Guide for the 1977 Corvette
The 1977 Corvette boasts a number of improvements to its design and driving experience while keeping the beautiful exterior that Stingrays are famous for.
Written by Samuel Todd
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
On March 15, 1977, Chevrolet GM Robert Lund drove the 500,000th Corvette off the production line—a classy white coupe with the superb exterior styling that had been a trademark of Corvette Stingrays since 1963.
Though the base price of Corvettes continued to climb, the demand for Stingrays was as high as ever, thanks to subtle improvements to the car’s interior design and better driving controls. The 1977 Chevy Corvette looked and drove like a dream, leading to a record-breaking year with 49,213 cars sold.
If you’re thinking about hopping behind the wheel of a ‘77 Vette, you’ll want to know the ins and outs of this specific model.
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.
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Ownership costs for a 1977 Corvette
So, how much will it cost to call a 1977 Corvette your own? Here’s a good idea of what you’ll pay for a ‘77 Corvette, according to J.D. Power’s estimates:
Condition of car | Base price |
|---|---|
Original MSRP | $8,648 |
Low retail | $10,250 |
Average retail | $17,400 |
High retail | $28,000 |
Keep in mind that there’s a lot of flexibility when it comes to price, based on the condition of the car. If you want to park a beautiful Stingray that’s in near-perfect condition in your garage, it’ll set you back almost $30,000.
Unfortunately, the cost of owning a ‘77 Vette doesn’t stop with the retail price—you’ll need to save a little dough each month for some long-term expenses, like:
The exact cost it’ll take to own your Stingray depends on the condition of the car when you pick it up. For example, if you get a high-end Corvette that’s in excellent condition, your monthly insurance payment might jump up—but it could be offset by a lack of repair expenses.
Whether you’re buying a fixer-upper or a pristine Stingray, you can keep your insurance premium low with
Jerry
and save up some extra cash for upgrades to your sweet car.Key Takeaway A top-notch ‘77 Corvette could set you back over $30,000, in addition to long-term costs like insurance, repairs, and financing.
Where to buy a 1977 Corvette
For a listing of all the best ‘77 Vettes, check out the
Classic Cars website
. You’ll get everything from souped-up Stingrays that are nearly $100,000 to more affordable Corvettes you can take for a relaxing Saturday evening spin.If you’d rather buy from a fellow enthusiast (or just start up a conversation with one!), you should also visit the
third-generation Corvette Forum
.
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What does the 1977 Corvette bring to the table?
The 1977 version of the Stingray grabbed the torch from its predecessors and charged forward, holding on to most of the features that made the earlier editions so successful. Still, the ‘77 Corvette brings its own style to the classic car conversation, which is evident from the improvements to its interior design.
From a shorter steering column that makes the car easier to drive to a brand new leather-rimmed steering wheel, the ‘77 Vette was made with comfort to match its strong performance.
Strengths and weaknesses of the 1977 Corvette
While it’s hard to find flaws with third-generation Corvettes, there’s always room for improvement (even for one of America's greatest automakers!). Whether you’re dead-set on a ‘77 Stingray, or you might still opt for a different year, you’ll want to know the pros and cons of the 1977’s design.
Here’s a run-down of what you should know:
The good: Interior upgrades
Simplicity was the name of the game for the 1977 Corvette. The dashboard was restyled for greater visibility, the climate controls were streamlined, and the transmission lever was shortened to give better access to the parking brake. Although you can’t see these upgrades from the outside, they make a big difference for the person behind the wheel.
The good: Convenient features
In the same vein, Chevy added a new feature—the “Smart Switch”—to improve customer experience. The Smart Switch combined the headlight dimmer with the windshield wiper controls and turn signal for better efficiency.
The bad: Limited engine availability
As with the 1976 Stingray, the ‘77 version continued to struggle with emissions testing. In particular, the more powerful L82 engine still didn’t pass California’s emissions standards—so the 210-horsepower engine wasn’t available to drivers in the Golden State.
MORE:
Classic car coverage
The bottom line—which 1977 Corvette to buy
You’ll have plenty of great options for your ‘77 Corvette—from deciding on the condition you want to choosing the perfect color for your dream car.
If we had our choice, we’d go with a Stingray that has the L82 engine installed, for some extra power beneath the hood and that glorious roar of the engine revving up. Still, if you’re a driver who loves to take it slow and enjoy the scenery, the L48 engine can give you all the zip you need.
Either way, it’s just about impossible to go wrong with a sleek and stylish ‘77 Stingray.
How to save money on car insurance for the 1977 Corvette
There’s no doubt about it: Corvettes are the standard for exceptional sports cars, and the ‘77 Stingray is no exception. If you want the standard for finding the best
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