There are times when finding an affordable project car can seem like a fruitless search. That can be especially true if the vehicle in question is a chrome-bumper C3 Corvette. With their ongoing popularity, even the roughest examples can sell for extraordinary prices. That’s where this 1970 model throws its hat into the ring. The owner parked it in his garage in 2003, but he feels that the time is right for it to head to a new home. Barn Finder rex m spotted the ‘Vette for us, so thank you so much for that, rex. It is located in Royal Oak, Michigan, and has been listed for sale here on craigslist. The owner has set the sale price at $9,000.
At first glance, the $9,000 asking price might not seem affordable, but it stacks up reasonably well when we delve below the surface with this classic. Its panels wear their original Corvette Bronze paint, although it now looks pretty tired. A repaint will almost certainly be on the cards, but when you sift through the photos, it appears that the fresh paint will be covering fiberglass that is in surprisingly good condition. I can’t spot any significant problems or issues, although I’ll qualify that by saying that some things become more visible to the naked eye than they are in photos. Apart from some trim pieces below the front bumper, the chrome looks acceptable for a driver-quality car. Nothing appears to be missing, and the glass also presents well. The car has spent much of its life parked in a garage, and that could prove a bonus when we reach the inevitable question of rust. The owner describes the Corvette’s overall condition as decent, so hopefully, there are no problems with the frame or birdcage.
Opening the doors reveals an interior that would be considered serviceable but would benefit from some attention to take it to the next level. It was originally upholstered in Saddle vinyl, but it appears that someone has fitted aftermarket seat upholstery with cloth inserts. They probably looked okay when new, but time hasn’t been kind to them. They would likely respond positively to a deep clean, but the stretching suggests that the buyer would be better served investing in new covers. The next owner should add a pair of door trims to that list and possibly, a carpet set. Beyond that, the dash and pad look good, as does the console and remaining plastic. With those items that I suggested replaced, the interior would sparkle pretty nicely. There have been no aftermarket additions, but the original owner apparently ordered this Corvette with the AM/FM radio and air conditioning. The compressor is missing from under the hood, but the rest of the system appears to be intact.
When it came to the question of drivetrain configuration, the original owner chose to stick with the tried-and-true ZQ3 version of the 350ci V8 that produced 300hp. To this, he added a 3-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. That should have made the Corvette a comfortable cruiser, although if the driver poked it with a stick, it could still cover the ¼-mile in 15 seconds. The owner stresses that potential buyers should not consider the Corvette as roadworthy. He parked the car in his garage in 2003, and it hasn’t seen the road since. He coaxed the numbers-matching V8 back to life, but the entire vehicle will require a detailed inspection to ensure that it is mechanically sound. There’s a chance that some of the rubber items like belts and hoses will now be perished, while the brakes may also have a question mark hanging over them. With parts readily available and affordable, returning this ‘Vette to a roadworthy state might not be complicated or expensive.
This 1970 Corvette might not be perfect, but it offers potential buyers several options to consider. While the paint isn’t great, it is far from horrible. A buyer might turn their attention solely towards returning the car to a roadworthy state and hit the road behind the wheel of a survivor-grade car. They could take it further by whipping the interior trim into shape because that shouldn’t prove difficult or expensive. The final alternative would be to go the whole hog and treat the car to a repaint. That should have it looking pretty stunning, and the buyer could slip behind the wheel with their head held high. Which path would you choose?
Corvettes. Love ‘em. I’ve owned 2 and remember that the numbers of 1970 models are low because of the GM strike. Not being a big block 4-speed convertible keeps this one on the low side but the new owner should enjoy it! GLWTS.
does anyone know if the drivers side door closes, or is that a standard ventilation feature of ’70 Corvettes?
Man, I hate when folks try to sell a car and can’t be bothered to shut the doors when they take a photo.
70s have the egg crate vents behind the front tires. It looks like the front fenders have been replaced.
70s have the egg crate vents behind the front tires. The front fenders are not correct.
Wrong side vents for a 1970 corvette, the ones seen on this car were used on later models beginning in 1973………question is, what is the reason?
Probably replaced the front clip after the original owner punched some other guy in the rear end in 1973. Cheap fix for a problem todays new owner will need to deal with under the clip. This car would need to be up on a hoist for some serious inspection, even at $9,000.
Also, the Holley carb is not correct for an L48, it should be a Q-jet
Guys, this is a $9,000 chrome bumper Corvette, try finding any chromie for that sort of money today. Even the worst of them is going to have an asking price in that range & this car looks to be all there, not a bad deal IMHO! If it were a little closer to me, I’d be picking it up to flip after making it roadworthy.
I agree with you Don. I think that we are just trying to point out some of the non-standard items that may raise a question or two.
I agree with you Don.
It’s a 51 year old car.
If it was perfect the seller would be asking more than $9000 for it.
It could be a great deal at $9000. Due diligence will see what all got damaged in the front bump and what 94,000 miles in Royal Oak, MI has done to the frame.
An optimist might say if it was driven from 1970 to 2003 in and around Royal Oak, it might have only been driven around 3,000 miles a year and stored winters. Unfortunately, I am not an optimist.
Sitting pretty tall in the rear end.
i would look closely at the frame…otherwise nice ‘sugar-scoop’
Thos is a deal. But not for me. Just sold a 70 L46 last weekend just short of 30 large. But someone looking could end up with a decent ride, save for incorrect front fenders and whatever is going on with the rear end.
This is a deal. But not for me. Just sold a 70 L46 last weekend just short of 30 large. But someone looking could end up with a decent ride, save for incorrect front fenders and whatever is going on with the rear end.
For some reason I never cared for the egg crate vents on the 70 – 72 front fenders. The 73 style of open vents improve the looks for me. That said I still couldn’t afford it.