Many purists view the 1970 Corvette as the best of the C3 models. They generally base this belief on that year being the last before Chevrolet began detuning its engines to comply with upcoming emission restrictions. This 1970 Convertible is an almost entirely original vehicle, with the addition of factory sidepipes the only thing preventing it from being classed as a 100% genuine survivor. Surprisingly, it has received no bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Saddle Brook, New Jersey. They set their No Reserve auction to open at $22,000, although they also offer a BIN option of $28,500 for those wishing to bypass the auction process.

Chevrolet’s attitude with the 1970 Corvette was to leave a winning package largely untouched, only introducing minor changes to improve practicality. The most obvious was small fender flares to reduce the chances of mud and stones spraying down the vehicle’s sides. This Corvette presents well, and if it is all the seller claims, it carries the hallmarks of a classic treated with respect. They state the Mulsanne Blue paint is original, with the car never undergoing any restoration or repaint work. If this is accurate, the lack of flaws and checking is impressive. The vehicle retains a remarkable shine, while the fiberglass is free from cracks or other issues. The seller doesn’t mention problems with the frame or birdcage, suggesting this Convertible is rock-solid. The White soft-top looks good for its age, although the back window is developing cloudiness. The Rally wheels and chrome look nice, while the later addition of factory sidepipes gives this ‘Vette a sense of purpose.

I believe the original owner may have wanted to buy into the Corvette lifestyle without spending a fortune because this classic features few (if any) optional extras. Its interior is trimmed in Black vinyl, and like the exterior, the condition is excellent for its age. The upholstered surfaces are free from significant wear or damage, with the same true of the carpet and dash. There is no crumbling plastic, but I think a couple of knobs might be missing from the HVACS controls on the console. It is unclear what type of radio it features, but the original owner didn’t splash their cash on such niceties as air conditioning or power windows.

Powering this Corvette is the entry-level ZQ3 version of Chevrolet’s 350ci V8. It sends 300hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. This classic should storm the ¼-mile in 14.7 seconds, with the small-block running out of breath at 123mph. Considering the developments awaiting cars like the C3 at the hands of tighter emission standards, buyers later in the decade would have looked at those figures with undisguised envy. Placing them into perspective is that although it represents the least powerful of the ’70 ‘Vettes, by 1979, even the most potent example fell short of the ¼-mile ET by around a second. Unlike fine wine, the C3 is a classic that did not improve with age. The seller says this Convertible is numbers-matching and is in excellent mechanical health. It is a turnkey prospect for a new owner intent on driving off into the sunset.

Several factors combined to ensure Corvette sales for 1970 were the lowest in C3 history. Only 6,648 out of 17,316 buyers took delivery of a Corvette Convertible, which was a shame considering the changes that began the following year. This classic looks like a bit of a gem, and it provides an intriguing prospect worth considering. With No Reserve in play and no bids at the time of writing, it raises the possibility that someone could become this Corvette’s new owner by submitting a single bid. If a C3 is on your radar, this listing may be worth watching.