One of the greatest challenges when choosing a project candidate is finding one that won’t consume thousands of dollars and hours in rust repairs. That makes this 1970 Chevrolet Corvette worth a close look. The seller states that this dry-climate classic has no frame or birdcage issues, making it an ideal candidate for a project build. It retains its numbers-matching V8, further adding to its appeal. The seller has listed the ‘Vette here on eBay in Fabens, Texas. Bidding sits below the reserve at $510 with a BIN option of $14,000.
Chevrolet performed its first significant cosmetic upgrade to the C3 Corvette for the 1970 model year. Prompted by owner feedback, the company integrated fender flares into the lower wheel arches to protect the paint on the lower extremities from errant stones. The seller has been this car’s custodian for approximately a year, but doesn’t provide any prior history for this classic. The paint shade won’t be original, because Chevrolet discontinued Tuxedo Black as an option at the end of 1969. I also don’t believe the hood is original, but I’m happy to be corrected if I’m wrong. Fido is inspecting this classic for us, pointing out the tired paint and damaged fiberglass in the front-right corner. There are smaller cracks on the opposite side, but they all appear repairable. Most of the trim is intact, and the tinted glass is pretty respectable. I’m unsure what the deal is with the rear wheel camber. The seller doesn’t mention suspension changes, so this might be how the car landed when dropped from a trolley jack. If so, moving the Corvette should see the wheels return to their correct angle.
The seller states that this Corvette features its numbers-matching 350ci V8. It is unclear which of the three available versions this is, but it should have delivered at least 300hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque when the car was shiny and new. Power feeds to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission, with the self-shifter chosen by over 29% of buyers that year. The engine bay is as untidy as the rest of the vehicle, with the air cleaner and ignition shielding missing. It wears different valve covers and aftermarket headers, but these issues are easily addressed if the buyer prefers authenticity. The seller states that this classic runs and drives, but needs work to be roadworthy. The shopping list includes brake hoses, which are crucial if the existing ones are suspect.
Trimmed in Black vinyl, this Corvette’s interior is essentially complete. The photos suggest that the first owner didn’t splash their cash on creature comforts, because this interior doesn’t feature air conditioning, power windows, or a tilt/telescopic wheel. There is evidence of an aftermarket stereo, but not much wear and tear. It is possible that a deep clean might produce surprising results, meaning that the interior could cost more time than money to return to a presentable state.
This 1970 Corvette shows promise as a project candidate, particularly if there are no rust issues. It is largely complete, and locating the components for a faithful restoration should be relatively easy. Of course, the buyer isn’t compelled to follow that path and could decide to create the C3 of their dreams. I do believe that the BIN is slightly optimistic, considering the scope of the work required. However, the listing statistics are strong, and it only takes one enthusiast viewing this classic as an automotive “must-have” for it to find a new home. Do you think anyone will hit the button, or do you believe this auction will run to its conclusion?
Nice project Vette! It would be a great project that would be doable by those of us who aren’t professional restoration mechanics. Personally, I’d do it “my way” white with a red interior. Fido obviously has past sales experience and classic vehicle expertise as he looks very knowledgeable about what he’s showing us. It would be cool if he went with the car as he seems to knows his stuff!!
Pass.
Lot of money for very little information. This thing has two very big negatives. First is the condition. Whoever owned it obviously didn’t take care of it (at all) so there is no telling what lurks beneath. Second is the automatic. I know that there will be those that disagree, but I believe that an autoloader in any Corvette except the new missiles is a deal breaker. A fella could drop some pretty serious coin on this thing and end up with a very plain car.
I second the “pass” comment. These things are 56 years old and it will need everything. Just finished an old C3. My credit card bills equal a mortgage and did most of it myself.
Learned everything I never wanted to know about refreshing a 76 Vette. White with Firethorn red interior. The buying point on mine was it had 50k miles, and I got it for 3500. That was the good news, thousands of dollars later I find myself under water for what they are selling for. I’ve seen mint condition, low miles, 70s Vettes selling for 16k. And don’t get me started on chasing water leaks in these cars…
Way over priced and it needs everything even doing the work yourself you would be under water from the start.
Ed says Just look at it , well just look at it ……a dog !
This Car Might Be “Junk”… (Who Knows…?) However… There are Lots and LOTS of Guys That Prefer an Automatic Shifter Over Stick Shift…
Perhaps, I just said that I don’t.
Just look at ‘im!
Not very many Tuxedo Black Vettes which is why the ask is so much. The engine matches which is hard to believe.
Depending on being able to see underneath is the only way to look at this Vette. The rear is hiked its rear up for some reason, the fuel tank looks removed. And needs brake lines.
Was a nice car before the last owner drove it like a cowboy and put it away wet.
It is a 6K car at best right now.
I’ll take the 300 in thee background!
Looks like a big block hood?
could still be a 318, but i’m thinking 383 or more
Correct about the hood that was a Big Block only option so if the engine is indeed the #’s matching engine, the hood has been added.
LT1 350 versions also had that hood, but I’m betting it is a replacement. I would put this car in the 2500-3000K range IF the bird cage is good. Restorod would make sense if your in it to recoup expenses by doing most work yourself.