Description

The Corvette Stingray 350 AT refers to the third-generation (C3) model equipped with Chevrolet’s 350 cubic-inch small-block V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. Introduced in 1970 as the base engine for the Stingray lineup, the 350 V8 initially produced around 300 horsepower (SAE gross) when mated to dual exhausts and a four-barrel carburetor. Opting for the automatic transmission made the car more accessible and comfortable for daily driving, especially as emissions regulations tightened and fuel economy became a growing concern.

Styling on the C3 Stingray remained as striking as ever, featuring the long, sloping hood, pop-up headlights, and pronounced “coke-bottle” fender arches. T-top roof panels were standard on coupes, allowing for an open-air experience reminiscent of earlier convertibles without sacrificing structural rigidity. The automatic model shared the same fiberglass body and unibody chassis as its manual counterparts, so it retained the Corvette’s characteristic lightness and responsive feel, even though the automatic added a few dozen pounds to the overall weight.

Underneath, the independent suspension setup consisted of coil springs all around, with unequal-length A-arms up front and a transverse leaf spring in the rear. Front disc brakes were standard, while power steering and power brakes were available options that greatly aided low-speed maneuverability and stopping power—qualities especially important for an automatic model intended for more relaxed driving. The three-speed automatic transmission was matched to a relatively tall rear-axle ratio, which meant that highway cruising was effortless, but acceleration off the line felt more leisurely compared to the four-speed manual versions.

Inside the cockpit, the Corvette Stingray 350 AT offered a blend of comfort and driver focus. Deep bucket seats provided adequate support, and a center console housed the gated shifter with a clear PRNDL layout. Instrumentation included a large, centrally positioned tachometer and speedometer, as well as auxiliary gauges for oil pressure, water temperature, and fuel level. While the automatic transmission permitted smooth, hands-off shifts, it also allowed Chevrolet to offer additional creature comforts—such as air conditioning and an upgraded radio package—without overtaxing the drivetrain.

By the mid-1970s, tightening emissions standards and lower compression ratios meant that the advertised output of the 350 V8 dipped into the low 200s (SAE net), although real-world performance often remained brisk thanks to conservative rating methods. Despite this, the automatic Stingray 350 held appeal for buyers who wanted Corvette styling and V8 sound without the demands of constant shifting. Today, well-preserved examples of the Corvette Stingray 350 AT are valued for their classic C3 styling, comfortable highway cruising ability, and the nostalgia of early 1970s American sports-car culture.