Few cars have made an impact as profound as that delivered by the Chevrolet Corvette to the motoring landscape. Many believe the badge came of age with the release of the C3, a car that provided exceptional performance in a body that received global recognition. This Corvette rolled off the line in 1970, and its list of positive attributes is as long as your arm. Many would consider the fact it retains its numbers-matching big-block drivetrain as an essential factor in its appeal. However, its documented history and overall presentation do it no harm. It is set to find a new home, with the seller listing the ‘Vette here on eBay in Escalon, California. Intense bidding has pushed the price to $29,300, although that figure remains below the reserve.
While the history of this Corvette is claimed to be documented, the seller isn’t particularly forthcoming in their listing. They say the car has always been stored in a climate-controlled garage, and that is never seen bad weather. That sounds right because the comprehensive set of underside shots supplied in the listing shows no signs of corrosion or other issues on the frame. The panels wear beautiful Bridgehampton Blue paint that holds an impressively deep shine. There are no signs of significant flaws in it or the fiberglass it covers. There are a couple of exterior changes that won’t appeal to purists. The Gold pinstripe is a later addition, as are the wire wheels. Reversing both modifications should be easy and inexpensive if the winning bidder wishes to preserve the Corvette’s survivor credentials. The trim sparkles nicely for a car of this vintage, and there are no apparent glass issues. One interesting characteristic of the listing is that the seller only brushes over the fact that it is a one-owner vehicle. The brevity is frustrating, but it appears they are approachable, allowing interested parties to confirm this critical aspect of the car’s history.
The 1970 Corvette was an evolution of the previous year’s model, with many believing the most significant change became apparent when an owner tilted the hood forward. Chevrolet increased the capacity of its big-block V8 from 427 to 454ci. Power figures remained comparable between the two, although the larger engine did produce slightly more torque. This Corvette features its numbers-matching 454, and since it is the LS5 version, it churns out 390hp and 500 ft/lbs. It was a popular choice among Corvette buyers in 1970, with nearly 26% ticking that box on the Order Form. The V8 sends its power to the 3.70 rear end via a four-speed close-ratio manual transmission. The original owner continued wielding their pen in the dealership, equipping this car with power assistance for the steering and brakes. Performance figures are all you might expect from a vehicle of this caliber, with the ¼-mile journey reduced to a memory in 13.8 seconds. The listing reveals an odometer reading of 39,800 genuine miles, and the comprehensive collection of paperwork that documents this classic’s history back to Day One will probably contain verifying evidence. There is no specific information regarding how this Corvette runs or drives, but the suggestions are the news is positive.
Confusion reigns supreme in this auction, with the seller mentioning the leather trim and air conditioning. The Trim Tag and photos confirm the original owner ordered this car with Code 411 Blue vinyl, while the engine bay and interior shots and the Dealer Invoice confirm this car never had A/C. However, the overall presentation is easily acceptable for a survivor-grade classic that has always been treated respectfully. The seatcovers have typical wrinkles and slight stretching, but the lack of wear and physical damage leaves them looking excellent for their age. The same is true of the remaining upholstered surfaces and carpet, while there is no broken, cracked, or damaged plastic. Purists will appreciate the lack of aftermarket additions, along with the original owner’s decision to order this classic with a tilt/telescopic wheel and an AM/FM radio.
It may seem to some readers that I have dealt harshly with this 1970 Corvette, but nothing could be further from the truth. It is a stunning car, and the only surprise for me is that it has only attracted thirty-three bids. I would typically expect a vehicle of this caliber to generate frantic action, but with time remaining on the auction, ample opportunity exists for that to occur. My criticism is of the listing because I believe it does the car a disservice. A desirable classic deserves a detailed listing that is filled with verified facts. This one fails on that front. However, an in-person inspection would reveal the truth. Is that the strategy you would employ if you elected to pursue this Corvette further?
The wheels have to go. But aside from that, yes please on this one!
I see your point, and normally I’d agree. I’m all about originality. That said, those are kinda, period correct modifications. Back in 1970, if you rolled up in that Vette, with those wheels and stripes, everyone would’ve been really impressed. I think I’d keep them for a little while.
I can walk out my front door, go to the bank, and buy almost any Corvette imaginable. I will take the AMX next to this one, all day long!! Dont get me wrong…I love Corvettes like everyone else. However, go to any car show and you have to wade through a sea of them. I prefer something unique, thank you. I’m gonna go take a ride in my 69 AMX, now.
Fair enough Joe…. just don’t race 🏁 for pink slips. 😲
The AMX will be at the doors of the Vette all day,any day!
I take it you think you know exactly what Joe has.
I had a 70 AMX with the Go package. And it would go. I moved to another state and had to let it go.
The thing wrong here is the price. You nailed it. There are so many vettes especially the C3. I never paid over 5000 for one.
I sold my 400ci ’77 Vette this summer for $12,500.
You obviously have not bought a big block Vette in the last 35 years. Chrome basket cases now bring more than $5k I bought my 72 Big Block in 1989 and never have regretted it.
I’m sure it’s because the rear is backed up to a wall but it doesn’t look quite right. BTW I was sold at the fuzzy dice.
The only thing that doesn’t look right is that is not my garage. Awesome Corvette.
Not a fan of those wheels and the striping has got to go. Other than that ….good find.
Nice looking Vette. IIRC the interior stitching is vertical on the vinyl covers and horizontal on leather equipped C3s. Cup holders, ugh.
Now we’re talking. Leave it alone until you put a couple hundred miles on her. Then you should add or subtract as needed. Appears to be a honest driver.
The true value will be found by the largest bag of fun tickets held at the end of this auction.
Pretty nice car.
Wire wheels and pinstriping were the rage in the late 70s.
I hate the pinstriping but love the chrome wire wheels. They give a C-3 a visually very classy appearance, that makes it look even better than Ferraris from the same era worth fifteen times more.
I like the original look of C3s, so not liking the striping and wheels. But, I love that original paperwork.
I was hoping that they also had that sweet AMX listed, but no such luck.
That FRAM oil filter – just NO!
That’s the Extra Guard. The one that everybody claims falls apart is the bottom of the barrel filter. I’ve used them for decades without issues. I subscribe to some automotive magazines and Fram is used on many of the engines featured. I’m not defending Fram as much as calling out an old wives tale.
If you look on rockauto, a Wix oil filter is < $1 more than Fram at least for a Pontiac 400 v8. Why not get 1 of the best?
I wish kmart was still around – i got older 99.9%!! efficient yellowish rough surfaced purolator pure ones for $3 & some change on sale!
Has walmart ever sold purolator oil filters? I don't think so, let alone EVER on sale. Go figure why they put Kmart out of business.
Can't go wrong with Puros either.
What John said. NO FRAM junk. You can find NOS AC Delco air filters. I have three in my stash.
I had a Red on Red 70 bigblock 4 speed,just like this one. The motor was mostly stock. Got it well into the 12s on bfg radials. Miss that car…..
This is my dream car here, or the 68 or 69 427 tri-power. I would have to ride the car of the stripes, wheel and tires and go with rally wheels and bfg t/a’s. I don’t like the no a/C but I’d still buy it for top dollar, if I had the money. Back when I was flush with cash, I spent it on my ex for new Z/28’s, jewelry and on my daughter. Always thought I’d eventually get my vetted, but the wife found another, my daughter grew up and the oil and gas business went north, then mom got down and I cared for her. 62 yes old then showed up out of nowhere, lol
Yeah Dave, I saw Johns comment about the FRAM filter diffugulty also. All I can say is that I’ve been using them since 1967 and haven’t had any problems. However I’m a real pick-butt about my oils along with my religious oil change intervals.
In my world, all comes down to what environment you are driving your car or truck in. Some times I’ll change oil at 1500 miles, sometimes 2500 miles but never more than 3000. I also keep an eye of the color on a cold engine dip stick. That was just the way I was taught by some old school engine mechanics that worked for my uncle. It all makes sense to me. Just a thought.
Would rather have an LT-1, w/4 spd same year. But beggars can’t be choosers. Nice car.
I think everybody would rather have a 1969 ZL1.
It did not meet its reserve, so it may crop up elsewhere eventually. One thing I noticed is that the seller claimed that the paint was original. Not the case, because when you look at the side air vents, they are painted over, without the shiny bits having been masked off…which is a clear give-away of a respray