Chevrolet Camaro production jumped in 1976, even as a smaller 305 cid V-8 was introduced. Production totaled 182,959 units, with 38,047 105hp, six-cylinder Sport Coupes at $3,762, 92,491 140hp, 305 cid V-8 Sport Coupes at $3,927, and 52,421 Type LT Sport Coupes at $4,320. Both V-8 models came with either 305 or 350 cid V-8s, the latter with 165hp.

Increased production meant some cars were built in Van Nuys, California, as well as the traditional Norwood, Ohio plant. Power brakes were now standard on V-8 Camaros, and cruise control was optional. For the first time, no stripes were available. “Maximum” A/C mode recycled interior air.

The Chevy Camaro was a long way from its sporty origins, as the common options show. For example 160,145 buyers chose the Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, 170,095 required a center console, 143,676 ordered tinted glass, 119,751 wanted whitewall radial tires, 101,018 asked for body side moldings, and 101,901 bought air conditioning.

Performance options were mostly a thing of the past, though 56,710 buyers spent $85 on the 165hp 350 V-8, and 11,396 insisted on the wide-ratio 4-speed manual gearbox for $242. There was no close-ratio box, though you could still get the F41 sports suspension and 20,288 buyers spent $32 to do so.

Of the 14 colors were new for the 1976 Camaro, 10 were new. The best seller was Firethorn red (28,002), followed by Silver (26,418), Light Blue (19,868), Antique White (17,558), Dark Blue (16,898), Bright Yellow (12,892) Mahogany (11,321), Medium Orange (10,925), Black (9,676), Medium Saddle (7,936), Cream (6,669), Lime Green (6,568), Dark Green (3,984) and Buckskin (3,629). Vinyl tops were available in Blue, Black, Buckskin, Firethorn, Green, Mahogany, Silver and White.