Cruisin'
By GREG ZYLA

Q: Greg, I have a 1977 Corvette with just over 49,000 original miles. It has a four-speed manual transmission, L82 engine, eight-track tape player, leather interior and air conditioning, all in restored to new condition. I had a frameoff redo in 1999, and my car now has a stainless exhaust and has been garaged and not driven but 100 miles a year or less since then. Can you give me a value? - Bob, Blue Ridge, Ga.

A: Bob, I'd be glad to, and I have good news for you.

First and foremost, only 6,148 of the almost 50,000 1977 Corvettes were L82 models, and only 2,060 were ordered with the M21 Muncie close-ratio four-speed, while 5,743 came with the wide ratio M20 four-speed manual. All the other Vettes that year were automatics.

The difference between your car's L82, 210-horsepower 350 V-8 and the base package L48 180-horse, automatic transmission '77 'Vette may be just 30 horsepower, but it nearly doubles the value of the car with your other options.

The latest pricing from Collector Car Market Review for a pristine No. 1 base L48 automatic is just $17,925, while the latest NADA price for a '77 Corvette with the L82 like yours is up to $25,575. And to sweeten the pot, that four-speed manual pushes the price of your car to $29,458.

Also, since your Corvette is one of only 12,646 equipped with the optional RPO YJ8 $321 aluminum wheels, the No. 1 price moves up to $30,258, and if you have the Rally Sport package, you arrive at the final tally of $36,651.

Not a bad investment, Bob, and good luck with your Corvette.

Write to Greg Zyla in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475, or send an e-mail to gzyla@ptd.net.

(c) 2007 King Features Synd., Inc.