Hokey Hood: 1970 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible – Sold?

April 24, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

The very first 300 Corvettes produced in 1953 all came painted Polo White with bright red interiors.  It’s a classic color combination that continues to look good on any Corvette including the current mid-engined C8.  1970 proved to be a high-water mark for C3 Corvette performance as it was the final year before General Motors lowered compression ratios in order for all their to run on No/Low-Lead gasoline.  This White over Red 1970 Corvette convertible originally listed on Craigslist in March 2022 in Bonita Springs, Florida may sport a desirable LT-1 hood, the non-working factory A/C and automatic transmission confirm this C3 left the factory with the base 300 horsepower engine. The seller reports their frame-on restored, matching-numbers Corvette now churns out 355 horsepower thanks to a mild cam upgrade installed during the engine’s rebuild.

Currently offered for the firm price of $45,000, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their C3 priced between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $31,600 and its #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $61,600.  Similarly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #2 “Very Good” estimate of $33,200 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $45,650 before adding any adjustments for the options this car has.

Two model years after launching the C3 Stingray, starting with January 1970 production Chevrolet engineers and designers made a number of incremental improvements to the Corvette. Fender flares were designed into the body contours to reduce wheel-thrown debris damage. New egg crate style grills now matched front fender side vents and larger squared front directional lamps. The previously round dual exhaust outlets were made larger and rectangular in shape.

Minor changes also can be found in the 1970 Corvette interior. In addition to redesigned seats, a new deluxe interior option combined wood-grain accents and thicker carpeting with leather seating surfaces. Standard features a Positraction rear axle, tinted glass, and a wide-ratio 4-speed manual transmission. The base 350 cubic inch small block V8 remained at 300 horsepower while the L46 was again offered as a 350 horsepower high-performance upgrade. New was the LT-1, also a  350 cubic inch small-block V8 engine delivering a factory-rated 370 horsepower. It was a solid lifter motor featuring a forged steel crankshaft, 4-bolt main block, 11:1 compression ratio, impact-extruded pistons, high-lift camshaft, low-restriction exhaust, aluminum intake manifold, 4-barrel carburetor, and finned aluminum rocker covers. The new engine, making up less than 8% of production, could not be ordered with air conditioning but was fitted with a domed hood adorned with “LT-1” decals.

The Osborne Tramaine YouTube Channel features this Chevrolet Sports Car commercial for 1970:

If you’re looking for an NCRS quality car, this isn’t the C3 Corvette for you. If, however, you’re looking for a fun Corvette to enjoy that’s been nicely restored level you can enjoy cruising in, you may find this a worthy alternative. Our only criticism is the fact the seller made so many improvements to the car but did not repair the factory A/C. That’s a serious faux pas for a car trying to be sold in Florida.

Here’s the seller’s description:

Rare. Original Pristine Condition! California Car! w/ Factory A/C, 79k original mls. Numbers matching! frame on restoration, rebuilt 350 355 h.p, w/ mild cam,400 turbo trans, w/ shift kit, New complete suspension, springs, shocks, Brakes, bushings, New big-block custom radiator, Complete New tune up w/ pointless pts, wires, Carburetor, New power steering pump, heater core, alternator, tires, battery, wheels, trim, windshield, three new mirrors, console, radio, New white conv. top, A/C not hooked up, New front, rear bumpers, lights, tail pipe tips.. I also have original hood, steering wheel goes with the car and much more! Runs very strong handles stops excellent! Show class winner, As good as it gets for under 75k! Owned it for eight yrs, I haven`t seen another one like it! In No hurry to sell! This was the last year for High Compression, Performance! No Smog!
Only 6k Convertibles made in 1970, Insurance Co. replacement Value is 72,500k
Please No Dreamers Serious Buyers only!!! Cash Only!! Firm Price!
Contact me for video.”

Do you have a C3 Corvette story to share?  If so, comment below and let us know!