1970 marked the year Chevrolet increased the Corvette’s big block from 427 cubic inches to a stroked 454 CI, with a 10.25:1 compression ratio and a horsepower rating of 390. Of the 17,316 Corvettes that rolled off the assembly line for 1970, only 4,473 were equipped with the LS5 powerplant, so to find an example for sale that still retains its original numbers-matching 454 is not exactly an easy task. Add a 4-Speed and a convertible top to the mix, and you’ve got one really desirable Corvette that the seller says will do nothing but continue to appreciate in value. If this is all sounding good to you and you’ve been in the market for a C3, this 1970 Chevrolet Corvette might be a good car for you to take a look at. Located in Salina, Kansas, it can be found here on All Collectors Cars with a current bid of $42,250.
Barn Finds wishes to thank reader Larry D. for another great tip on this one! Judging from the photos, the Corvette looks stunning from every angle we can see. But surprisingly, other than the car just being called original, we don’t get a lot of information on the car’s background and history. The seller does tell us that the car has 90,480 actual miles, and I’m pretty sure that’s the factory Monza Red color, but there’s no information given if the body has ever had a respray at some point. In any event, the exterior presents beautifully and the interior is said to be in excellent original condition. While maybe not quite perfect, the white convertible top does appear to be in satisfactory shape.
The original 454 looks good on the outside and everything under the hood is tidy, but there’s no information about whether or not the engine has ever had a rebuild or how well the car runs and drives. The same goes for the transmission. But the fact that the LS5 is the numbers-matching motor adds a lot of credibility to the car, and even if it could benefit from a good going-through it would probably be well worth the time and expense. This is also a factory A/C car, although the factory compressor is currently off of the car to have the clutch replaced.
The seller mentions that he didn’t realize the gas cap lid was not shut until after he took the photos, but assures us that it does shut correctly and is flush with the body. Reserve has not yet been met, and if this is the Corvette of your dreams, you’ve got until about the middle of the day on April 14 to submit your bid. What are your thoughts on this 1970 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible?
The car looks pretty good with 2 exceptions to me. One is the tonneau cover on the right side, looks to have a bow up in the middle on the right side. The other is the drivers side valve cover. I don’t know what’s going on there, but it looks to be burnt and bent to me.
Assuming there’s nothing wrong, I expect this would be one thirsty car. IMO 454’s were never known for me thrifty when it came to the gas pumps.
Tonneau Cover ? As for that valve cover, it looks like a case of the chrome peeling off and the metal under the missing chrome rusting. Very nice Corvette but I think its a bit high pricewise, fix the A/C compressor and put it back on, get the system working. I’ve never heard of removing the compressor to replace its clutch.
86_Vette, no one buys a BB with an eye towards saving a buck or two every fillup. I recall a guy in our Corvette club back in the 80’s had a BB ‘73 and he averaged 10mpg on the Highway when we went on Sunday cruises.
Thank you for sharing! This is a fine example!
Please note, the live online auction ends on 04/14/2022 at 3:20 pm EDT
Nice car. Checks off a lot of boxes. For this kind of $, the details need to be sorted out. Put the AC back together, fix the Tonneau, have the seats professionally cleaned. But it’s a nice car. I’m in the market, but I think I’d prefer an LT-1. But then, there’s that itch that says to buy a super-clean, super-low mile 75-77 for a fraction of the $ and work the engine to 400hp and have a blast.
every model has it’s years.. the C2.. 63/67..most covet’d.. the C3..the 69 hands down.. and the coupes worth more then the rags.. they are fun cars to own and drive and still cheaper then any porsche or ferrari so buy them while you can.. cause the prices are going up not down
For this kind of coin I would think someone would have more of the small parts under the hood correct. Wrong Cooling Fan for AC & BB, Heater hoses are aftermarket (at least get black), glass fuel filter is scary, replacement front grills (71-72), incorrect antenna and I am certain more looking yields more. No under car photos or windshield pillar photos. This is a nice quality driver but will take significant money to go the NCRS route if that is your plan.
Around 1977 I met a girl in a bar one night who along with her friend was seated at our (the guys) table. The conversation was about Vettes. She interrupted and said “Well I have a Vette”. Oh really? I asked skeptically. She said “Yeah, its outside, wanna go for a ride?”
So we went out to the parking lot and got into her bright red 1970 LT-1 C3 Coupe. We “jerked” down the road as she explained she just got it and didn’t know how to drive a stick. That was a Thursday night.
On Saturday night I picked her up at her house for our date. Out she came, on crutches. Seems Daddy bought her the car on Wednesday. She met me on Thursday and totaled it on Friday. Plus she was hot. Even with crutches.
Well did it end in marriage with a new vet?
Actually, it simply just ended. And in retrospect that was probably a good thing.
I thought the color scheme (red/tan/white) couldn’t be stock – at least not a common choice. I’m guessing that re / black / black would be the popular combination.
That question was answered – it was originally white.
Nice matching numbers driver. I would be tempted to paint it back to white and then work on all of the smaller issues that were already mentioned.
This auction ends today at 3:20 pm EDT. Reserve has been reduced and the seller said he will consider the highest bid today!! Give it a shot (thanks for looking!)
Reserve is OFF @ $48,000
https://www.allcollectorcars.com/classic-car-auctions/vehicles/1970-chevrolet-corvette-454/