The seller of this 1970 Chevrolet Corvette considers it to be rare due to its Laguna Gray color. Apparently of the 17,316 ‘Vettes produced that year, 1,300, or 7.5% were so finished. So, rare? Depends on one’s definition of the word, it’s not a commonly found hue but I’ll let you, the reader, decide on the rarity factor. Regardless, this example looks good so let’s investigate further. This two-seat Chevy is located in Alexandria, Alabama and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $30,200 with sixteen bids tendered so far.
Chevy’s famed Corvette was at a crossroads in 1970. It was a late model year introduction, not available until February of ’70, and it was the end of the run for high-compression engines as the long, slow journey towards cleaner air would commence the following year. As a matter of fact, apprehension around all things performance-wise lead to the cancellation of the big, new 460 gross HP LS7 engine before it even made it into production – the sort of move Chevrolet had not been inclined to make with its halo car in the past. Regardless, it was still a desirable and impressive performer.
The seller refers to this ‘Vette as being all original as it still wears its born-with paint, interior, and top. Rare or not, the Laguna Gray finish shows very well – almost too well. There is a claim of 40K original miles though there’s no mention of accompanying documentation. But the finish, body panel alignment, and trim would indicate a car that has seen little, careful use – and obviously, sound storage. In an attempt to maintain the original vibe, this ‘Vette is wearing 1970 era Goodyear Polyglas, bias-ply tires.
RPO-L46 means a 350 gross HP, 350 CI V8 engine and I can tell you from experience, that it’s a performer. I had a friend, who had a friend with a Corvette so equipped and I still recall a ride that he gave me many years ago – it was a hang-on-to-your-hat affair. This example, backed up by a four-speed manual transmission, carries a claim of, “Runs and Drives Great“.
Inside we find an optional black leather interior with a condition reflecting that of the car’s exterior. I have reviewed many C3 Corvettes and the interior, especially in convertible models, often look rode hard and put away wet. Some of that may be due to the fact that all Corvettes of this era are essentially convertibles as the coupes have lift-off roof panels. Leave either body style in top open form, out in the weather, long enough, and you can gather what happens to the upholstery. Anyway, that’s not the case here, I’d be hard-pressed to find fault with anything inside of this Corvette.
Rare? Yeah maybe, maybe not – rarity is overblown anyway. Where the rubber meets the road for this ’70 Corvette are the facts that it’s in excellent condition and well equipped. And at its current bid level, this convertible might just be a nice buy, wouldn’t you agree?
With 11 colors available, a take rate of 7.5% is just a bit below average. I wouldn’t call it “popular,” but it’s not “rare,” either.
More rare that it has not been painted red over the years. I had this exact spec green/green ’70 and one I lament over selling. I’m tempted. But why does someone replace the suspension flaps and not fold them under the A-arm? it’s not much of a struggle.
Very cool that this was mis-stamped first as an LT1 engine, then corrected to the L46. Would need to see the engine pad without paint to be confident this was done at the factory.
The stamp pad caught my eye too. I’ve seen a few factory miss stamped blocks, but they’re usually ground off first, not stamped over the existing numbers/letters. I wonder what the pad looks like under the paint, and if there are still any broach marks left?
The seller’s claim of 1300 Laguna Gray is interesting, since there are no GM records as to how many 70 Corvettes were painted each color. The only record I’m aware of was compiled by the 1970 Registry, and was based on how many owners came forward and register their cars with the registry, hardly a scientific compilation.
Oh, and 70 production began on January 5th, 1970, not in February. About 2200 cars were built in January.
True enough, it’s my wording. I was trying to say that they weren’t introduced to the public until February of ’70.
JO
At any rate, a small-block pushing 350HP is bound to please…
Factory hue or not, it comes off as a classic cool car with boring modern color.
This “boring modern color” thing is of interest to me. Example: I was recently at grandson’s preschool program. There were about 40 vehicles in the parking lot, being mostly the typical parent (and grandparent) SUV’s and minivans. There were exactly three vehicles which were not white/silver/gray/black. One was blue (ours), one was a dull gold (which could almost pass for silver), and one was a dull mint green (which could almost pass for silver).
Nice Corvette.
Needs a 427
It’s a Corvette in great condition . If it was pink & John Deere green and they made 10 million of them , I’d still envy someone who owned it .
At one point in my life I was lucky enough to own a ’70 Corvette Convertible, it had the 350/350 motor in it. The power was more than satisfactory, it ran good. Mine had a/c which was a first for me, all previous Corvettes, coupes & convertibles that I owned didn’t have that option. The only thing that ’70 needed was a steering wheel to replace the silver metal flake one the previous (original owner) installed, & a new paint to clear up all the parking lot dings & chips down both sides, a very good friend sprayed it for me with the stipulation that he needed to start from ground zero, a bare body, cleaned stripped down to the fiberglas , turns out it was a never hit body.It turned out very nice.
The 350/350 is one of the best engines ever in a Corvette. Revs to 6,000 without the hassle of solid lifters. This car is nice despite the flaws. Better than a $40,000 trashed 69 Charger.