Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Fresh 454: 1970 Chevrolet Corvette

This 1970 Chevrolet Corvette isn’t completely original, but it has the potential to be a great classic to own. Most of the “heavy lifting” has been completed on the car, and it just needs someone to finish off the finer details. There is a freshly-built big-block under the hood, and the buyer will be free to choose a new color for this beauty. It is located in Portsmouth, Virginia, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $14,529, but the reserve isn’t met.

There is no denying that the Corvette will require some cosmetic attention if it is to present at its best. The tag indicates that it rolled off the production line wearing Donnybrooke Green paint, but it has received a color change at some point. The paint is now looking tired, and the seller has resisted the temptation to treat the car to a repaint. He acknowledges that this would increase the price. This will also allow the new owner to perform a repaint in the color of their choice. The fiberglass generally looks quite good, with no signs of significant problems. We receive no information on the state of the frame or birdcage, so it might be worth asking the question about these areas. It is reassuring to consider that the seller has owned the Corvette for 24-years. During this time, the vehicle has always been garage-kept. The trim and glass all look acceptable for a driver-quality car, while there are no problems with the wheels.

The Corvette isn’t numbers-matching, but it does feature a 454ci V8, a 4-speed manual transmission, and what the owner refers to as a Traction Lock rear end. The engine has a “CGV” suffix, meaning that it is an LS4 engine that would have produced 345hp. That output is lower than any 454 offered in the Corvette range in this model year, but it might be producing more than that now. The motor has recently been rebuilt and fitted with a 750cfm Holley carburetor that is bolted to the top of an Edelbrock intake. Spent gases find their way out via a shiny new Thrush exhaust system. The engine isn’t the only aspect of the car that has come in for some recent attention. New Bilstein shocks have been installed, while a new fuel tank, new brakes, and new battery have also been fitted. The owner doesn’t indicate how well the Corvette runs or drives, but he does say that the buyer will need to be comfortable troubleshooting various systems. That would tend to suggest that the car hasn’t seen much use since the mechanical work was completed.

One aspect of the Corvette that won’t need any attention is the interior. It is all-new, including the heat shielding and underlay. It presents extremely well, with no issues to report. There are some non-original features, including the Hurst shifter and the wheel. Replacing these items should not be a drama if an original appearance is required. There is also an updated stereo, although sourcing a genuine radio would not be a problem if required. Creature comforts include air conditioning, power windows, and a rear defroster.

If you are looking for a C3 Corvette that is an original and unmolested survivor, then this one won’t be the car for you. If you are looking for one that you can place your stamp on, this might be the right one. Some light cosmetic restoration work should result in a tidy and clean Corvette that could be driven and enjoyed regularly. It wouldn’t win any prizes for originality, but it would be a blast to drive. Do we have any readers who might be willing to take it on?

Comments

  1. Avatar Rick.

    Big block and 3 pedals. Now this is a Vette.

    Like 7
  2. Avatar Stan Marks

    Too bad the body doesn’t look as good as the interior.
    The new owner will have to come up with a load of Benjamin’s, for the paint job.

    Like 2
    • Avatar PRA4SNW

      First thought I had too: Color change back to Donnybrooke Green is going to be expensive.

      My ’70 was that color, which matched the Saddle interior very nicely. I got lucky, most Donnybrooke interiors were green.

      Like 2
  3. Avatar mjf

    I wonder if the frame is all good . M22 ? 4 Speed?
    Be nice to know .

    Like 3
  4. Avatar C5 Corvette

    Lets see, 15K for the car, $$$ for a big block hood, Misc. systems need trouble shooting more $$$, re-paint 12-16Kmakes for one expensive non-original C3!

    Like 3
  5. Avatar Kelly Waldrop

    Doubtful for an M22. Also if it has the highrise intake then the stock bb hood won’t clear to shut. L88 hood will work.

    Like 2
  6. Avatar John Oliveri

    Well all n all, probably gonna be a nice driver if u get the A/C straight, would I really want a green Vette? Not my first choice, nothing is left that was original, so Red w tan is a nice color combo, I like the Hurst shifter, the steering wheel? Ehhhh, but where’s the hood, how’s the birdcage?

    Like 2
  7. Avatar George Mattar

    Color change back to orig gonna be $$$$$$$. Corvette paint jobs today $10,000 for anything good. I say trash that stupid steering wheel, finish the mechanical stuff and drive it. No need to worry about that useless SUV throwing stones on the nose. I work in a body shop. The price of paint today is insane. Water based too.

    Like 0

Leave a Reply to Rick. Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.