Barn Finds reader Pat L referred this particular car to us to feature, and I must say thank you for that. I think that this could be an interesting car, although I’d be willing to bet that it won’t be to everybody’s taste. Listed for sale here on Craigslist, this distinctive Corvette is located in Wind Gap, Pennsylvania. It comes with a clean title and is listed for $18,500.
Right at this very moment I can guarantee that there are Corvette purists who are looking at this car and experiencing major issues with high blood pressure. To a degree I understand the reaction, but this car needs to be put into context. As the owner so rightly points out, the modifications done on this were performed more than 40 years ago. At that time Corvettes of this vintage were a dime a dozen, and they simply didn’t enjoy the cult status that they do today. This made them prime candidates for modifications such as the ones performed on this example. Whether you love it or whether you hate, the one thing that I can say is that it does appear to be in good condition. The paintwork looks really good and the fiberglass doesn’t exhibit any significant issues with cracking or stress related issues. The seller actually states that it is not perfect, but that it is a survivor.
I have to say that the interior looks like a rather nice place to pass some time. Once again it isn’t perfect. I think that I can detect some issues around the edge of the console, but otherwise it is pretty good for a 48 year old car. I’ve magnified the photo and there doesn’t appear to be huge issues with wear on the wheel, while the dash, pad, seats and door cards all appear to be in good repair.
Now we get to the business end of proceedings. For those of us who have spent time existing in asthmatic four cylinder rot-boxes, this will certainly get your attention if you bury the pedal to the metal. Nestling there is 454 cubic inches of GM’s finest. This 4-bolt engine has undergone a rebuild by S&G Engines about three years ago. It is crammed full of a list of performance components as long as your arm. It is backed by an M22 “Rock Crusher” transmission and then the power hits the road via a 373 Posi rear. The brakes and other suspension components have all been suitably upgraded or replaced to cope with the power being forced to the bitumen.
This is not a car that I would even try to estimate a value for. It is just too different to do that with any confidence. The seller is very clear that it is not a numbers matching Corvette, so you would have to compare it with similarly equipped cars minus the Mako Kit, but I don’t think that we can really do that. Some people will love that kit and some will hate it. As someone who is old enough to remember these when they were new, they were considered very desirable by a wide assortment of people, but just like today, not everybody. The cars that we feature on Barn Finds are an eclectic assortment of vehicles which provide us with a glimpse into the diverse history of automotive engineering, tastes and styles. Maybe we need to look at this less as a 1970 Chevrolet Corvette and more as a time capsule, of an insight into the trends in vehicle modifications in the 1970s. Someday, someone somewhere will be doing the same to the cars that we are modifying today.
What a beast!
I don’t pretend to know much about Corvettes, but dang this seems like very small money for a BB 4 speed any ‘vette let alone this one
I am not a fan of customizing Corvettes but this one looks pretty good.
It looks like it would be very hard to see out that back window, so it will need the 454 to get away from whatever cops are back there.
Beautiful Mako Shark example. I would drive this car proudly anywhere. Though I’ve seen quite a few “customs” l think this one is very nicely done.
I’m in love… If it had A/C, I might make an offer.The other one like this, is the Shinoda-designed ‘Rick Mears Edition’ Corvette. Both just make my heart go pitty-pat.
BTW – That is the wrong shifter for Corvette. The Corvette-specific version is shorter… I’ve had several. Believe it or not, the C-2, and 1969- take different mechanisms, the 1968 is all by itself, and requires a small adapter (if memory serves).
The only truly objectionable thing are those tail lights.
Whats behind me is unimportant. Bad ass car, no way to duplicate for the asking price. Cant believe its still posted after 22 days. Whats wrong with it?
One of the best comments so far, and on multiple levels… GUMBALL!
Looks like a very nice 40 year old build. I like it. Happy to see that right side mirror! Early Firebird tail lights? I like em.
67 and/or 68 Firebird Tail lights.
Mako replicas have to be done right. This isn’t really a “Mako”, just the rear end, which, if you look hard enough, can be still found. Since the Mako front end wasn’t installed, this car still looks pretty good all things considering. Underside photos look clean.. I’d still check for frame damage from a rear-end hit though. Since those Mako clips are meant to be grafted to the fiberglass (and the old ‘glass removed) right behind the doors, there’s no reason to do that on a perfectly good car. Most replicas were built on wrecks… I’d want a complete a history. Seller is dreaming at that price… his figures are accounting for a complete, original 1970 Corvette, not a modified and a Mako kit that he even admits is 40 years old.. I was trying to get that number for my ’82CE and was laughed off the boards..
I’m guessing that the car is fitted with one of the old Motion Performance kits.
Looks like this one was well done.
I’ve posted photos in the past of my Mako Shark model 71 LS5 auto. Mine has the front clip installed as well. I like that this one doesn’t. Mine is an A/C car luckily as it is nearly unbearable to drive in warm weather without it. Mine has the sidepipes as well. Sorry no photos of it on my cell.
to each his own….but not for me!
I have seen a lot worse on these pages. Sure it’s not original but there are still plenty of C3’s out there, and will be for a long time. This one is pretty unique and tastefully done.
I like it and I’m a NCRS guy. Needs AC added and I need more parking places. The second will cost more than this car so I’m out.
I remember back in the day when slot cars and racing tracks were all over at least in southeastern Pennsylvania, I was racing a replica of a mako shark in 1/25 scale. You could put slick tires on them and soft rubber compound quick change tires and run rewound electric motors to make them run faster. There was even 250 lap races and 500 lap races. We could even get heavier duty hand controllers for the long haul races so they wouldn’t overheat and burn out. What fun and competition there was back then.