Description
The Corvette rated at 195 horsepower paired with an automatic transmission corresponds to the 1977 model year of the third‐generation (C3) lineup. Under the sculpted fiberglass body sat Chevrolet’s 350-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) small-block V8, tuned to deliver 195 net horsepower at approximately 4,000 rpm and around 280 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm. Mated to the three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 automatic, this combination emphasized smooth, relaxed shifts and comfortable highway cruising, reflecting Chevrolet’s focus on drivability amid tightening emissions regulations and fuel-economy concerns.
Visually, the 1977 Corvette retained the sweeping “coke-bottle” silhouette introduced in 1968. The long, tapering hood with pop-up headlamps, pronounced fender arches, and distinctive rear quarter windows remained unchanged, while subtle revisions included a reshaped urethane front bumper that flowed more seamlessly into the fenders and a slightly redesigned grille opening with integrated parking lamps. At the rear, the familiar four round taillights were framed by newly contoured body panels, lending a cleaner transition between the bumper and the quarters. Coupes featured removable T-top panels for open-air motoring, whereas convertibles relied on a power-operated soft top that stowed neatly behind the seats.
Beneath the fiberglass shell, suspension geometry combined unequal-length A-arms up front with a transverse leaf spring in the rear, supported by coil springs and tubular shock absorbers at each corner. For 1977, Chevrolet stiffened bushings and revised spring rates to offset added emissions hardware, resulting in a slightly firmer ride without sacrificing too much comfort. Four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes came standard, though their effectiveness was sometimes tested by the Corvette’s curb weight, which had crept higher over earlier C3 years. Power steering was a popular option, especially paired with the automatic transmission, to ease low-speed maneuverability and parking.
Inside, the cockpit balanced driver engagement with growing creature comforts. Deeply bolstered bucket seats provided support during cornering, while the center console housed a gated shifter for the automatic, with clearly marked PRNDL positions. The instrument cluster featured large, easy-to-read analog gauges—a 5,000 rpm tachometer and a speedometer calibrated to 85 mph (per federal regulations)—flanked by smaller dials for oil pressure, water temperature, and fuel level. Options such as air conditioning, power windows, and an AM/FM eight-track stereo enhanced daily usability. In later production, a tilt-steering column became available to improve driver ergonomics.
On the road, the 195-horsepower V8 may have seemed modest compared to earlier Corvettes, but its broad torque curve made it feel more willing in everyday driving than peak figures suggested. With the automatic transmission and a factory-recommended 3.08:1 rear-axle ratio, 0–60 mph times hovered around 8.7 seconds, and top speed reached roughly 125 mph under optimal conditions. The combination of the Turbo Hydra-Matic 350’s smooth shifts, midrange torque, and the Corvette’s low center of gravity yielded a balanced experience—comfortable for long highway blasts yet still engaging through winding back roads. Today, the 1977 Corvette 195 HP AT is appreciated for its classic C3 styling, accessible power delivery, and its role as a transitional model bridging the muscle-car era and increasingly regulated performance standards.