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Hello all...I have a health issue (76 years old)
& will not be able to finish my restoration ...before offering here & other spots, I would like your all's honest pricing ideas..just want a fare price for this original 1976 coup...all original numbers matching except paint (Re Painted Red years ago, originally a Brown from factory) L48 engine with 52K miles, auto, A/C, P/W (no Power door locks) Rebuilt L48 water pump & L48 Carb..factory 15 x 8 rally wheels... rebuilt AM-FM Stereo & dash speakers w/ aux line added...tilt/tele steering, T-Top luggage carrier brackets..runs great....does need full paint & small right front bumper/fender damage fixed....bird cage & frame are excellent (3rd owner) This is all original frame /interior, etc..the L82 Valve covers were added ...Hidden Light system works great but exhaust system could use some work....A/C system is complete but belt is disconnected ) tach is inop & clock does not work (all other gauges work perfectly) Keys for factory alarm etc with ignition keys, and is perfect for a frame off restoration if someone is going to go all the way....hope someone will finish it and appreciate its super clean condition...I will add complete picture album when I list the car...I respect the forum's members & opinions.
Hello ptg,
The fact that you say it needs a little body work and paint will decrease it's value because unless the new buyer can do it himself, painting is expensive.
Perhaps....$5000.00 ?
Regards....
Well...I would put it in storage before selling for that low price....part it out for much more than that, but understand the paint & small bit of body work is an extra deduction..
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Based on the description and pictures, maybe $6k. I think it will be challenging to sell a mid year C3 with auto trans that needs paint, some body work, and has some mechanical issues.
How old is that engine bay photo and is it even of the same car? doesn't look like it, its a Hobby Car file photo so is that when you purchased the car from their advertisement before you started your restoration?
Photos of the body and paint issues would help as well
Last edited by Golfobsessed; Jun 19, 2026 at 10:04 PM.
I think judging a vehicle’s value primarily by its paint condition misses some of the bigger factors. To me, mechanical and operational condition are more important. A car can have average paint and still be a great driver, while a beautiful paint job won’t make up for mechanical problems.
At the end of the day, paint can be corrected. There are plenty of good body shops and talented painters out there. Paint affects appearance, but it doesn’t determine whether the car is reliable, enjoyable, or roadworthy.
When I’m doing a quick evaluation, I pay close attention to the engine compartment, overall maintenance, and the condition of the interior. Those areas often tell you a lot about how the car has been cared for over the years.
As for pricing guides like Hagerty, I use them as a reference point, not the final word. Market values can vary considerably depending on condition, documentation, originality, and the buyer’s priorities.
If someone wants a 1970s muscle car or sports car without spending a fortune, the C3 Corvettes are still one of the best values out there. That’s one of the reasons I own one. Compared to many other muscle cars from the era, they’re still relatively affordable.
Based on what I’ve seen, around $11,000 for a ’76 sounds like a pretty good buy, assuming the mechanicals are solid. The wide range in values for these cars comes down to condition, and ultimately a car is worth what a willing buyer is willing to pay for it.
Rear suspension and wheel bearings probably needs a rebuild/serviced based on the pictures, it would be worth a lot more done because right now it's just another unfinished project from someone , most people looking at projects want a killer my loss/your gain type of deal
Well...I would put it in storage before selling for that low price....part it out for much more than that, but understand the paint & small bit of body work is an extra deduction..
What is putting it into storage going to do ??
And WHO is going to part it out - obviously you can't as you're selling it because of health reasons.
Is that really your engine compartment - that is the ONLY thing super clean I see in the photo's ?
I think judging a vehicle’s value primarily by its paint condition misses some of the bigger factors. To me, mechanical and operational condition are more important. A car can have average paint and still be a great driver, while a beautiful paint job won’t make up for mechanical problems.
At the end of the day, paint can be corrected. There are plenty of good body shops and talented painters out there. Paint affects appearance, but it doesn’t determine whether the car is reliable, enjoyable, or roadworthy.
When I’m doing a quick evaluation, I pay close attention to the engine compartment, overall maintenance, and the condition of the interior. Those areas often tell you a lot about how the car has been cared for over the years.
As for pricing guides like Hagerty, I use them as a reference point, not the final word. Market values can vary considerably depending on condition, documentation, originality, and the buyer’s priorities.
If someone wants a 1970s muscle car or sports car without spending a fortune, the C3 Corvettes are still one of the best values out there. That’s one of the reasons I own one. Compared to many other muscle cars from the era, they’re still relatively affordable.
Based on what I’ve seen, around $11,000 for a ’76 sounds like a pretty good buy, assuming the mechanicals are solid. The wide range in values for these cars comes down to condition, and ultimately a car is worth what a willing buyer is willing to pay for it.
Back before the endless C series of Corvettes started - when those 1974 thru 1977 smoggers were new - we used to call them "nothing cars" - they didn't have much going for them.
A mint one of them these days is nice to see - but whywould anyone want to put a bunch of money eg frame off restoration into one - it would cost way more then it would EVER be worth ?!
He said the belt was off the AC, not so in that pic..., the rear wheel camber issue could be rods or worn axle stubs but no alignment is going to fix that,,, A real nice one might bring 11-12, this one needs body and paint, something in the rear.. If you get 6 it will be a good day or somebody fell in love with it for some reason...
He said the belt was off the AC, not so in that pic..., the rear wheel camber issue could be rods or worn axle stubs but no alignment is going to fix that,,, A real nice one might bring 11-12, this one needs body and paint, something in the rear.. If you get 6 it will be a good day or somebody fell in love with it for some reason...
FYI...It is the current cars engine compartment ......thanks to all for any of the correct comments (Wheel mot falling off 😉...had over 6 Vettes (63 to 90) in my lifetime...& not desperate to sell...just thought an avid C3 Vette guy looking for a "project" would appreciate a 99% original (number matching, low mileage) 76 with a very clean frame (Bird Cage) I will see how long my recovery will take and decide on storage or selling.....Close this thread now.....Have a good Vette weekend to all..
You certainly did a nice job on the engine and compartment - it's too bad you are running out of "time" to get to everything else
What does it matter if a car is numbers matching or not if it's NOT a special or desirable car - what's so important about matching numbers if something is a DUD - is that all this "hobby" / fixation is about ??
Does anybody care if someone has a numbers matching Edsel ?
Well. my experience over the years (Not with Edsel's) has been "Matching Numbers" does mean something to most, but agreed, not all if someone is going to do MOD restoration....anted C3's are not a collector's dream by any means...this is am excellent driver...maybe they can just bury me in it & save the casket money...😁
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Value from Members
...had over 6 Vettes (63 to 90) in my lifetime...& not desperate to sell...just thought an avid C3 Vette guy looking for a "project" would appreciate a 99% original (number matching, low mileage) 76 with a very clean frame (Bird Cage) I will see how long my recovery will take and decide on storage or selling.....Close this thread now.....Have a good Vette weekend to all..
