1976 C3 Chevrolet Corvette Model Guide
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By 1976, the United States economy was on the mend from the 1973–1975 global economic recession. The recession, which had been caused in part by the 1973 oil crisis, had caused gas prices to soar which, in turn, had made automotive manufacturers begin re-evaluating the types of vehicles they were manufacturing.
It had led to the end of the big-block engine era for Chevrolet, and had further influenced the decision being made by automotive manufacturers everywhere to increase fuel economy at all costs – even if it meant a loss in horsepower as a result. However bad the prognosis had looked just a year earlier, 1976 had seen President Jimmy Carter come into office and with him, an eventual economic stimulus package that would re-strengthen a diminished economy.
Despite the economic hardships felt around the world, the 1976 Stingray had arrived on the heels of one of Corvette’s most successful sales years ever. The commercial success of the 1975 Corvette coupe (but not the convertible) had strengthened Chevrolet’s resolve to do away with the roadster option and focus solely on producing the best edition of their popular sports car possible. It was a gamble that would prove to pay off.
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