Well, I’ve seen worse. How’s that for a way to start out? Actually, once you get over the initial shock of its stored appearance, this 1970 Chevrolet Corvette reveals that it does have possibilities. Let’s take a closer look at this convertible. It is located in Jackson, New Jersey, and is available here on eBay for a current bid on $7,200, reserve not yet met.
The seller tells his audience right up front that this is a roller, no engine or transmission (but it does have a cool side exhaust system!). It has been in dry storage for the last twenty years but if he means that plastic tarpaulin thingee, I’d question how dry an environment it actually is. Interestingly, the hood is not included in the sale and I’m not sure how having it in place really matters with a roller, other than it makes the car look more complete. And it’s the wrong hood anyway as it is the one used on a big block or LT-1 equipped car. Also missing is the folding convertible top; the removable fiberglass lid is all there is.
Fortunately, the missing trim, bumpers, etc. are included in the sale. Helpfully, the seller has provided before and after washing images so that helps give a prospective buyer an idea of what they are getting. The fiberglass is a mixed bag, the front end/roll pan, around the grille, is pretty damaged as is the front left wheel arch but the panel seams appear to be pretty sound. One would want a close physical inspection of this car to get a really complete picture, however. There has been some sanding or grinding going on in various places around the body, perhaps a started then terminated attempt at restoration? As for the birdcage, I would appreciate input from Corvette aficionados regarding what to look for there, it’s the “dry” storage that is of concern.
The interior looks fair, good to see the required box of whatever, and a bucket, are in place to obscure the view. The seller mentions that he has a new carpet set but the seats, dash, and instrument panel look OK as is. There is a replacement radio in place that may or may not be of concern to a new owner; it’s whether originality matters or not. Of note are the power windows and tilt steering column, a little more than just the standard features. The door panels are showing some wear but the interior really belies the exterior. No word regarding the gauges, hopefully, they all work. BTW, being a ’70 model, the tachometer would be a mechanical unit
The seller mentions that this was a 350 CI, V8 equipped car, and based on the low tachometer redline, it was probably the standard 300 HP version. The engine’s details are displayed on the console but I can’t zoom in enough to read them. It doesn’t really matter since the motor is MIA. This is an easy situation to fix, while finding a date correct motor may be a challenge, building an original-style 350 engine is common practice. And then again, maybe an LS/LT swap makes more sense since originality is out the window. The transmission would have been a Turbo-Hydramatic 400, three-speed automatic.
There is a day to go in the bidding, so it will be interesting to see where this Chevy tops out. The current bid seems pretty strong for what this ‘Vette is. Other than being a convertible body style, there is nothing remarkable or rare about it. And, of course, the devil is always in the details with a project like this; you don’t really know what you’ll need for completion until you are deep into it. What do you think, good project base or too much of an unknown?
C3’s are beautiful cars. With no drivetrain and body work needs and the suspension, brakes and A/C likely needing freshening, you’re close to being upside down even at $7500.
You talk too much like a bean counter investor. All the cars we see here would make you “upside down” no shop would even paint my corvette for under 10grand (more like 14-16).
This car? If it aint rusty:
1. Bluprint engines makes a nice turnkey 427 small block stroker.
2. Monster transmissions makes a nice 200r4. For the addition of deeper first gear, overdrive and lockup
Perhaps,but a C2 in this shape is $25-30k ,a 70 convertible is the next best thing ,and next tier price wise.I’ll take an LT-1 4 speed,in Ontario Orange please,but that’s a $75,000 piece restored.Of all the “you’ll be upside down ” cars featured on BF (that would be MOST of them ),your odds of coming out ok are far better here.
A roller with the wrong hood side vents missing and in need of body work and paint!! It’s an automatic car to boot!! It’s at $7200 and the reserve isn’t met!! Not something I would want to pay that kind of money for considering the amount of work and parts needed!! Good luck to the buyer on this one!!
I’d like to find out about the C2 sitting next to it.
At 7k you want to fix it drive it not try to turn it about 20k would make nice if you did most of the work yourself.
I saw it and thought whats not to like, a convertible with side exhaust, bubble tail lights, no luggage rack for affordable money, then the other shoe dropped and I read the ebay listing, no motor, no trans or hood. Too expensive for a roller, good luck with the sale,,,,,,,,PASS