1970 Chevrolet Corvette

Coupe

454 cid, 7.4 liter

Manual

194370S404926

Clear

Up for auction is a solid 1970 Corvette coupe with its original LS5 454 (390hp, 500ft-lbs torque) and original M21 close ratio 4 speed gearbox. Older lacquer repaint is showing its age, but the car is still presentable from 10 feet. 1970 is the lowest production year among the 1968-82 C3 or "Shark" model thanks to multiple labor disputes. It's also a watershed year for Corvettes: first year for the 454 big block and the solid lifter LT1, last year for high compression engines in Corvettes until the modern era, and numerous body and build refinements (including lower quarter flares). According to the NCRS Shipping Report, this particular car was delivered through GM Overseas Distribution Corp, presumably for export. Other than the biggest motor, this car was ordered with little else: no AC, no power brakes, no power windows, no power steering. In other words, no power robbing accessories. As Tom Falconer stated in his excellent book on 1968-82 Vettes, in regards to the 1970 LS5 454 Vette, "If you are only ever going to own one big-block Corvette make it this one. The 1970 LS5 made 500lb-ft of torque at 3,400rpm. Torque is what big-blocks are all about. Forget the aluminum-head L89 or the 425hp 396: this engine is the king. Smooth, quiet, easy-starting and with enough torque to go anywhere in top gear, this was the essence of what a big-block could be. As relaxed as a 472cid Cadillac, this car could still blast to 60mph in 5.7 seconds. Even more impressive was the manual-transmission car's ability to climb or even accelerate up almost any hill in top gear." I like the honest look of the car and the worry-free driving experience that comes with it. It has a survivor-car look to it, and even though the L88 hood, '69 Corvette side exhaust, and Motion-style, "Monza-" type Enots filler cap are not factory accurate to this car, they were popular period updates and have clearly been with this car a very long time. This '70 LS5 is by no means perfect, but it's also not priced for perfection. This one retains its original drivetrain, is in a beautiful original color with some cool period modifications, and can be driven while you take it to the next level. The fact that it was delivered through GM Overseas Distribution presents an interesting wrinkle for someone with the time to continue tracking down its history. I have not dropped the tank to see if the sticker is still there, although I think it is unlikely to still be there as I am pretty sure that glassing in the alloy filler cap would have necessitated dropping the tank back when nobody cared to preserve the tank sticker. I find it hard to place values on examples like this, neither restored nor survivor, so I've started the auction at no reserve. NADA Classic Guide puts a 1970 Corvette LS5 coupe 4-speed at $35k for "low" retail price, while Hagerty gives it an average retail price of $35k. I think those estimates are too generous, although restored examples regularly sell for $40-60k. Car specifics:Sold/delivered new to GM Overseas Distribution Company (i.e. for export), per the NCRS Shipping Report. Original CZU code LS5 454 with manual transmission, plus matching VIN stampingOriginal POB (aluminum case, Feb 1970) Muncie 4 speed with B suffix denoting close ratioOriginal CAU-code 3.36 rear end, still with plastic "Posi" tag attachedTrim plate codes at Mulsanne blue with bright blue interior and February 25, 1970 build date, but NCRS report says actual build date was Feb 16 (it's not uncommon that they differ)Manual steeringManual brakesManual windowsP02 deluxe wheel coversL88 hood - obviously not original to this car, but appears to be a real GM L88 hood (off an orange car judging by paint chips)Lemans/Monza-style aluminum gas filler (stock vented screw on cap is underneath)Craig 8-track tape player. AM/FM stereo works fine, but I have not tried the 8-track playerMatching blue vinyl T-top bags still with the carHolley 650cfm spread-core ("Q-Jet replacement") carb I purchased the car in 1999 and drove it sparingly until 2003 when a stripped thermostat housing bolt put it off the road. One thing lead to another and it wasn't until 10 years later (June 2013) that I had the time to get it going again. After getting it back on the road last month, I drove it 1000 miles in 90+ degree summer heat from GA to NY with no problems. June 2013 work consisted of the following: Royal Purple 10w30 synthetic engine oilRoyal Purple Synchromesh 80w90 transmission oilNew rear differential fluid with GM posi additiveNew Edelbrock Performer aluminum intake (original intake is included as well)New Edelbrock aluminum water pumpNew exhaust donuts and rear hangersNew fuel filterNew Fram oil filterNew air filter elementNew brake master cylinderNew brake calipers all aroundCoolant system flushNew Interstate battery Condition:Body - Again, this is an older repaint and there are numerous chips and scratches. The major paint blemishes include about a two inch long section of the passenger side rear buttress, some paint crazing along the driver's side front top fender and cowl area around the hood, and a quarter-size paint chip off the nose, just above the beak of the front bumper. The front bumper is very nice. The rears have some rust starting to come through, and missing chrome underneath where they turn down beside the license plate, although the areas haven't changed in the near-15 years I've owned the car. The hood appears to be a GM-produced L88 hood. It is structurally nice, but there's some (presumably) heat-related bubbling on it, a couple of starfish cracks along the top section, and the lower portion of the cold air plenum was removed at some point to make room for the stock open-element (early) LS5 air cleaner. I believe the front right quarter was hit at some point, although the frame is perfect in that area, so I believe any damage was limited to the fiberglass panels. The rear decklid paint has dulled a little more than the rest of the paint, although a good wax/buff of the lacquer would probably bring it right back. Interior - The dash pad and lower dash are near perfect. No cracks. The dash map pocket area pleat has loosened. The T-top headliner area is very nice too. The seats have no cracks or tears, but the outer areas have clearly been re-trimmed in white leather (I think) at some point. I'd say about half of the fiber optic light warning sensors work. All gauges work, although the tach likes to vacillate around the correct rpm. The steering wheel is an original Corvette piece that I purchased after buying the car with a smaller aftermarket wheel. I have not clocked the wheel to center it, or finished it off with the horn switch and center emblem. Many of the thin plastic trim pieces around the rear storage compartment lids are cracked. The retractable shoulder section of the stock seat belts remain in place, but the lap belts are competition style pieces. The door panels are nice, with no cracks, although each has a few broken threads along the top section. When I purchased the car, the normally wood trimmed center strip of each door was covered in white leather, which I removed, leaving some residual glue on the pieces. Frame - It is nice and dry with no rot or evidence of accident damage that I can find. Engine and trans - The original 454 starts easily, idles nicely, runs cool and maintains excellent oil pressure (~70psi at 3k rpm, 60-65psi at idle). Ignition shielding is missing in the photos but the three pieces are included in the sale. The mismatched plug wires are the result of some last minute fixes due to broken plug wires before the 1k-mile trip. I will fit new, correct braided plug wires before sending the car away. The M21 Muncie shifts beautifully and never misses a beat. There is the occasional clunk from the rear half-shaft u-joints, but that's not uncommon and is a cheap fix regardless. Miscellaneous - Headlights could use a once over: they come up fine but don't go down without a manual assist. Wiper door does not open. It did ten years ago but appears to have a bad wiper door diaphragm now. E-brake works perfectly. Brake lights and blinkers work fine. Needs: These are the things I would/will address myself if the car doesn't sell...Ball joints - it needs new onesRear leaf spring - it's past its prime and slightly past horizontal with any kind of load on itTires - good tread still, but well past their sell-by date and one has a 2-3 day leak.Exhaust manifold gaskets - driver's side gasket has a leak (new one included)Spare tire tub is missingRear window storage tray is missingPassenger side dash pouch is sagging on one end Terms and conditions:The Corvette is sold on a bill of sale and a current Georgia registration in my name. It does not have a title as GA does not require them for cars of this vintage. No warranty is expressed or implied; this unrestored, 43 year old Corvette is sold as-is. I will not ship the car, but I will make myself available to meet with the shipper of your choice. I would not hesitate to fly in and drive this car cross country if you have the time...although I would advise fitting new tires beforehand. It has been stone reliable for me and is in great working order, following recent full service and only 1000 miles since. Your bid is a commitment to buy, not an option to buy, so please ask any and all questions before bidding. If you need additional photos, details, or have any questions, please ask BEFORE the auction ends. I have tried to describe this car in as much detail as possible, but it's hard to cover everything, so I encourage would-be buyers to see the car first hand (by appointment) if at all possible. Even though this is a no-reserve auction, I reserve the right to end this auction at any time and for any reason. For some recent footage of the car on the road, please see "1970 LS5 454 Corvette" on my youtube channel, BellmouthRacing. Check my feedback and bid with confidence. Good luck!