We see plenty of classics at Barn Finds where sellers make bold mileage claims, but those for this 1970 Chevrolet Corvette are documented. It has 39,000 miles on the clock, and its presentation is hard to fault. The included paperwork traces this car’s history back to Day 1, which some potential buyers may find irresistible. The only thing this classic needs is a new home. The seller has listed the Corvette here on eBay in Escalon, California. Bidding sits below the reserve at $25,200 with a BIN option of $35,000 for those wishing to bypass the auction process.
Before delving too deeply into the story of this Corvette, I feel it is worth addressing the elephant in the room. Most readers will recognize that the wheels it currently wears are a later addition, and I believe the same is true for the contrasting pinstripe. Otherwise, this Corvette is a genuine survivor. The seller claims it wears its original Bridgehampton Blue paint. If true, its condition is impressive. The seller provides close-up shots, and any defects are limited to the occasional small rock chip. Nothing requires attention if the new owner chooses to preserve its survivor status. The fiberglass shows no signs of stress cracks or other problems, while the spotless state of its frame confirms this classic is rust-free and structurally sound. It has spent its life in California, occupying a special spot in a climate-controlled room when not prowling the streets. It has never seen rain or snow, which explains its extraordinary preservation. The chrome and trim are spotless, and there are no visible glass issues.
The theme of impressive preservation continues inside this Corvette, and the only aftermarket is the cupholder straddling the console. Otherwise, it is as it left the factory. The Blue vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from wear and other issues, with the carpet equally impressive. The dash and pad haven’t succumbed to UV exposure, and the console has avoided the typical scratches that plague the area around the heater controls. The center armrest has warped, and I am unsure whether it could be returned to its original state. Replacement covers retail for around $120, which might be worth considering. It isn’t loaded with factory options, although collectors view the tilt/telescopic wheel and AM/FM radio as desirable.
The first owner may not have filled this Corvette’s interior with optional equipment, but they had a field day with their pen on the Order Form when devising its mechanical specifications. They selected the LS5 version of the 454ci V8, backing this with a four-speed close-ratio manual transmission and a 3.70 rear end. They obviously didn’t want to raise a sweat behind the wheel, ticking the boxes beside power assistance for the steering and brakes. The big-block churns out 390hp and an incredible 500 ft/lbs of torque, making this a genuinely fast car that can scorch the ¼-mile in 13.8 seconds. For those craving documentary evidence, this car delivers. The winning bidder receives the Owner’s Manual, Warranty Book, Radio Operator’s Manual, Dealer Documentation, original Sales Invoice, and the original Window Sticker. The Corvette has a genuine 39,800 miles on the clock, with verifying evidence contained in the included paperwork. It is in excellent mechanical health, meaning this numbers-matching classic is ready to provide instant motoring gratification to its new owner.
This 1970 Corvette is a stunning classic, and if the claims made are verifiable, it is an extraordinary survivor. Reversing the few minor cosmetic changes would be straightforward, which would be my strategy if I found it parked in my garage. Otherwise, I probably wouldn’t change a thing, but would continue enjoying it as its creators intended. Do you agree, or do you harbor bolder visions for this classic?
Back in the day. That car sold for about $7,000 with all the toys.
A beautiful car though.
Wow didn’t even know 3.70 gear was an option 😳 says “special” on the paperwork.
>3500 lbs, 500ft/lb
4sp with the deep gear. 🔥 absolutely fantastic 🙌🏁
What a beautiful Chevrolet 😍
I agree with you. Find a set of factory wheels, remove the pinstripe and replace the warped plastic bits. Drive it as it was born. This is a beautiful car, especially with the monstrous 454 and 4 cog gear box.
Forget the boring factory wheels! Put some Cragars on this bad boy. The pinstriping looks good too. Leave it alone.replace the console armrest that someone’s been using for a seat and throw that cupholder out the window. NO DRINKING IN THE ‘VETTE!!!
35 grand and worth it.
Nice 70 vette with that 454 and 4 speed tranny..hard to find anything wrong with it..good car
I agree..ditch the wheels..rally wheels needed..ditch the dice and the awful pinstripe….I like the dark blue color..it’s great..hey. if I own it tomorrow..it’s got 5 spoke cragars wheels on it by the weekend….for that smokin.454.Ls5
Looks pretty darn good. BTW, it’s not a ‘warped’ center console. That’s an aftermarket pad that a lot of C3 owners purchase. Stock it was just plastic behind the parking brake lever.
It seems that most Corvettes have that aftermarket pad!
Yep, because the plastic is often cracked.
The only better equipped Vette from the factory in 1970 would have to be an LS-6 454 rated at 450 hp. & 500 ft. lbs. of torque . That was the rating in the 70 SS Chevelles , it’s probably faster in the Vettes. Add in the 4 speed & 4:11 or 4:56 rear gears & you got yourself a factory rocketship my bowtie brothers !!
This color blue 💙 is so beautiful. To return this car to it’s original glory is a perfect example of why I love a Chevy Corvette.
Yes please on this beautiful beast!
Was the declutching fan optional on vettes w/o a/c?
If optional, a 4 row radiator would not b a bad idea as well on vettes w/o a/c.
A steal at $35,000. First, low mileage, California, 454-390 hp, 4 speed, no mods,except those awful wheels and pinstripe. NO pinstripe ever available from the factory until those ugly 81 two tone cars. I had a 71 454. Tons of torque, mine was a stick with 3.08s. Passed everything but the Sunoco station.
GM built 4,473 big block Corvettes in that strike shortened year. Not particularly rare, but a bygone era.
Does anyone else besides me wonder about how many times we are going to see this identical vette up for sale?
I have to admit that I didn’t write down the BIN for the ad prior to this one but I tend to remember it being more. Maybe that’s the only reason it’s back on the site. If so, IMHO, this car is a steal at the BIN price as long as the car is in the same physical condition it represented on the first ad. If I had the jingle all you would see from me is the taillights of my trailer.
TRAILER??!! Drive it or leave it for someone who will!!!
W O W David, isn’t this site called “Barn Finds”? It’s a figure of speech. Who knows, maybe I want to do a personal inspection and full service of ALL fluids b4 I take it for a ride. Besides the winter hi-way conditions would create problems. Please be logical my friend. Enjoy your day. Smile. It’s contagious.
Pete and Repeat went for a walk…
Nice Vette. If it all checks out you’d have a sweet streeter. The cup holders still look out of spot. If you’ve got 500 lb ft of torque and a 3.7 axle who has time to sip.
<1,400 miles per year? How is that even possible? Even less miles than that accounting for wheel spin. Ha!
My mind is blown.
Easy to see low miles. My ’70 LT1 conv Marlboro maroon, 4sp, bought in ’81 w/ 51k miles. Sold in ’99 with 54k miles. Reason being a mo after I bought it, bought my 1st Harley. Got tired of takin Vette out w/ top down, cant park in front of clubs w/o going around the block a doz times. HD, pull right up front & park. Also cost $10 to fill the Vette at 5pm friday night, by 9pm, another $10. HD, $3 & rode Fri-Sun lol! Never been a single day w/o an HD or two or 3 in the garage to ride at any given time, even to this day, ’15 Roadglide CVO bought new. But maybe, MAYBE, if I had sold this already, I’d buy this Vette. If was a conv., I’d already have it. You know, History repeats they say.
For 54 years!
I would put a nice set of American Racing wheels on it.
Anyone think this is steal at $35K
All day long….
This is the car I wanted when I first started looking at a Vette. I ended up with a 68 that is way restomoded out because it was nowhere near as nice as this one is. It is now, but I got way more than 35k in it. I consider myself a good Vette guy, but is the engine missing the smog pump? That is the only thing I can fault on this car.
35K for this is a smoking deal. And makes me wonder if its the real deal. Either way, it’s a truly bitchin ride!
Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking.
Simply a matter of the number of fun tickets available at this moment in time. I would love to have it. However I’m alittle short. Oh well!
Friend of mine had identical vette,only it was red in color.Beautiful. I had 82 Collectors Edition, there in Big Lake TX. I truly believe my friends 1970 red corvette was a little more vette than my 82 CE.