435 HP Crate 383! 1970 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod

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The 1970 Chevrolet Corvette was a good C3 to start with, but the owner of this example here on Craigslist just couldn’t leave well enough alone and turned the car into a mild resto-mod on the outside, but took things a step further when it comes to performance.  This one seems like a fine effort, and if you’ve been in the market for a Corvette that’s already been given plenty of attention it’s probably a good car to consider.  It’s located in Boulder, Colorado, with the asking price set at $59,900, and we’d like to thank Barn Finds reader Pat L. yet again for another great tip here!

Purists will enjoy the fact that the ‘Vette retains its original panels, which are all stated to be factory pieces and fit perfectly, along with the trim items stated to be the factory components as well.  The bumpers are also original and have been re-chromed to show quality, but it’s the amount of love that was shown to the body that seems most impressive here, as it’s said to have been stripped down to bare fiberglass before the black finish was applied.

Under the hood is where some fun surprises start to show, as the original motor is gone, and in its place now is a GM SP383 small block, which is said to have been broken in carefully and only has about 500 miles on it.  We’re treated to a video showing a cold start-up, which seems to help back up the seller’s claim in describing the sound as amazing!  Shifting duties are carried out by a rebuilt Muncie M20 4-Speed, with an 11-inch McLeod clutch, which all feeds to a rebuilt differential with 3.73 gears.

Equally impressive is what’s been done underneath, with completely upgraded suspension all the way around, including the removal of the original steering rack and a Borgeson unit installed in its place, which the seller says changes the whole feel and dynamics.  A considerable amount of brake work has also been done, ensuring the Corvette can be brought to a halt quickly if the need arises.  Mickey Thompson tires can be found on all 4 wheels, with the hubcaps to said to be Corvette parts but not original to this particular car.

Some upgrades have also been added to the interior, a few obvious like the wooden steering wheel and shoulder harnesses, but a cool detail you wouldn’t really notice is the tach.  It was swapped out with a 1975 component, so it looks factory but works with the new EFI, but the speedometer is still calibrated for the 3.55 gears and will need some attention for it to read correctly.  A second video is also included, showing a walkaround with the car running so we get to hear that 383 one more time.  I’m thinking the builder pretty much hit his mark on this one, how about you?

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Comments

  1. bobhess bobhess Member

    As good as you can get. Top shelf work all over it. Love it.

    Like 4
    • George Mattar

      Plenty of money invested, good luck to the seller. High quality parts. I am an NCRS guy, so not really into this car, but cannot deny the upgrades make this a far better driving car.

      Like 2
  2. 19sixty5 Member

    Impressive and well written owner’s description. I just have a bit of difficulty with the appearance, the hood scoop just doesn’t “fit” the car, although it does appear to be functional. I love the side mount headers, but the optional wheel wheel covers just don’t work with the car either. Lastly, the wood wheel just jumps out at you, I’d prefer a more original style, maybe leather wrapped wheel. But those are just my preferences. The work that has been done seems to be performed to a high standard. Pop off the wheel covers, there are the stock rally wheels underneath. Even without trim rings or center caps, they would help out with the looks of the hood scoop. If I didn’t have so many car and projects, I would be taking a long look at this one! I’d also have a couple cans of fix-a flat in the rear compartments, since there is no spare or carrier.

    Like 1
  3. Frank Drackman

    was wondering about the Tach as the needle sweeps over to redline when the key goes to start, doesn’t look like the Oil Pressure Guage works, and who needs a Speedometer?? drive my the seat of my pants!

    Like 0
  4. PRA4SNW

    I love the original C3 wheel covers. Better than some gaudy overdone ones.

    Like 2
  5. ACZ

    It looks like it’s had some nice work done, especially the suspension, but $60K? I don’t know.

    Like 3

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