Originality. For some buyers, it is a crucial factor. For others, it’s nice if the classic they are considering is unmolested, but modifications may not be a deal-breaker. If you fit into the latter category, this 1970 Corvette Convertible might be worth a look. Its owners have performed modifications, but reversing most would be straightforward. It isn’t perfect, but it is ready to provide immediate enjoyment. The seller has listed the Corvette here on eBay in Tacoma, Washington. Bidding has scorched to $16,000, and if you aren’t already tempted, the seller’s decision to list the Convertible with No Reserve may transform the interesting into the irresistible.
There’s a bit to unpack with this Corvette because it has undergone many changes since it left the factory. Its existing Black paint isn’t original, with the Trim Tag confirming its first owner ordered it in Marlboro Maroon. It is unclear when the change occurred, but the accumulated collection of small chips and imperfections suggests it didn’t happen yesterday. It remains presentable in its current form if the winning bidder seeks a tidy driver, but this classic would benefit from a cosmetic refresh. How extensive this is would depend on personal preference, but it could offer the opportunity to reinstate the original shade as part of a faithful restoration. The fiberglass has minor imperfections, but none are bad enough to justify expert attention. The seller includes a Black soft-top and matching vinyl-clad hardtop. Both are in good order and increase versatility for those seeking all-weather protection. The seller supplies underside shots, confirming there are no frame issues. The trim and glass show no evidence of problems, but the car rolls on a set of later aluminum Corvette wheels.
The mystery with this Corvette deepens as we delve below the surface. The seller confirms it features a 350ci V8 and four-speed manual transmission. However, it is unclear whether the car is numbers-matching. There are also questions hanging over which version of the small-block this is. The aluminum valve covers suggest it could be the potent LT-1, but other aspects of the Convertible contradict that theory. The tachometer features a 6,000rpm redline, and when combined with the information on the console plate, this might be the L46 version, producing 350hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque. If that proves the case, this drop-top could cover the ¼-mile in 14.1 seconds on its way to 142mph. There might be questions requiring an in-person inspection to answer, but the seller clarifies that this Corvette is a turnkey proposition. It runs and drives perfectly, meaning the winning bidder could fly in and drive it home.
The “tidy driver” theme continues when we focus on this Corvette’s interior, but it is far from perfect. The seller claims there are no seat issues, but the photos contradict that assertion. There are what appear to be imperfections and developing seam separations, and the wheel, which isn’t correct, is missing its center. However, the dash, carpet, and console are in good condition if the buyer decides to perform a light refresh that would lift the presentation. New seatcovers and a replacement wheel would magically transform this interior into a pretty pleasant place to spend some time on a sunny day.
It may seem I have treated this 1970 Corvette harshly, but I always feel honesty is the best policy. This car isn’t perfect, and nor is it original. However, it looks like a solid foundation for someone seeking a turnkey classic or first project candidate. The imperfections haven’t cooled interest, with this classic already receiving an impressive thirty-one bids. That reinforces the inherent desirability of chrome-bumper C3 Corvettes. Would you consider joining the bidding war, or will you sit back as an interested observer?
This is a sweet looking Corvette, I’d have a hard time trying to decide if I should repaint it in the original Marlboro Maroon or just touch up the also beautiful black it has now. If it has the original L48, I’d leave it as is. 350hp is plenty enough to have fun, and there are several easy mods you can perform to increase the power to LT-1 numbers. Probably the first thing I would do is ditch the late 70’s aluminum wheels and get some rally’s and red line tires, then start working on the interior, which doesn’t need that much work to bring it back to its proper shape. I look forward to the day when I show my wife an ad for a Corvette with a reasonable price and she says “go for it!”, because I’ve wanted to buy her a C3 for quite some time now. She has her heart set on a green one, so we’ll see what happens when the right car comes along for the right price.
Drive it and enjoy it. Don’t detail it to death or worry about it. Just use it like it’s meant to be and be glad it doesn’t have a 30k paint job. Engines and drivelines can be repaired.
Check out the basics for this year corvette (problem areas) and make your decision based on that.
I owned this car from 2000 to,2005. Buyer be very aware as when I sold it the frame was rusted almost all the way through the frame kick-ups in the rear.
Thank you very much for the info. I was very interested in this car.
I would be worried about the birdcage too. Check out the rust percolating at the base of the A pillar above the trim tag.
I agree, the rust in the hinge pillar at the base of the a-pillar is a common problem with these cars, but also a big concern. This usually indicates there are rust issues beyond the hinge pillar and a-pillar, possibly in the number one body mount and the windshield frame header. Seeing how corroded the trim tag rivets are I’m guessing the door weatherstrip and/or windshield frame caulking were missing or damaged for quite sometime, allowing a lot of water intrusion. The former owner’s comment that the frame previously had rust issues, combined with the seller’s photos showing the floors but not the areas of the frame where rust is a problem, is also a big concern. Buyer beware!
Currently in the process of purchasing a 74 coupe numbers matching in Green, tan interior, for resale
This Vette looks like a whole lot of problems . Buyer beware for sure . The sweetness has gone out of this one.
I have asked before, why are most of you obsessed on originality, even numbers matching, on what is clearly a driver?
I bought a new ’68 427/435, and while still under warranty; I added headers, ignition & plug wires, wheels & tires, trashed the smug crap, modified the carb linkage, and wrecked it twice. Returning it to stock would take 2 – 3 seconds off the quarter E.T.
But you guys would take half off the value.
I’m not against non-original cars, I’ve modified a couple of cars myself. I’m against cars with this much rust and those that were abused and then sold for more money than they paid for them.
Well said.
Too many of these cars are so clean and immaculate that they never even get used. Scared that the wheel wells or frame gets dirty. At least this one was used like it was supposed to be.
Comment meant for Azul.
Well said Azul
Originality for me has more to do with resale. When buying a car like this one, I can see items that will need attention, those fixes cost money. The new owner can easily find him or herself upside down in this car because original cars command higher resale prices. I noticed that the hood is aftermarket, not press molded, pretty sure this one is not an LT-1. All that being said, I think this car is a beauty. Very simple, clean car, no obvious rust, small block, no A/C, optional hard top, no power windows, and a 4 speed roadster always delivers a wonderful driving experience. Inspect it, buy it, make it to your liking, and enjoy every top down mile. My 2 cents….
I agree with you, Mr. S; but I was addressing those more concerned with originality just for its sake. Numbers matching drives my misunderstanding, why and how does it matter?
Thanks.
I understand Mr. Azul. It’s going to get harder and harder for anyone to find a truly original 50 – 70 year old vehicle anymore.
Piece o crap. No lt-1, ugly rims from 80’s, fake big block hood. Slap together junk!!😆😆😆😆
No air…..no way.
im not a Corvette enthusiast..
but
when i saw this one, i said outloud :
HOLY MOLEY !
ya, if i were to buy one, other than a 50s one, this one is ..
well
holy moley :)
No pictures with the headlights down.
The headlights are vacuum powered, not electric. I am told much easier, thus cheaper to repair. I had a leak in the tank on mine while so new it was under warranty.
I owned one like that,uncomfortable,overheated,jarred your bones,drank fuel,finicky,couldn’t see fore or aft,always something breaking. I loved it.
This Vette may have some issues & needs some loving, but being 50years old it still looks presentable. At a bid around $16k it would be a heck of a car to have some fun with.