After more than half a century, it is common for many classic cars to undergo some form of restoration work. However, this 1970 Corvette Convertible has avoided that fate. The seller claims it is as original as the day it rolled off the showroom floor. It presents well for its age, and its drivetrain combination promises an entertaining motoring experience. After forty-nine years with its last owner, the Corvette needs a new home. You will find it listed here at Pro Team Corvette Sales in Napoleon, Ohio. It could be yours for $49,995, although the seller leaves the option for interested parties to make an offer. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for using his well-developed classic radar to spot this amazing survivor.
Chevrolet offered potential buyers in 1970 a choice of eleven shades on the Corvette color palette, and this car’s original owner selected Marlboro Maroon. The vehicle now features a Black soft-top, although the Tank Sticker indicates the top was White when it rolled off the production line. That does undermine the originality claims, and opinions will vary about how important that change is in the overall scheme of things. When I saw the supplied photos, my first impression was that it was an older restoration, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn I was wrong. That paint is claimed to be 100% original. The seller states it is an unrestored and unmolested survivor. If true, its condition is extremely impressive. The paint shines beautifully, with no significant flaws or defects. The fiberglass is free from cracks and obvious repairs, while the soft-top has avoided rips, tears, and cloudiness on the back window. Considering its age, the chrome shines nicely, offering an excellent contrast against the darker paint shade. The original tinted glass is spotless, and the ‘Vette rolls on chrome Rally wheels wearing new tires from the good folk at BF Goodrich.
If this Corvette’s exterior makes a positive first impression, what we find lurking under the hood will gladden the hearts of performance enthusiasts. The original owner ordered this classic with the LS5 version of the 454ci V8. That big-block should produce 390hp, which feeds to the 3.70 Posi rear end via a four-speed M21 close ratio manual transmission. The potent combination should allow the ‘Vette to storm the ¼ mile in 13.8 seconds. The engine bay features some later cosmetic enhancements, but it is important to recognize that it retains its numbers-matching drivetrain. The seller holds documentation confirming this, along with the previously mentioned Tank Sticker. Performance enthusiasts set on instant gratification will be pleased to learn the car runs and drives. It is worth remembering that apart from essential maintenance items, components like shocks and the steering hardware are original. That means it won’t be as tight as it was in 1970, but the seller says it is still excellent for its age.
Turning our attention to this Corvette’s interior reveals more positive news. The original owner wasn’t totally focused on performance because we find some excellent options to increase the motoring pleasure. They added power windows, a tilt/telescopic wheel, and an AM/FM radio to the mix, and these items remain intact and in good order. They also chose to forego vinyl trim in favor of the luxury of Black leather, which has survived well. There is some minor wear on the outer seat edges, but nothing that might justify replacement. The interior shots are dark, but the carpet looks okay, as do the dash and console. There is no visible crumbling plastic and no aftermarket additions. It may not be in showroom condition, but the presentation is above average for a survivor of this vintage.
Early C3 Corvettes continue to represent a rock-solid classic investment, although values aren’t climbing as rapidly as they were a few years ago. It is possible to walk into a dealership today and buy a selection of new cars that offer better performance than this Convertible for a similar price, but none of those will wear a Corvette badge. Those new models also won’t possess this classic’s sheer presence or visceral motoring experience, and there will remain uncertainty about where their value will land in a few years. That’s why I would choose this 1970 Corvette Convertible every time if I had the cash on hand. Would you?
That’s the brownest Marlboro Maroon I’ve ever seen. Must be the lighting or my laptop.
That’s the cleanest Corvette Tank Sticker I’ve ever seen. I managed to get mine off without pulling the tank and it was readable, but had a big mark where the glob of goo they used to attach it to the tank was applied.
While my eye sees some red in the paint that’s pretty brown to be called maroon. It kind of reminds me of a Porsche color sepia but with more red. It wouldn’t have been my first choice buying it from the dealer but that’s what makes this interesting. Nicely appointed with leather and a big block and a 4-speed you needn’t have to make two trips to haul a$$. I didn’t see aircon or power steering so you don’t want to get stuck in rush hour traffic in the city in July.
An outsider inspection is needed here.
The whole $$ basis here is originality and desirability. I do know the headlight surround has the correct aged bonding distortions. It’s somewhat desirable for the year but Meh for a C3 for me.
Great example of a Drivers car by Chevrolet.
Pro Team’s cars are expensive because Terry buys at auctions and pays over inflated prices, then has to make a profit. I agree with the first comment. I carefully removed the tank sticker from my 73 coupe 5 years ago when dropping the tank. It was dirty and it took time to remove what was left of it. That piece of paper is virgin and suspect to me. 454s are rare and by 71 power was down, I know, I owned a 1971 LS5 coupe 45 years ago. This is a beauty. Unhit Corvettes are harder and harder to find today, so take advantage of it.
I don’t wish to start a “Is it original or not debate”. My own views? Anything that is a normal maintenance item (eg. oil, oil filter, spark plugs) is okay. The original soft top probably degraded over time and required replacement. Since that doesn’t fall under normal maintenance, I can see where some might say the replacement top is not okay. If it was NOS that was used (in the correct white) I would tend to give it a passing grade on originality. Since it isn’t NOS I say it isn’t original. Your opinion may vary.
So it rolled off the showroom floor with missing ignition shielding, a chrome alternator, cheap T/A radials, and probably several other non-original items? I wouldn’t trust this seller.
The ad clearly states the car has a few period chrome updates and I do see the ignition sheilding.
ProTeam is one of the biggest and best Corvette brokers in the Nation. They do impeccable restorations of the rarest of the rare. One of the few dealers I WOULD trust.
My 67 is the exact same color, When I got mine, I too thought it was a little too brown for Marlboro Maroon but it is legit. In the sunlight it will remind you of autumn leaves.
As for everything else, if Terry Michealis and Al Grenning signed off on this car it’s the real deal, and Bloomington Gold Survivor worthy.
Note to Adam: Rallye wheels had polished stainless steel hubcaps and rings.
This looks like a very nice car, but I would check it out personally. If most things were to check out well, having 500 foot/pounds of torque would be an experience not found in any modern high-performance sports car (but puts a lot of stress on the bearings…would need regular checking!).
Along with the maintenance items changed (shocks, battery, tires, alternator- chromed, etc.) from a quick look the rear spring bolts and nuts are not correct and the biggest issue is the front grills being later 71 style. Replacement 70 grills are hard to find and very expensive. Most people wanting a Survivor car are probably going the judging route in NCRS or Bloomington Gold so this car is going to need many thousands of dollars of parts to get there. Also I am guessing the build sheet came out of the instrument cluster area as too clean for a tank sticker and no glue residue visible. Still looks like a nice car but a detailed inspection and parts list should be verified. I would guess add $5k-10k for that top notch survivor car.