The C3 (third generation) Chevrolet Corvette was in its third year in 1970. Sales were down due to two factors: a labor shrike that shrank production and the MSRP went past $5,000 for the first time. This convertible looks like a time capsule piece that has been practically not driven at all in the past 46 years. Some work was done in the past, but things may need to be redone such as tires and other items that succumb to the passage of time.
Chevy only managed to sell a little over 17,000 Corvettes in 1970 of which just over a third were true convertibles. The 350 cubic inch V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor was still the base engine and this Corvette has a 4-speed manual transmission, which was selected by about 40% of buyers back in the day. The seller says this drop-top came with a short list of options (no air conditioning, no power windows, etc.). The Chevy wears Donnybrook Green paint of which there are traces of a respray, such as around the trim tag.
Maintenance records for “America’s Sports Car” indicate that some work was done previously, such as the carburetor, exhaust, freeze plugs, radiator and fan shroud, fuel pump, and brake work. It was parked at 61,689 miles with a current reading of 61,862. We suspect those were put on by the seller who brought it home two months ago. The tires were replaced long ago, so they’re ancient now.
Since the seller has driven it recently, the work remaining to be done could be minimal. The seller isn’t interested in trades and says that Hagerty (insurance) estimates the value of the machine at $40,000. Located in Maple Grove, Minnesota, the seller has set his/her expectation at $25,000 here on craigslist. The body looks good, and the interior is quite nice, so would you add this Corvette to your collection?
This should make a fun weekend cruiser for someone if the price is right. 40-large may be a bit too high, not to challenge Hagerty by to just express my $0.02.
The Hagerty values are based on their #1- #4 Ranking system. To have a figure of $40,000 from Hagerty, this would most likely need for them to agree it is a #2 Condition. Not sure why the seller even mentioned $40K, while asking $25K.
States that Haggerty # so it appears your getting a bargain. Or ‘proof’ to show the wifey you got a great deal! Either/or, your just fooling yourself. Its the lowest of the 3 HP options, the 370 & 350 above it, the other two options. From ’81-’99, I had the same year conv, in Marlboro Maroon/black int, 370hp LT1 eng, 4sp M22 option heater & radio delete, ZERO optioned except for the trans!
This is certainly not only a better deal, but a better car than the Fox-bodied Mustang posted elsewhere recently on BF..
The labor strike only affected 1971 model GM vehicles. There were no production issues on the 1970 cars and trucks.
Nope. I bought a brand new 1970 Z-28 when it hit the dealership in February 1970. Delayed due to strike.
From the good folks at Camaro Research Group (CRG): The extended 69 production and the delay of introduction of the ’70 Camaro was not purposeful, nor was it related to labor problems; it was late because the quarter panel draw dies failed during final die tryout and had to be rebuilt from scratch. Fisher Body had lots of troubles drawing the 1970 quarter panels without wrinkles and splits. They attempted to correct the problems by modifying the draw dies during final tryout but the problems got worse instead of better. Fisher finally had to redesign/rebuild the draw dies, which delayed the launch by 4-5 months. Chevrolet decided to extend the 1969 model, which created a wild scramble, as this meant extending part supplier contracts for the ’69 (suppliers had already committed their facilities to other business), finding alternate capacity for ’69 parts, etc. The PR department attempted to spin the delay in a different direction for public consumption as GM never publicly admitted any internal problems or failures, especially within Fisher Body, its biggest manufacturing Division, with the biggest tooling budget. But the delay of the 1970 Camaro was a black eye for Fisher Body Die Engineering, as it was the first production launch delay that was ever laid at their feet.
Not true.
1970 Corvette production WAS affected by the strike.
My response was based on ruxvette’s comment on his 1970 Z/28… not the Corvette. There was indeed a strike in May of 69 that affected the Corvette, but my response is correct regarding the Camaro. Got a bit sidetracked as the featured car is a Corvette…
The seats look like they been redone. I don’t remember cloth covering the whole seat just the center section. If that.
You are correct. They never had any kind of cloth on the seat back then. Either vinyl, or leather. These might not be that bad however with no AC riding around in the sun with the top down. At least you won’t stick to them getting out.
I like this one, very few options, very simple car. Small block, 4 speed roadster is very desirable. This cat needs some love and money though. When the ad says new brakes, I think he meant pads, those calipers look old, so there’s $800 to start. Freeze out plugs? Some cheapskate couldn’t spend $20 on Prestone? The inside of that engine block is probably full of rust. I’d like to see photos of the chassis, after all the car is located in Minnesota. $40k? Yeah right. $25k? I don’t think so. This car is a diamond in the rough, but it has to be bought with eyes open and at a good price.
Just me but I’m thinking the car has been smacked AT LEAST in the front (headlights in the grille, new radiator/fan shroud) and in the rear (overspray in the fender wells).
I agree with TMK the interior looks…different.
As Acton Thomas said…keep both eyes wide open and your hand on your wallet. It’s in the rough, all right.
Def a repaint, not orig shade plus the velour was NOT an option. Just regular or ‘deluxe’ leather seats. Dreaming at that $40k, more like $17k realistic, 20k TOPS.
Good catch ruxvette! I looked at the CL ad again and did not see pop-up headlight cutouts. If the nose is made from hand laid fiberglass instead of press molded, then it may have taken a bad hit. The fan shroud for a ’70 should have been black plastic; ’68 and ’69 used a metal shroud. Closer inspection is certainly called for.
I have one of these in a Florida storage container, waiting my retirement. Has a cool old time bumper sticker from Pensacola Beach, needs front end damage repair, not to mention total restoration.
19sixty5, you are correct. Funny what 54 years will do to your memory. I stand corrected.
Haha, 72 years here, I forget all the important things in life but I can tell you if an emblem isn’t in the correct place, go figure!
what about the olds convert?
Definitely a repaint. Not only is the color wrong, but they painted the side vents black when they should be body color. This is a true Donnybrook Green 1970 with the black vents because I liked the look.
25K is not too much for this car, but also no bargain.