The 1970 Chevy Corvette wasn’t much different than the 1969 Corvette, which may be why sales were off by 50%. Yet the 1971 Corvettes didn’t change much again either, but demand had returned. This ’70 convertible has been owned by the seller’s wife since 1975, has less than 40,000 miles, and still wears its original paint. Located in Sherman, Connecticut, this classic is available here on eBay where the bidding holds steady at $27,202. There is no reserve, so someone will be taking it home.
Few things were modified for the 1970 Corvette. A new crosshatch pattern was used on the side vents in the front fenders. The 427 big-block V8 was replaced by the new 454. And the 3-speed manual transmission was gone, so the choices were a 4-speed or a Turbo-Hydramatic. Just 17,316 Corvettes were built that year, the lowest number since 1962. The coupe would outsell the drop-top which saw only 6,648 copies roll of the Chevy assembly line.
This ‘Vette is largely original and has been a part of the seller’s family since it was just five years old. It must have been used for weekend outings as less than 1,000 miles was added to the odometer each year. The Mulsanne Blue paint is from the factory but not perfect, containing the usual dings and scratches you’d suspect after 52 years. There is no rust on the undercarriage thanks to some coating added way back when. Some of the chrome is starting to pit, but only minimally so far.
Under the hood resides the original 350 cubic inch V8 that has an output of 300 hp, the standard motor in the 1970 Corvette. Mechanically it’s solid except for a minor leak of ATF fluid that will spot the garage floor from time to time. The trim code shows a different interior than in the car now as the previous owner had the dealer install leather seats, which look to have held up just fine. Other than the radiator brake calipers, and convertible top, everything else is the same as on the day of assembly. The factory A/C could use a shot of freon. In the past 15 years, the car has only been started and driven a handful of times, so the seller is ready to let it move on to someone who will get more use out of it.
This appears to be an excellent stock Corvette with an honest, thorough ad description. The seller sounds like a nice person, too. I wish more unrestored Corvettes were offered for sale in this condition.
I was never into the post-’67 Corvette models. However, I’d consider buying one like this if I ever become more “diverse” in my car-taste. Like that could ever happen.
1970 GM sales of all vehicles was down due to a long UAW strike.
The 1970 had the great high compression LT-1 but that was it for a great performance engine. The 454 could not be had as a LS-6 until the next year but it was a lower compression engine then. Buy a 69 because you had a lot of performance engine choices that year.
Early C3s are about to go through the roof.
the ower front trim beneath the grills are replacements, probably due to a minor accident at some point. 1970 should have no screw heads showing as there was a threaded stud on the chrome piece. I love the 70. My favorite year. But this is one telltale of something to look at deeper.
As a restorer and owner of a ‘70 which I’ve owned since 1976, late production numbers did come through with (lower front trim is part of the grille) grilles that had the mounting screws that were seen from the front. So if this is a late production ‘70 the grilles are correct. But yes the possibility of an early to mid production with these grilles would indicate there might have been damage to the front at one time. I will check the judging manual and report back with that approx vin number where the change was noted.
I was told 40 years ago by Corvette pioneer expert MF Donbins to buy a 70 Corvette due to low production. Also last year for high horsepower. I searched, but could not find a decent one. I bought a 71 454 air coupe. Long gone. Now I have a 73 coupe, which I love. Drive it on nice days. I agree with the comment about the honest description. The best part about this car is a woman drove it and without a 4 speed LT-1 probably never abused the car. When all the hype about 67 435s comes to an end, yes early C3s will bring huge money. If you want to actually drive your Corvette, a 435 hp with 11.1 compression and solid lifters is a stupid choice. Add to that the noise and heat coming into the interior and you will be screaming to get out of the car. Been there, done that.
I had a 68 435 hp the same year I turned 21, one July trip Missouri to Houston, TX, it overheated at a toll booth! 720 miles with just stops for fuel.
When you are 21 creature comforts are down on the list.
Some other differences the ’70 had over the ’69 were egg crate grilles, as opposed to horizontal lines only, and flaring around the back of the four wheel arches, to impede stones from chipping the paint. This flaring, while logically utilitarian in concept, also had the effect of making the design more aggressive and even better-looking.
Steve is right about the low ’70 production numbers being due to the big workers’ strike of that year, which halted all Stingray production for months.
The car in the ad definitely deserves a good look, as it seems quite promising.
My brother has a 69 drop top 350 350 hp 4 speed no power steering or brakes he has owned this car since 1980.
Those are the wrong valve covers for a 300HP, they belong on a 350HP.
It’s nice to see the original spark plug shielding is included. You commonly see the distributor and wire shielding, but the spark plug covers go missing pretty quickly.
SOLD for $33,445.