic cars.

The 1977 Corvette arrived with only modest modifications. Mechanicals were carried over unchanged, as the year's tweaks generally aimed for more refined cruising. Inside, the console was redesigned to accept a larger array of Delco audio decks (including an AM/FM/cassette stereo as a first-time option), its instruments were restyled for greater legibility, and climate controls were simplified.

A leather-rim sport steering wheel was adopted (tilt/telescope adjustment remained optional), along with a new "Smart Switch" steering-column stalk that combined the headlight dimmer and wiper/washer functions with the turn signals. The steering column itself was shortened to permit a more "arms-out" driving posture; the change also eased entry/exit somewhat.

A related modification lengthened the manual transmission lever for easier use of the handbrake. The alarm switch moved again and was now incorporated with the left door-lock button. The rearview mirror also shifted location slightly, and sunvisors were revamped.

Leather upholstery was now standard, and cloth seats with leather bolsters became an extra-cost item. Power steering and brakes were made newly standard, as well.

Outside, the optional rear-deck luggage carrier was reworked so that the T-tops could be carried there instead of in the lidless trunk, where they were less convenient to stow. Glass roof panels were shown as a new option at the start of the model year, but GM canceled them in a reputed dispute with the supplier over sales rights. The vendor eventually marketed them itself, and Chevy promptly went to another source for 1978. One final exterior change for the 1977 Corvette would be noted instantly by car spotters: The Stingray nameplate came off the front fenders, replaced by the traditional crossed-flags insignia. The car was again simply called Corvette.

 

1977 Corvette
The sales tally was 49,213 for 1977, when Stingray badges came off and leather upholstery became standard.

Sales set another new record for the '77 model year at 49,213 -- which was (and still would be) amazing for a decade-old design. Ironically, while the Corvette was nearly pulled from Chevy's lineup during the heyday of the sports car in prosperous post-war America, it actually thrived throughout poor economic times, during a period in which the performance-car ranks were dwindling, and despite carrying on with more modest performance than at the beginning of its run. The increased sales spoke volumes about GM's knack for successfully updating a design to meet changing market conditions without detracting significantly from the car's fundamental appeal.

Though getting on in years, the Shark still had some miles left in it, however. The car would enter its 25th year in 1978, and Chevrolet had some special tricks up its corporate sleeve to help its many fans celebrate the car's silver anniversary with a bang.

Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:

1968 Corvette
1969 Corvette 1970 Corvette
1971 Corvette 1972 Corvette 1973 Corvette
1974 Corvette 1975 Corvette 1976 Corvette
1977 Corvette

Looking for more information on Corvettes and other cars? See:

  • Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.

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1977 Corvette Specifications

The Shark lost its convertible after 1975, the Stingray name for '77. But Corvette continued to evolve from fire-breathing muscle car to suave grand tourismo, abetted by the recent gas crisis, changing buyer tastes, and more federal mandates. Yet for all the change in its character, the Shark was one of the few American performance cars still left, one reason the '77 set yet another Corvette sales record. Here are the specifications for the 1977 Corvette:

Vehicle Specifications
Coupe
Wheelbase, inches
98.0
Length, inches
185.2
Width, inches
69.0
Track, inches
front: 58.7 rear: 59.4
Height, inches
47.9
Curb weight, pounds
3,595

Mechanical Specifications (2-door coupe)

Suspension
front: Independent; upper and lower A-arms, coil springs, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers, antiroll bar
rear: Independent, lateral leaf springs, struts, U-joint halfshafts, trailing arms, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers

Wheels/Tires
8 X 15

Brakes
front: 11.75-inch disc
rear: 11.75-inch disc

Transmission
3-speed Hydra-Matic (std)
4-speed manual (opt)

Standard axle ratio
3.36:1 (manual)

Engine Specifications

Type ohv V-8
ohv V-8
Displacement, liters/cubic inch
5.7/350 5.7/350
Bore X stroke, inches 4.00 X 3.48 4.00 X 3.48
Fuel management
1 X 4-bbl. 1 X 4-bbl.
Horsepower @ rpm
180 @ 4,000
210 @ 5,200
Torque @ rpm, pound-foot
270 @ 2,400
255 @ 3,600

Vehicle Production and Base Prices

Car Type
Production Price
2-door coupe
49,213 $8,647.65

Options and Production

Option Production Price
Power Windows
44,341
$116.00
Color Keyed Floor Mats
36,763
$22.00
Rear Window Defogger
30,411
$84.00
Air Conditioning
45,249
$553.00
Sport Mirrors
20,206
$36.00
Gymkhana Suspension
7,269
$38.00
Optional Rear Axle Ratio
972
$14.00
Speed Control
29,161
$88.00
210 hp Engine
6,148
$495.00
4-Speed Manual Transmission, close ratio
2,060
$0.00
Turbo Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission
41,213
$0.00
High Altitude Emission Equipment
854
$22.00
Tilt-Telescopic Steering Column
46,487
$165.00
White Letter Steel Belted Tires, GR70 X 15
46,227 $57.00
AM/FM Radio, stereo
18,483
$281.00
AM/FM Radio
4,700 $187.00
AM/FM Radio, stereo w/8-track tape
24,603
$414.00
Luggage and Roof Panel Rack
16,860
$73.00
California Emission Certification
4,084
$70.00
Aluminum Wheels
12,646
$321.00
Trailer Package
289
$83.00
Convenience Group
40,872
$22.00

Color Choices and Production

Color Choice
Production
Classic White
9,408
Black
6,070
Corvette Dark Blue
4,065
Corvette Yellow
71
Corvette Orange
4,012
Medium Red
4,057
Silver
5,518
Corvette Light Blue
5,967
Corvette Chartreuse
1
Corvette Bright Yellow
1,942
Corvette Tan
4,588
Corvette Dark Red
3,434

Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:

1968 Corvette
1969 Corvette 1970 Corvette
1971 Corvette 1972 Corvette 1973 Corvette
1974 Corvette 1975 Corvette 1976 Corvette
1977 Corvette

Looking for more information on Corvettes and other cars? See:

  • Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.

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