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Needs Finishing: 1970 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe

Project builds can stall for many reasons and at any stage. That is the case with this 1970 Corvette, with work grinding to a halt with the finish line in view. Most of the hard work is complete, and the seller includes the parts required to make this classic “pop.” It will undoubtedly turn heads when the buyer completes the required tasks, and they are the type that a competent person could complete in a home workshop. If that sounds impossible to resist, you will find this ‘Vette listed here on eBay in Garden City, New York. Solid bidding has pushed the price to $12,329, which is short of the reserve. For those wishing to bypass the auction process, the seller offers a BIN option of $16,750.

Whenever I see a stalled project like this Corvette, I wonder why the owner threw in the towel after committing so much time, energy, and money into their build. The photos suggest the car presents extremely well in sparkling Black, although the seller acknowledges it needs some touch-ups and buffing. None of the issues show in the supplied photos, suggesting they may be relatively minor. The panels look excellent, with no evidence of cracks or other problems. We receive no information on the state of the birdcage, but the underside shots reveal the frame carries nothing but a light dusting of surface corrosion. The issue may be minor, but I would treat the corrosion before it can deteriorate further. The glass is in good order, as are the trim and chrome. The aftermarket wheels are an acquired taste, and I’m not convinced they suit this classic. However, the seller includes a set of new side pipes in the sale, and my opinion may change with those installed.

The apparent deterioration inside this Corvette may cause a few readers to cringe, but there’s plenty of good news to counter that first impression. The upholstery and carpet look tired, but the seller includes the parts to consign the issues to a distant memory. They purchased a new interior trim kit in Red, which they haven’t unpacked. It seems everything is present to return the inside of this classic to a factory-fresh state, and doing so will prove a satisfying task for the new owner. The buyer may identify small plastic pieces requiring replacement, but the most expensive parts are there awaiting their attention. The only factory option is the tilt/telescopic wheel, although someone has swapped the original radio for a retro-style radio/cassette player.

The first thing to consider about this Corvette’s mechanical state is that it isn’t numbers-matching. It rolled off the showroom floor equipped with the entry-level ZQ3 version of the 350ci V8, producing 300hp. The original owner elected to splash extra cash on a three-speed Hydramatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The journey down the ¼-mile would have taken a neat 15 seconds, with this ‘Vette eventually running out of breath with the needle nudging 132mph. There is no information on the engine specifications, although it should sound pretty tough exhaling through its Hooker headers. As with the specifications, there’s no information on how this classic runs or drives. However, the seller seems approachable, so they may be willing to answer questions on the subject.

It is unclear why the seller called a halt to proceedings on this 1970 Corvette, but it appears the buyer will benefit from their decision. The remaining tasks look straightforward and would only require a short period of concerted effort to complete. The finished product will be eye-catching, and the one aspect of the listing that surprises me is that the ‘Vette has only received eleven bids. However, they are pushing the price close to the BIN figure, meaning I won’t be surprised if someone throws caution to the wind and hits the button. Would you do that or take your chances by joining the bidding party?

Comments

  1. Avatar Rw

    Horrible wheels.

    Like 3
  2. Avatar Desert Rat

    Wheels look great on this little Vette, I am so tired of looking at c3 with rallys that this is refreshing

    Like 4
  3. Avatar Auric

    Absolutely awful, anachronistic wheels! The rest of the Stingray has potential at a fair price.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Desert rat

      Oh now Auric, perhaps we could replace thes “anachronistic wheels” with some steeles with dog dish hubcaps, would that be more your speed? Welcome to the old folks web sight.

      Like 1
      • Avatar Rw

        Torque thrust.

        Like 0
  4. Avatar Ken

    I like this car.
    If it was closer I’d go look.
    Since it’s nonmatching already, I have a 400 hp
    427, bolted to the 400 turbo.
    What a driver

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Ken

    Wheels are the easiest to fix. Not much on aftermarket wheels of any kind.
    You might not like rallies but no peeling chrome.
    A repaint & they are new in an afternoon

    Like 0

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