The term “blank canvas” can be more appropriate with some classics than others. It is one that probably suits this 1970 Corvette because although it is claimed to be solid, the loss of its original engine and transmission could motivate the next owner to transform this ‘Vette into the car of their dreams. Whether that includes slipping a big-block under the hood or tackling it as a restomod project, it could potentially become a stunning and potent vehicle. Located in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, you will find the Corvette listed for sale here on eBay. The bidding has raced to $9,150, although this remains short of the reserve. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting a fantastic project car for us.
When it rolled off the production line, this Corvette would have looked fantastic in its original shade of Daytona Yellow. Somebody performed a color change, although I can’t pick the name of the new shade with any certainty. That is the first part of the puzzle that makes this ‘Vette a blank canvas project. The buyer may choose to reinstate the original color, or they could opt for something totally different. Although I’m not an avid fan of black paint, it is a shade that Chevrolet didn’t offer in 1970, making it something to consider if the buyer wants this classic to stand out. Items like the chrome bumpers and trim would provide a stunning contrast, making the option worth considering. The fiberglass carries some imperfections, but addressing these shouldn’t cause any drama. The seller includes the factory hardtop, and the frame for the soft-top is intact. It may look tired, but it seems that this Corvette is a solid old girl. The seller states that the frame and birdcage appear rust-free, adding to the appeal as a project candidate. There’s no doubt that this Corvette requires plenty of TLC, but it’s also worth noting that we’ve seen plenty in a worse state over the past decade at Barn Finds.
The Corvette’s interior is essentially complete, although the carpet is gone. The original owner ordered the car trimmed in Black leather, although the poor photo quality makes it hard to determine the state of the trim and upholstery. It’s pretty dirty and dusty, so the first step in the project build could be to clean everything thoroughly. It appears that the dash, pad, and console may be okay, and treating the leather with a high-quality conditioner could produce positive results. As well as the luxury of leather, the interior features power windows, and a tilt/telescopic wheel. The owner supplies no engine photos, which is understandable since the original engine and transmission are gone. Lifting the hood would have revealed the LS5 version of the mighty 454ci V8. That big-block would have churned out 390hp and, when coupled to a three-speed Hydra-Matic transmission, would have allowed the ‘Vette to storm the ¼ mile in 14 seconds. The lack of the original motor brings us to the final piece of the puzzle for this blank canvas. Sourcing a correct V8 and transmission would be easy if the buyer plans a faithful refurbishment. However, they could also elect to follow the restomod path without copping flack for “ruining” a numbers-matching classic. I would be willing to bet that thought has crossed the mind of a few of those who have already submitted bids.
Sometimes it can be difficult to determine the desirability and viability of a project car, but this 1970 Corvette leaves us in no doubt. The loss of its original big-block V8 is a shame, but it hasn’t placed a dampener on the bidding action. It has received an impressive thirty-four bids in two days, suggesting plenty of people like what they see. There is still a week left on the auction, meaning there’s scope for the price to climb higher before the hammer falls. How high would you be prepared to bid if you decided to throw your hat into the ring? Will you tell us, or are you keeping your cards close to your chest because you intend to make a play for it? If you do, I’m sure we all wish you luck.
This looks to be a great project car even for novices like me who may even have a 454 sitting around that you could freshen up and throw in there. The price so far seems doable to so you have a few bucks left n the account to maybe score a Tremec 5 speed.Trans. With a Hurst Sidewinder the shifter fits in there perfectly.
C3 interiors are made up of pieces and are available and not too expensive. Yes it needs paint but the body LOOKS straight What has sunk me is the past and really soured the car resto experience was getting hammered at the body shop by unforeseen auto body issues.
I am just wondering why some one would remove that beautiful, iconic, bad ass 1970 BBC hood and fit a 1981 hood. Are we sure it wasn’t a small block car and the owner has a big block hood that could be fitted.
That would still work for me!!!
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Many years ago when I went to restore my first Corvette, I was naively thought they are “fiberglass, can’t rust, and therefore cheap & easy for bodywork.”
O Boy, was I wrong about that. I was right about the rust part…..but old fiberglass can degrade in multiple ways that are all complicated, time-consuming, and expensive to put right. Properly preparing and painting Corvettes is a separate art that few people master. Most shops these days prefer high-profit collision work mainly funded by insurance companies. Even if they have the skills, many are reluctant to take on old Corvette work due to the extensive prep time.
The car for sale here does look like a potentially nice project. My advice for newbies though, is make sure you have a good Corvette body/paint guy, and get a thorough estimate on costs before you commit. Prices can be 2 or 3 times what would be involved redoing a regular steel-body car.
I think this car would only be (maybe) economically viable for an experienced builder, that already has most of the parts. I have taken on similar projects that ended up costing more than anticipated when replacing all the “small-parts”.
This is the type of project I would take on if I wanted to build the car a certain way and keep it. Trying to “restore” this car would end up being too costly for the end result.
Given its current condition, I’d search local wrecking yards for a complete LS engine and trans. I know, “sacrilege” but I’d leave it looking like a “rat” and have some fun. Would do interior.
Sorry Cam,
Why worry about the cost if you want to build a classic car today its going to be a money pit save some money by doing some of the work its a hobby just like playing golf at a county club$$$$$$$$$$$
Owning a classic car, and working on it yourself can be a satisfying process. It isn’t always “about the money”. Looking back on some of the cars I have restored, I was lucky to brake even if I had paid myself 5 cents per hour.
My point in raising the topic of costs is that is important for buyers to properly budget when considering a project cars.
I hate to see someone have their dream project ruined by lack of funds to complete it. I see this type of situation involving abandoned projects frequently. Sometimes an otherwise decent car ends up ruined in the process, and the owner almost always loses big $.
Owning a classic car, and working on it yourself can be a satisfying process. It isn’t always “about the money”. Looking back on some of the cars I have restored, I was lucky to brake even if I had paid myself 5 cents per hour.
My point in raising the topic of costs is that is important for buyers to properly budget when considering a project cars.
I hate to see someone have their dream project ruined by lack of funds to complete it. I see this type of situation involving abandoned projects frequently. Sometimes an otherwise decent car ends up ruined in the process, and the owner almost always loses big $.