“Buy a Corvette and you buy a piece of tomorrow” read the 1970 Chevrolet Corvette brochure. Although not literal, that philosophical waxing from 53 years ago almost feels prophetic — in this case, anyway — as this example has well withstood the test of time remaining largely original. I found this 1970 Chevrolet Corvette here on Craigslist in Newton, Kansas originally listed for $24,500, then marked down to $23,000, and now showing an asking price of just $19,000.
Due in large part to a UAW strike during the 1969 model year that pushed back the start of 1970 production, GM manufactured only 17,316 Corvettes for 1970. It was the lowest production year for the C3, with 525,546 units being built across the other 14 model years. A number of styling changes made their debut in 1970, notably the flared wheel wells and egg-crate fender louvers.
I like so much about this car. At the top of that likes list is it having remained in the custody of owners who resisted the urge to modify it. GM said this was a car “whose form follows its function” and I contend that that form is a beautiful one. Daytona Yellow would be in my bucket of least favorite colors but it presents well here. The seller confirms, telling us “the body is solid not showing any stress marks in the fiberglass.” It’s great to see the somewhat uncommon deluxe wheel covers on an early C3, even though they aren’t wrapped with whitewall tires as they would’ve been originally. These wheel covers remind me of the optional flared wheel covers on my 1969 Lincoln Continental.
This black interior is original and looks well preserved, but the seller tells us the seats are showing their age. This one is pretty well optioned with power steering, power brakes, power windows, tilt steering, AM/FM radio, and factory air-conditioning. Corvette interiors have always struck me as inviting and there’s no exception on this 1970 example – they walk a fine line of simplicity and elegance and fit that form following function mold.
A 350-cubic inch 300-horsepower V8 backed by a console shifted automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels. The A/C isn’t working properly, but the new owner will benefit from recent maintenance that hopefully makes the car roadworthy from the get-go – it’s been tuned up with new plugs and points, tires are fresh, and the brakes have been replaced. The seller says it “drives nice down the road.”
I thought this Corvette was a fair buy at the original asking price, but now under $20k, it looks like a bargain. I’ll hope the next owner can carry the “no modifications” torch and simply enjoy this Corvette for what it is. Oh, and maybe put some whitewalls on it?
If someone’s a vette guy that’s a steal if it’s solid underneath which probably is being from KS but you never know unless you inspect it as it could have been brought in from another state. Yellow actually looks good on these cars imo.Those hubcaps look awesome with pencil whites or red lines.Nice it still has the radio interference shroud over the distributor.Glwts.
Being in Newton, Ks. I wonder if the “Car Wizard” has ever worked on this car???
who is the Car Wizard and how do you get ahold of him?
Omega Auto Repair in Newton. He has multiple You Tube videos. He does lots of exotic cars and regular repairs. . Great mechanic and teacher.
19K is a very good price based on what you can see. Like Maggy says, what you can’t see might throw the deal the other way.
But, as Karl says, pay the Wizard and have him and his team take a look.
I get a kick out of one of the book value pics showing a huge price increase for a 350 V8. Maybe if it were an LT-1, but this one has the stock 350/300.
Just as previously stated about other brands this is a Corvette not a Chevrolet Corvette
Really? You must be a joy to be around.
Really? Who made it? Studenaker?
Umm, not sure what you are referring too. The Corvette has always been the Chevrolet Corvette.
Even the 1970 sales brochure calls it that.
http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet_Corvette/1970_Chevrolet_Corvette/1970%20Chevrolet%20Corvette%20Brochure%20(R-1)/image1.html
Surprised Hoovie hasn’t snapped this one up. Must have his hands full with exotic cars right now. Love the Car Wizard guy doing fantastic work on exotic cars in the middle of Kansas. His videos on mechanic tips are great.
Hoovie is selling off a lot of his cars. I don’t follow him closely to know exactly why. I’ve heard divorce but also something about a medical operation.
It public Court records that he is getting divorced.
The “procedure” was getting “neutered”.
Corvette…i think that also translates into ” mid life crisis” for some,not all.
I ended up buying this car. Birdcage and frame are immaculate. Very happy. Needs a little work here and there which I love to do to keep busy. My 4th Corvette but my first C3. I would post photos of me trailering it home to Missouri if I could. The owner was getting so many calls after this hit barnfinds.com he said. I was lucky enough to get to the number two spot in line and then the first buyer flaked out for some reason and never came to look at it.
Congrats Mark!
I’m sure that you will enjoy your ’70 as much as I enjoyed mine. And the little projects it needs are satisfying to do.
@Mark McKenzie: unless the admins here have a problem with it, email me the photos and I will post them. pra4snw(at)comcast.net
Sending now. Thanks.
Thank you for the update, hope you have many happy miles!!!
Mark’s ’70 Vette:
From Newton Kansas to Columbia Missouri in a downpour the entire way! But I got her home safe and sound. –Mark
It’s always nice to have original manuals
I wish mine came with the original owner’s manual. I had to buy a repro.
It was ment to be. Nice car.
Mark’s ’70 Vette:
BTW: I love the luggage rack look and I’m digging those original wheel covers.
I think you got a really good one.
Here’s the one I sold and like everyone else, wish I didn’t.
Beautiful car!
Small update to this car. I’ve fixed several items on it. It’s running and driving extremely well now! Most front control arm / suspension bushings, etc have all been replaced, rebuilt the steering box, all new steering lines, new transmission cooler lines and replaced the oil pan gasket to fix the leaks. Carb and timing both adjusted. May end up selling it later this fall as I move onto my next winter project! Spring perhaps. Cheers!
Thanks for the update!
I did the bushings on mine – fun project – and it made a big difference.
It tightens it up a lot, doesn’t it?! Drives really nicely and quietly now.
It sure dies tighten it up.
I bought a Mini Cooper S in 2008 and thought that there was something wrong with the Corvette’s handling, since the Cooper was such a tight handler. Turns out the bushings had never been replaced and were all crushed / rotted. I replaced then with poly bushings and could not believe the difference.