|
Bigger Big Block
 Another
sales record was set with 27,720 Corvettes built in MY 1966. In what was
supposed to be the final year for the C3, instead the 427 big-block made its debut
replacing the 396 option available in MY
1965.
Chevrolet included two optional 427's in 1996: a 390 horsepower,
hydraulic-lifter L30
 and the solid-lifter
L72 rated at 425 horsepower. Holley carburetors were used on all engines
for the first time having seen only limited use previously. With the focus on the big-block engine, only
two 327's were available: the 300 horsepower base engine and an optional 350 horsepower
engine for $105. Less than 10% of Corvettes were sold with automatic
transmission.
Minor exterior changes included the plated egg crate grille replacing the
horizontal grille bars and ribbed rocker moldings. A small Corvette script
was added to the leading edge,
driver-side of the hood. Roof vents available in previous years,
were deleted in this MY.
 Exterior
color choices abounded (see color choices from original brochure below), ten in all...more than any previous year.
Nassau Blue Metallic, Milano Maroon Metallic and Rally
Red Metallic were the top three choices, respectively. Also
available were Tuxedo Black, Sunfire Yellow, Ermine White, Silver Pearl Metallic, Trophy Blue Metallic, Laguna Blue Metallic and Mosport
Green Metallic were offered. Eleven Corvettes were
painted in primer. Most convertibles were delivered with white tops
(8,789). Black accounted for 7,259 soft tops while only 411 Corvettes
received a beige ragtop.
|
 |
