Original 454: 1970 Chevrolet Corvette

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If this 1970 Chevrolet Corvette is an accurate guide, the supply of desirable classics waiting to emerge from barns and sheds has far from dried up. This survivor recently returned to active service after four decades in storage and is a turnkey survivor featuring its original big-block V8 under the hood. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the ‘Vette listed here on Craigslist in Springfield, Vermont. The seller set their price at $44,995 for a car that has a claimed 70,000 original miles on the clock.

The 1970 model year brought the first significant cosmetic change to the C3 Corvette as Chevrolet introduced fender flares to protect the lower extremities from stone chips. The effect was quite subtle and didn’t negatively impact the car’s iconic appearance to the same extent that occurred a few years later when the bumpers were changed to comply with new safety standards. The first owner ordered this classic in Donnybrooke Green, and the impression provided in the listing is that this is an unrestored survivor. Therefore, the seller willingly admits that the paint has minor chips and marks, but it still retains a healthy shine. The fiberglass is free from stress cracks and other problems, while the underside shots reveal no rust problems. The often troublesome headlamps and wiper door work as they should, and the trim and glass look comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade classic. The Corvette sits on Rally wheels, which were fitted with new tires as part of the revival process.

Powering this Corette is a 454ci V8. This is the LS5 version, which was a popular choice among buyers in 1970. Over 25% ticked that box on the Order Form, giving the driver access to 390hp. The first owner teamed the big-block with a three-speed Hydramatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. Many enthusiasts consider 1970 as the high point of C3 production because the impact of tighter emission regulations was visible on the horizon. These would transform the hard-edged Corvette into something softer and more sedate. The seller confirms that this classic is numbers-matching and that spending $5,000 on its revival has left it a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well. They state that the car has a genuine 70,000 miles on the clock, and although they don’t mention verifying evidence, its history makes the claim plausible.

The first owner selected Saddle vinyl to trim this Corvette’s interior, which was 1-of-4 colors available if the buyer ordered Donnybrooke Green paint. They also ticked the box for air conditioning, which the seller states blows ice-cold. The overall presentation is quite positive, with no major upholstery flaws and no signs of the carpet fading that often occurs with age. A previous owner fitted a Pioneer radio/cassette player in place of the factory radio, and they didn’t use an adaptor when performing the work. Therefore, the finish in that area doesn’t match the rest of the interior. However, adaptors are cheap, easy to install, and fitting one would make a significant difference to the appearance.

This 1970 Corvette probably won’t appeal to perfectionists due to its minor paint flaws. However, someone seeking a tidy survivor with power to burn may find it irresistible. This Corvette hails from an era when the C3 was at the height of its power, and big-block examples rightly demanded respect. It needs nothing beyond a new home, but are you tempted to provide one?

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Comments

  1. Stan StanMember

    Donnybrook green in the Green Mountain State. Luggage 🧳 rack, big motor, Turbo Hydramatic. Real GT car setup. 😎 🏁

    Like 11
  2. Harvey HarveyMember

    I replaced plugs and header gaskets on one of these once and the only fun part was the test drive.

    Like 14
    • Ian Parker

      Did you access them from underneath the car, which is the way Ive accessed the plugs on a 350ci which used 2b in my vehicle.

      Like 1
      • KWLa

        I had a 1976 Trans Am with the 455/4speed. Easiest way to change the plugs was to remove the front tires and they were right in front of you.

        Like 3
    • JoeNYWF64

      Any old GM car with the huge Harrison a/c compressor hung on the side of the motor makes changing plugs on that side a PITA.
      KWLa, have u seen how empty it is under the hood of a 2nd gen t/a without a/c?
      You could change spark plugs blindfolded – no need to remove the passenger tire.

      Like 1
  3. Ian Parker

    Did you access them from underneath the car, which is the way Ive accessed the plugs on a 350ci which used 2b in my vehicle.

    Like 0
  4. John

    Where is the ignition shield? The pioneer radio can’t work well without it. Why HEI? Air cleaner should be open element style. Survivor? with visible modifications….

    Like 0
  5. Bigred

    My brother bought the same color with a 4- speed and no air back in 70 brand new for less than 6k.

    Like 2
  6. Frog

    I like the convertible version of the C3s.

    Like 0
  7. Ed

    Is it an illusion or is the A/C compressor angled? If so, wrong brackets?

    Like 1
  8. Paul G

    I see a few things questionable for the miles claimed. AC compressor looks wrong, needs green label not blue and angle or bracket issue, not in line. It’s missing the emissions label on firewall right behind power brake booster. No chrome ignition shielding. Wrong valve covers, for 70 should be chrome. Air cleaner is a 71 and even the sticker on it is in the wrong spot lolit is a cool car! I have a 70 454 stick and loaded early production car. Still a good price for it!

    Like 1
    • Bigred

      Good catch on the valve covers,yup they were chrome.

      Like 0
  9. Shoeman68Member

    Flagged by CL. Scammer

    Like 0
    • Frank Sumatra

      Shocking to hear that. What is the world coming to?

      Like 0
  10. oilngas

    The compressor issue. Belt looks straight so maybe an illusion on that. Wrong sticker could be good sign. Evaporator the weak point for leaks has probably been replaced. Ignition shielding won’t fit over the HEI distributor someone installed. Hope they kept original cause Tach probably not hooked up. And what do you want to bet the original Quadrajet was replaced with a parts house one size fits all rebuilt. The kind they take apart in bulk, throw all the parts in one basket, shake them up then piece them back together. Sad, that quadrajet un touched was worth over grand. Traded in as a core never to be seen again

    Like 0
  11. PRA4SNW PRA4SNWMember

    Had to show this one to my wife. It makes us miss the one we sold about 10 years ago.

    Like 2

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