I acknowledge that some enthusiasts hesitate when thoughts turn to tackling another person’s unfinished project build. However, I sometimes wonder whether that reluctance increases when the build in question has stalled at the hands of two owners. That is the case with this 1970 Chevrolet Corvette. However, it shows promise, with the seller reviving it after the car sat in storage since 2008. They performed a spot of detective work, confirming that this classic has a genuine 55,000 miles on its odometer. The time has come for the ‘Vette to head to a new home where its restoration can be completed. Therefore, the seller has listed it here on eBay in Trenton, New Jersey. Bidding sits at $6,700 in a No Reserve auction.

This Corvette has led an interesting life, having spent over sixteen years hibernating. It appears that the previous owner dismantled the car, treated it to a repaint in Corvette Bronze, but lost interest in the project before reassembling this classic. The seller purchased it to complete, but this has, once again, stalled. The paint is extremely flat, with no orange peel and a healthy shine. The seller states that there are imperfections deserving attention, and some additional paint for that purpose is included. They inspected the frame, body mounts, and birdcage, and found no evidence of rust or nasty surprises. The winning bidder faces a few additional tasks, including replacing the vacuum lines for the headlamps and wiper door. One slightly odd feature is the mismatched Rally wheels. The fronts are significantly narrower, and I would probably replace these to give the car a more “balanced” appearance.

The reality is that there was no genuinely slow version of the 1970 Corvette. This would change as the decade progressed as its engines became excellent at transforming fuel into noise, and little else. The seller indicates that this car retains its numbers-matching 350ci V8 and three-speed automatic transmission. If this is the entry-level ZQ3 version of the iconic small-block, it should generate 300hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque. That was enough to launch the car through the ¼-mile in a flat 15 seconds. However, with this engine breathing better, courtesy of headers and a new carburetor, it might just improve on those figures. The seller didn’t limit their cash splash to the carburetor, installing a new water pump, master cylinder, and tires. The Corvette now runs and drives, which is a major step forward following years of inactivity. They state that there are a few minor faults for the buyer to tackle, including one leaking brake caliper. Otherwise, it appears that returning this classic to its rightful place on our roads should be relatively straightforward.

Ordering a 1970 Corvette in Bronze brought Black vinyl trim as the default, and this car almost ticks that box. However, it appears that someone replaced the original seatcovers with Saddle, which looks out of place. They exhibit some wear and deterioration, meaning that another set of covers and seat foam might be a worthwhile investment. The paint on the wheel boss has deteriorated, but that appears to be the only other cosmetic issue. It won’t win the buyer many show trophies, but it is comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade classic.

If anything surprises me about this 1970 Corvette, it is the fact that the auction has attracted only twelve bids. However, with sixty-three people placing it on their Watch List and a view tally well above 500, that situation could change dramatically. If it doesn’t, someone could score themself an early C3 Corvette project at an affordable price. Does that thought tempt you to join the Watch List tally?