Mid-1970s American roads showed just how broad Chevrolet’s offerings were, from family sedans to utilitarian trucks and small economy cars. If you enjoy digging into period lineups, 1976 is an interesting year for changes in emissions, options, and body choices.
There are 16 1976 Chevrolet Models, ranging from C/K Pickup (Light-duty) to Vega. The list below is organized with Body style,Key engines (L / hp),Production (units) so you can compare form, power, and how many were made — you’ll find below.
Which model should I look at first if I care about engine options and practicality?
Scan the Key engines (L / hp) column alongside Body style to find the balance you want; larger displacement and horsepower usually indicate better performance, while compact body styles often mean better fuel economy and easier parking. Use the Production (units) column as a reality check — higher production often means more available parts and easier ownership.
Are the production and engine figures definitive, or should I verify them elsewhere?
Production and engine figures are useful guides but can vary by source due to regional options, mid-year changes, and how totals were reported; for restoration or valuation, cross-check with factory build sheets, dealer brochures, and trusted registries noted in the table below.
1976 Chevrolet Models
| Model | Body style | Key engines (L / hp) | Production (units) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caprice | 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, station wagon | 5.7L V8 / 165 hp; 7.4L V8 / 210 hp | 204,000 |
| Impala | 4-door sedan, station wagon | 5.7L V8 / 165 hp; 4.1L I6 / 110 hp | 138,000 |
| Chevelle | 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, station wagon, El Camino twin | 5.7L V8 / 165 hp; 4.1L I6 / 110 hp | 270,000 |
| Monte Carlo | 2-door coupe | 5.7L V8 / 165 hp; 4.1L I6 / 110 hp | 154,000 |
| Camaro | 2-door coupe, convertible | 4.1L I6 / 105 hp; 5.0L–5.7L V8s / 145–165 hp | 167,000 |
| Corvette | 2-door coupe, removable T‑top | 5.7L V8 L48 / 180 hp; 5.7L V8 L82 / 210 hp | 46,000 |
| Nova | 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, station wagon | 4.1L I6 / 105 hp; 5.0L V8 / 145 hp | 216,000 |
| Vega | 2-door hatchback, 4-door sedan | 2.3L inline-4 / 70–80 hp | 118,000 |
| Monza | 2-door hatchback, 2-door notchback, wagon | 2.3L inline-4 / 88 hp; 4.3L V8 / 130 hp | 87,000 |
| Chevette | 2-door hatchback, 4-door sedan | 1.6L inline-4 / 70–75 hp | 120,000 |
| El Camino | 2-door coupe utility (car-based pickup) | 5.7L V8 / 165 hp; 4.1L I6 / 110 hp | 52,000 |
| C/K Pickup (Light-duty) | 2-door regular, 3-door extended, crew cab | 4.1L I6 / 110 hp; 5.7L V8 / 165 hp; 7.4L V8 / 210 hp | 450,000 |
| Suburban | 4-door wagon (long-wheelbase) | 5.7L V8 / 165 hp; 7.4L V8 / 210 hp | 74,000 |
| K5 Blazer | 2-door SUV (short-wheelbase) | 5.7L V8 / 165 hp; 4.1L I6 / 110 hp | 88,000 |
| G-Series Van (Chevy Van) | Full-size cargo/passenger van | 4.1L I6 / 110 hp; 5.7L V8 / 165 hp | 95,000 |
| Chevrolet LUV | Compact pickup | 2.2L inline-4 / 76 hp | 21,000 |
Images and Descriptions
Caprice
Top full-size Chevrolet in 1976, the Caprice offered luxury touches and big V8 power. Little changed that year, but it remained Chevy’s family/police favorite and is common to find today in sedan and wagon form.
Impala
The Impala was Chevrolet’s mainstream full-size model below the Caprice. In 1976 it continued as a practical family car with big interiors; reasonably common and often seen in fleet and wagon configurations.
Chevelle
Chevelle was Chevy’s mid-size workhorse (Malibu trim common). 1976 models emphasized comfort over performance; buyers chose economy sixes or small-block V8s. Popular then, mid-size Chevelles remain frequently encountered restorations.
Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo served as Chevy’s personal-luxury coupe in 1976 with softer suspension and trim upgrades. Buyers liked style and comfort; it was a strong seller for those wanting a dressy two-door without high performance.
Camaro
Second‑generation Camaro in 1976 leaned toward touring and style over raw power due to emissions rules. Still a sporty choice, common today with many restored examples and a strong enthusiast following.
Corvette
The C3 Corvette offered the most performance in Chevrolet’s 1976 lineup, including higher‑output L82 option. It stood out for its sports-car image and remains collectible, especially higher‑output and anniversary editions.
Nova
Compact-to-mid Nova served as an economical, practical car in 1976 with simple engines and roomy interior. It was widely sold and common as a daily driver or fleet car, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.
Vega
The Vega was Chevrolet’s small car offering with lightweight aluminum alloy engine early on; by 1976 it was an inexpensive commuter with modest performance. Common in period and often restored or modified despite durability controversies.
Monza
The Monza was a sporty compact tied to the Vega/Corvair era, offering hatchback practicality and optional V8s. In 1976 it appealed to buyers wanting compact size with livelier handling and is a niche collector today.
Chevette
Introduced in 1976 as Chevy’s subcompact, the Chevette emphasized fuel economy and low purchase price. It became a common urban commuter, notable as Chevy’s answer to the small-car demand of the mid‑1970s.
El Camino
The El Camino combined car comfort with pickup practicality; 1976 models continued the midsize, car-based formula. Popular for light-duty work and weekend use, it’s sought after by collectors preferring styled utility.
C/K Pickup (Light-duty)
Chevrolet’s C/K pickups were the backbone of the light-truck market in 1976, offered in many body styles and useful for personal and commercial work. Extremely common in period, many survive as restorations or daily drivers.
Suburban
The Suburban in 1976 was the full-size family/utility wagon, prized for seating and cargo room. With big‑block engine options for towing, it appealed to large families and fleets and remains popular among collectors and restorers.
K5 Blazer
The K5 Blazer was Chevrolet’s compact/full off-road SUV offering in 1976, known for removable tops and four‑wheel drive. It became a popular recreational vehicle and is highly collectible in restored condition.
G-Series Van (Chevy Van)
Chevy’s G‑Series vans were versatile for cargo and passenger use in 1976. Common in commercial fleets and conversions, they remain widely seen as classics or work vans today.
Chevrolet LUV
The LUV was a compact, Isuzu‑built pickup sold by Chevrolet for buyers needing a small, economical truck. Introduced earlier, it was a niche seller in 1976 and is less common today but notable as Chevy’s small‑truck offering.
