It is glory days, this 1970 Corvette’s combination of looks and raw power would have commanded both awe and respect. It has fallen upon hard times and will require a dedicated new owner if it is to recapture its lost youth. It will take more than a weekend’s tinkering, but the original big-block V8 occupying its engine bay might make it too tempting to resist. The Corvette is listed here on eBay in Medford, New York. The seller set the No Reserve auction to open at $8,850, but there are no bids. I must thank Barn Finder Larry D for using his well-developed radar to spot this lost classic for us.
For any classic car enthusiast, seeing a big-block C3 Corvette reduced to this state is difficult to stand. When its panels glowed with their original Bridgehampton Blue paint, it would have attracted attention for the right reasons. Now, it is a shadow of its former self. It needs so much work it isn’t easy to know where to start. Before the buyer even entertains the idea of fresh paint, they will need to ensure the panels are perfect. That process includes replacing the nose or front clip to reverse the custom work pictured above. The photos show surprisingly few cracks in the fiberglass, although I suspect a close inspection may tell a different story. Much of the external chrome, like the bumpers, has gone. However, the tinted glass looks like it might be okay. The biggest question that requires careful investigation is the state of the frame and birdcage. If the Corvette has been exposed to the elements long-term, there could be hidden problems. The seller provides a single underside shot, but it is inconclusive. If the frame or birdcage has issues, that could place a question mark on the viability of the project. It is worth noting that there is plenty of surface corrosion across many aspects of the car that don’t bode well. Potential buyers must be prepared to get down on their hands and knees or organize a lift to determine how good or bad things might be.
Making the story of this Corvette even sadder is that it is a numbers-matching classic. Its engine bay houses the LS5 version of the company’s mighty 454ci V8. That big-block pumped out 390hp, which found its way to the rear wheels via a three-speed Hydramatic transmission. Performance figures are legendary, with this Corvette capable of storming the ¼ mile in 14 seconds with its drivetrain in good health. The engine bay is basically complete, although it is missing the air cleaner and ignition shielding. However, it should be no surprise when you look at this photo to learn that the car doesn’t run or drive. It isn’t clear whether the engine turns freely or when it last fired a shot in anger. This photo also reveals the heavy corrosion mentioned earlier that motivated me to recommend an in-person inspection.
I’m unsurprised to open the Corvette’s doors to discover a scene of devastation and destruction. The original owner went for the doctor with this car, and they didn’t solely focus on performance. The interior featured Black leather upholstery, power windows, a tilt/telescopic wheel, and an AM/FM radio. Everything is present, and there are no aftermarket additions. However, the buyer faces a complete refresh, requiring investing more than $2,000 in a kit in the correct materials and colors. It’s a lot of money, but the result would be an interior in showroom condition.
There’s no way to sugarcoat this; returning this 1970 Corvette to its former glory is a major undertaking that is not for the faint-hearted. Only an in-person inspection can confirm whether the frame and birdcage are structurally sound, and both will need to be if the restoration is to be financially viable. This is not the first time the seller has offered this classic, with it attracting no bids previously in an auction opening at $9,500. Do you think returning this big-block Corvette to a roadworthy state is viable, or is its destiny to serve as a donor?
To say it’s in disrepair I suppose is an understatement. Looks like someone had plans for it at one time but it may be too far gone. But if C3 prices continue to rise might be a good investment to store it indoors somewhere if you’ve got the space and pull it out in a few years.
The word “grungy” was invented for cars like this. Owner certainly is not car salesman.
Save your money. Medford, NY was under about 3 feet of water in 2014 from record rainfall and subsequent flooding. That used to be just a Sunbelt issue, but not anymore. Be careful of any car from Long Island.
“Potential buyers must be prepared to get down on their hands and knees…”
Agreed. Prayer might be the only hope for this drowned Rat motor.
Nope.
Beautiful combo of Bridgehampton blue and black leather(deluxe) interior. Only thing missing is a 4-speed, but auto is good. Be a deal at $4800 maybe even $5800. More than that and after restoration mostly yourself, you’d be a little in the red. But worth a little red ink to cruise in this C3..
In my high school days my insurance agent was a friend of the family. And since my Dad was not around much at the time, he seemed to think it was his place to offer fatherly advice on occasion. He drove a beat up old early ’60s VW bug and a “Plain Jane” ’61 Chev sedan. One day he showed up at my house to read the riot act to me for what he saw me doing in my 1955 Chev convert. He must have spent 30 minutes “preaching” to me about my “current M.O.” Then he promptly hopped into his brand new,Bridgehampton Blue, 454, 4 speed 1970 Corvette and proceeded to light the tires up in all four gears! (I was blamed for all the rubber left on the street! Because Mom knew that Rex’s VW would not do that!) I always liked that color!
With the amount of time this thing has sat outside on damp ground means there is nothing left of the frame.