The third-generation Chevrolet Corvette, which was produced from 1967 and 1981, debuted in the market during the heyday of muscle cars and was phased out in the Malaise era after a few model years. As a result of their high-compression V8 engines, early C3 versions are now much more sought after by collectors.
Performance-wise, the third-generation Corvette peaked in 1970. The 454-cubic-inch (7.4-liter) LS5 big-block was rated at 390 horsepower, while the recently debuted 350-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) LT-1 produced a strong 390 horsepower. With the latter, the ‘Vette was able to complete the quarter-mile in under 14 seconds, which was an amazing time at the time.
Chevrolet also advertised a 454 LS7 with 460 horsepower, but this mill never made it into production cars at the factory. However, the LS7 was eventually offered as a crate engine and founds its way into a few cars as a dealer-installed option.
The Corvette you’re looking at here is not one of those rare models fitted with the LS7, but it does come with an LS5 under the hood. And don’t let some of the replacement parts (including the valve covers) you see under the hood fool you; this 454 V8 is a numbers-matching unit.
You don’t see stuff like that every day. Granted, over 25% of 1970 Corvette orders came with an LS5, but remember that 1970 was a limited model year, with 17,316 vehicles produced. To put things in perspective, in 1969, Chevrolet produced over 38,000 units. Less than 4,500 Corvettes with a 454 overall came off the assembly line in 1970, and not all of them survived to see 2022.
It has seen better days, but this one certainly did. It also won’t be able to operate on public roads until it has a thorough refurbishment. due to the lengthy period of time this once-glorious Corvette has been parked. Furthermore, based on its appearance, it appears like decades of exposure to the weather have passed.
Regretfully, the seller only discloses that the V8 engine matches the vehicle’s numbers; otherwise, the sports car looks to be in good shape despite its faded paint. Although the interior has to be reupholstered in both the door panels and the seats, it looks to be complete overall despite being in terrible condition.
The chassis looks OK aside from surface corrosion, and the engine bay appears to contain all the pieces needed to run again (after a complete revival, that is!). Naturally, though, a vehicle such as this requires a thorough examination before a purchase is contemplated.
Nevertheless, this ‘Vette should look gorgeous once restored, especially if you refinish everything to factory specifications. Because white over bright blue is a great combo.