1976 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Stingray Targa

Footnotes

Back in 1953, Chevrolet's launch of a two-seater sports car was a radical departure for a marque hitherto associated almost exclusively with sensible family transport. Motive power came from Chevrolet's 235.5cu in (3.8-litre) overhead-valve straight six and, unusually for a sports car, there was automatic transmission, a feature that attracted much adverse criticism at the time. A V8 engine for 1955 and a radical restyle for '56 consolidated the 'Vette's position in the market, the model going on to become the world's best-selling and longest-lived sports car.

The heavily revised Corvette Sting Ray arrived in 1963 sporting a totally new ladder-type chassis, and for the first time there was a Gran Turismo coupé in the range. Four years later a slight change of model name ushered in the totally restyled 'Stingray'. New for '68, the Stingray became a 'notchback' coupé with removable rear window and detachable two-piece Targa-type roof, while the convertible version could be ordered with an optional hardtop. Restyled and improved annually, the Corvette in this form lasted well into the 1980s (by this time the 'Stingray' name had been dropped) being replaced for '84 by the sixth generation of America's classic sports car.

Dating from the Corvette's final year with the 'Stingray' title, this example is an older re-spray that appears to retain its original black interior and upholstery. Bought by the current owner last year and imported into Belgium (EU import taxes paid), the car comes with an old US Title dated 2007. We are advised by the vendor that this car is fitted with a 454ci (7.4-litre) 'Big Block' engine.