This 1970 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible ticks many of the right boxes for an enthusiast seeking an investment-grade classic. It underwent a frame-off restoration a few years ago and still presents exceptionally well. It is loaded with some of the more desirable options available to buyers that year. However, its big-block drivetrain could be the icing on the cake. The Corvette is listed here on Craigslist in Orlando, Florida. The seller set their price at $55,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting this beauty.
The C3 Corvette underwent evolutionary styling changes between its 1968 introduction and those required to meet legislative requirements for the 1973 model year. One of the more notable was the introduction of relatively subtle fender flares in 1970 to reduce damage caused by stones and grit flicked up by the tires. It was a practical solution to an issue that plagued owners of earlier vehicles, and Chevrolet integrated them without detracting from the car’s inherently sleek and aggressive styling. The seller states this Convertible underwent a frame-off restoration a few years ago, receiving a repaint in its original Classic White. It still presents well, and their assessment of this gem as a driver-grade vehicle is probably fair. There are no significant issues with the paint or fiberglass, and the indications are that the frame and birdcage are structurally sound. The included images show no signs of corrosion that might raise doubts. The Black soft-top fits tightly, with no rips or tears. The chrome is impressive for its age, as are the Rally wheels and glass. With only 5,000 miles under its belt since the refresh, this classic hasn’t had a chance to accumulate much wear and tear.
The original owner obviously desired a classic that offered exceptional performance potential, ticking the box beside the LS5 version of the 454ci V8. They teamed this with a four-speed manual transmission, adding power steering and brakes for a more effortless driving experience. The big-block should produce 390hp and 500 ft/lbs of torque. I have always been a fan of fizzy little four-cylinder engines, but I can’t help but respect a powerplant capable of producing effortless mountains of power and torque. That quality allows this ‘Vette to cover the ¼-mile in 13.7 seconds, while the top speed of 134mph is equally impressive. Potential buyers will appreciate that this Convertible is numbers-matching. The seller continues the “good driver-quality” theme, suggesting this is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
Brute performance was not the only requirement the original owner desired from this Corvette, loading its interior with some of the more desirable factory options. The new owner receives Saddle leather trim, air conditioning, power windows, a tilt/telescopic wheel, and an AM/FM radio. The theme of impressive presentation continues inside this gem because there are no issues worth criticizing. The seller doesn’t mention a retrim as part of the restoration, but the overall condition suggests this is possible. The seats are free from wear, there are no signs of UV damage, and the carpet has avoided the typical fading problems. I can’t spot any aftermarket additions, and I suspect the new owner will be happy to leave the top down when they rock up to a show or Cars & Coffee behind the wheel of this beauty.
If you accept the information provided by Hagerty, the air conditioning, power steering, power windows, leather trim, and tilt/telescopic wheel add approximately $7,100 to the potential base value of this 1970 Corvette Convertible. I prefer to use those figures as a general guide, but recent real-world sales results indicate that although it is hardly cheap, the seller’s price for this classic is realistic. Values have taken a hit during the last year, but there are signs the tide is turning. This Convertible hasn’t been on the market for long, but I won’t be surprised if someone treats themself to an early Christmas present. Will you?
No, it won’t be me. I will show it to my wife though. Orlando isn’t very far away.
Not gonna hold my breath though.
Don’t ask for permission ask for forgiveness
Just say it followed me home. Can I keep it?
Popcorn time! Orange 1969 or White 1970? This will be fun to watch.
I’ll take both, thank-you very much.
A beautiful C3 that I would love to own!
Adam, this is a “find” to elicit dialogue and input from BaT readers, but not really a “Barn Find”.
A cursory scan of EBay or Hemmings is adequate in this respect…..need to step up the quality of submissions……IMHO.
👍🤓
Well, probably correct, but I am not sure people are in this for the barns. A little variety is ok.
Garages aren’t barns either
Wow, what a beauty. White w saddle looks sharp. 454 and 4sp. 👌.
Love the big block Corvettes.
Bet it could go lower than 13.7 in the quarter too 🏁
Emoji Stan!!
I owned a 1970 roadster with a 454, fully optioned, great car, crazy fast, the only thing it was missing was the 3rd pedal. This car has it all, the best options, still bone stock, matching numbers plus a 3rd pedal. If I had the choice again, I would choose this car, the price seems reasonable when you consider that an average “body-off” restoration will cost around $125-175K.
Restoration costs even DYI are stupid priced today. I finished a 73 coupe eight years ago. I have a stack of receipts that could buy the wife a new car, almost. But the car is totally road ready and I drive it. This 70 is a beauty. 454s are rare, and this is the only year they were decent performers, except for the 71 LS6. Any other 454 is a boat anchor. I had one, a 71 with 365 hp.
Beautiful Corvette. Nice color combo. All the options one could ask for. What else can you say. Perfect.
Stunning example of a 1970 Corvette big block with all the right options to boot. Asking even seems fair…..is there something im missing?
I had a ’70 350/350 roadster, M21. Marlboro maroon/blk. Hooker Headers & sidepipes in black. Some road race model I was told, zero options, radio & heater delete as well. Owned from ’81-’99. But my ’75 Trans-Am would out handle the Vette hands down & both wore GR60 Radials all four! If I had to pick again beween the Vette or a Trans-Am, I’d go ’70-’74 T/A instead this time around.
Nice Big Block Corvette.Please,Please,Please,get rid of that fire hazard plastic fuel filter and for 55,000 and a car that’s very well supported with parts,step up for correct fuel supply line and proper fuel filter! PLEASE!! When I see these plastic junk filters I toss them,period!! Damn People!!!🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
I read an article years ago & it compared the TA z28 & corvette.
Novice drivers the TA dominated them all.
Professional drivers taking advantage of the corvette blew their doors off.
Beautiful, well done car. The Custom Interior (wood trim, leather seats, better carpet) presents well as does the rest of the car.
Underneath shots would be nice, but it should be as clean as the top side.
If only I was rich instead of good looking…..bahaha
I’ve got neither of those, only thing I got is I can lift heavy things. I pick them up and put them down (say the last sentence in an Arnold voice).
A potential buyer should ask to see the tank sticker (owner should have it if the body came off of the frame), along with photos of the restoration.
If this truly had that work done, then this would be a bargain.
I went down to the Chevy dealer with my brother to pick up his 70′ Corvette coupe 454/4 speed.If I recall it was less than 6k new.One fast car i got to drive,but now my son just bought a 13′ Shely GT 500 I’m itching to try out.
One big problem with the big block vettes was the weight distribution. The cars were extremely nose heavy and when applying the brakes and/or sharp turns the car would understeer almost causing it to go out of control. The small block was better suited for handling but there’s trade offs on everything.
yes these Covettes were notoriously difficult to drive fast.
They had to have been easier to drive fast compared to any of the other big block muscle cars of the day.
Right-on SNW, both of my big block Corvette roadsters have been a joy to drive on the SoCal mountain roads. Difficult to drive fast? I didn’t think so. I also found that I could steer them with my right foot…..