Numbers-Matching Driver: 1970 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Winter might be fast approaching, but that doesn’t make it the wrong time to buy a classic Convertible. It provides an enthusiast time to learn the ropes with their new purchase before hitting the road for some top-down summer cruising. Few candidates could be better than this 1970 Corvette Convertible. It presents extremely well, but its numbers-matching status will appeal to purists. The seller has listed the Corvette here on eBay in Cincinnati, Ohio. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $14,100.
Chevrolet responded to customer feedback with the 1970 Corvette. There had been criticism from some quarters about the lower extremities becoming prone to stone chips, so the company integrated subtle fender flares to address that shortcoming. This Cortez Silver Convertible is a stunning car featuring a tight Black soft-top. The car’s history is unclear, but its excellent presentation bodes well for potential buyers. There are no visible paint or panel flaws, and even the seller’s close-up shots paint a positive picture. There is no evidence of rust in the frame or birdcage, and the lack of surface corrosion in other areas suggests it might be rust-free. The trim and glass are spotless, with the same true of the factory Rally wheels.
Lifting this Corvette’s hood reveals why you must sometimes look below the surface to establish the truth about a classic. The air cleaner sticker suggests that it is powered by the L46 version of the 350ci, but examining the engine pad confirms that it is the ZQ3 variant, producing 300hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque. The first owner teamed the small-block with a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. This might be the least potent combination offered in a ’70 Corvette, but with the ability to cover the ¼-mile in 15.1 seconds, it isn’t an automotive slug. The seller confirms that this classic is numbers-matching and that they are awaiting a replacement ignition shield which they will fit before the Convertible heads to a new home. Otherwise, this car is in excellent mechanical health. It runs and drives perfectly, with no mechanical issues or shortcomings.
This Corvette’s theme of tidy presentation continues when we turn our attention to its interior. It features an aftermarket radio/cassette player, which appears to be the only addition. The Black upholstered surfaces are clean and free from wear, and there is no appreciable carpet wear or fading. The dash looks excellent, and the console is free from the scratches and imperfections that often accumulate with age. Hiding a substandard classic Convertible interior can be challenging, but this car’s next owner can hit the road with the top down and their head held high.
Chrome-bumper C3 Corvettes typically attract attention from potential buyers, but this 1970 Convertible seems to be an exception to that rule. It has only drawn three bids, although that situation could change as this auction draws to a close. I would be surprised if it didn’t hit $20,000, although the sometimes unpredictable nature of the classic market means that might not happen. However, if a C3 Convertible is on your Wish List, is this one you would consider pursuing further?
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Comments
Nice looking Vette. Silver always seems to look good on these. Its got the ez cruising powertrain, effortless motoring🏁
Does the rear sit a little too high? Maybe driving it will settle the suspension some. I volunteer.
This Vette has the “obese handling package”, with extra heavy springs, more suspension travel and fender clearance.
The “obese handling package”???? Personally, I would prefer the “slim and trim” handling package.
This is the 7th time the dealer has run this Corvette through eBay, twice bidding has exceeded $30,000, with the highest being $32,800, so far it has never met reserve.
Steve R
If you are correct about its for-sale history and previous offers, it will never sell. Anything even approaching 30 K is way out of line for this car. I will admit that it is a good-looking car, but there is nothing special about it. Run of the mill motor and an automatic. I know there is a certain segment of the population that thinks automatic Vettes are just fine, maybe even preferable, but in the end, they are worth less money that a 4 speed. When I saw the current bid, I thought “well this thing will probably end somewhere reasonable”. I cannot imagine where the seller is getting their pricing from, but I suggest that wherever it is, they stop using it.
One of the things I do if a car is listed on eBay is to scroll down the ad to where it says, “ seller other items”, I look at whatever else they have listed, in this case the seller has a dozen other cars. I them find the link that says “filter” click on that then find “completed”, that well show the outcome if every listing for the last 90 days. It’s especially relevant when a seller runs a lot of auctions.
Steve R
Hi Steve, I have looked and looked for the Filter link with no luck. Can you narrow it down for me ? Thanks, Mike.
Leiniedude, it’s not the same on every device. I use my iPhone, on mine it’s the link on the far upper right, it has 3 horizontal bars descending in size to the left next to the word filter.
Depending on your setup you may have to play around to find what you want, just like when you are looking for newest listing, or highest to lowest, new or used. It’s one of many tools to help streamline what you are looking. It’s great tool if you are a buyer, I have made a lot of purchases from sellers by looking at their other listings and finding related items, often mislisted. I just received something I found that way, it was several hundred 60’s and 70’s automotive and motorcycle stickers, most still sealed in their retail packaging, the type designed to hang on a hook near the cash register.
Steve R
Thanks Steve. I am working off my desktop so I will keep looking!
He seems confident prices will keep rising on classics.
Dealer?…..Nahhhhhhhh
Sometimes the market is what it is.
But most dealers will sit on inventory’s
Until they get there price I would not go the 32,800 not worth it in my opinion.
No air or stick. I get its a convertible but these cars put out an immense amount of heat from the floor boards and yes speaking from experience.
A very nice ride good luck to buyer and seller.
When commanding top dollar selling your vintage vehicle, it’s the little things that make a difference. Like, why would you not invest a few dollars to buy a re-pop ignition shielding cover to complete the engine compartment?
Right here in the ol’ hometown.
Don’t know if I’d throw 33K at it, though, since Steve R up there says it’s been through the auction mill a few times.
I could at least save the shipping costs. Drive it right home.
Or, negotiate a deal. Month end is upon us.
This is a sweet looking Vette. The color looks sharp and the condition appears fine. I don’t even fit in it but if I was a regular sized guy…
No a/c, no sale.
Very clean, paint looks great in the photos, tidy interior and engine compartment, matching numbers, all good. I also like that this is a simple car, no P/W, nor A/C, too bad it is missing the third pedal. It could be a pretty fair buy at $27K, because it is a dealer, spend the travel money to view the car in person, or at least pay for an inspection.
I’m not enamored with automatic transmissions in these Corvettes. And it seems that other BF readers like Steve R have done research and determined that the seller is a dealer ISO someone who will over pay for the car. Rotsaruck!
Did a little investigating. The price at the dealership is $31,700.00 advertised website: https://www.classiccarsohio.net/details/used-1970-chevrolet-corvette/106651835
Like is said this is a dealer, nothing wrong with that but they should have some kind of notification, just my opinion.
I find a chuckle when people discuss the C3 Corvettes. Not very arguably, the coolest, sleekest, sexiest American body ever laid across a chassis. It reminds of living in Daytona from 93 until 02. I also chuckled when Dale Earnhardt would take the lead during a race. Everyone in the stands stood, some cheered and some cursed the man and flew him the bird. But he got everyone involved…just as a C3 does…that, my fellow Barnfind friends, is iconic!
It has been around the block 6 or more time on eBay. No sale.
At $20,000, I would be interested. Above 20 K, not so much.
You’re right about where it should reasonably land. Anything much above that is more than it’s worth.
Needs a luggage rack and a 4 speed.
Seriously, this is a nice looking car, but not for the 30K that was mentioned above.
You know you are working with a dealer when they give you the number of a finance guy in the ad.
If a dealer in Ohio, you’ll have to pay taxes too before it leaves the state.
33k,come on get real! And he walked away from 32,800? And he calls himself a car sellsman?
Agree. A nice car at $20K. Anything more is above market, and there isn’t anything unique here.
Probably should have taken $32,800 but to disparage the seller and say it’s not worth more than $20K is a bit misinformed. Checking prices for 1970 Corvette convertibles reveals many priced in the $35K-$55K range. That may be optimistic in some cases, but this is a nice car and if it got up over $30K once there’s no reason it shouldn’t again. Seller just has to have reasonable expectations.
Ultimately it’s only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.
ccrvtt: I was in no way disparaging the seller, I was simply giving my OPINION.
I don’t believe that my opinion was “misinformed” because you managed to find some Corvettes that were the same year in “$35-$55K” range. I could find just as many in the $10-$20K range. It is a base model automatic, and in my OPINION, it is not worth much over $20K to ME. In someone else’s eyes, it may be worth $35K. If the seller can find that person, good for him.
All the bickering is going to wind up shutting down the Comments. This is a nice place to come to share stories, experiences and thoughtful information. Too much negativity could get the whole bunch of us iced.
Fellas, Fellas fellas. Play nice. Please Nelson C is correct.
Personally, it’s a entry level vette that appears to be taken care of that has a modest number of miles.
Would make a nice entry level buyer a first buy convertible C3.
Will say though that the “dealer” is going to have to decide if he wants to house it through the winter…or not.
Something my dad used say applies here. A good deal is made when a seller and a buyer agree on a price that both can live with. All I’ve got.
I thought ‘jacked up in the back’ went out in the ’50’s.
I made a mild comment here Saturday comparing the corvette to the likes of Dale Earnhardt and it got taken down. I’m still receiving replies so I know it went through. No cussing or degrading of anyone or anything. I was complimenting the car??
Cooter,
In addition to your personal experience.
I have recently noticed the same situation with some of my comments.
Here’s my wondering.
Does anyone else wonder if possibly the comments “checker” ìs
A I ?
In the last few entries I have noticed a lag in the typing of my comments when entering a comment and if I typed too fast it stopped my spell check and removed the cursor? ?
? ? Anyone else ? ?
Billy
As a person that is considered a domestic terrorist in canada an probably the u.s. i can certify many of my comments disappear and they are not harsh or insulting …
As for the car , i loved vettes until i owned one ! As of the c5 , they have trunks , anything without is really useless for me as i am always buying stuff and need trunk space
Billy, I remember when the definition of artificial intelligence was a blonde with brunette hair coloring.
@Billy- We just use a word filter that’s full of bad words. Sounds like you might need to restart your computer?
Kendra, okay but by your photo I’m probably old enough to be your g-pa.
We never heard of the term when I was growing up in rural Idaho.
To the point though of my initial thought. What do you think about it?
US $22,859.00
35 bids. Ended
Reserve not met
Ended:
Oct 29, 2024 11:46:16 PDT