Description
Chevrolet Corvette C3 | 1970
Highlights:
– 5.7-litre (350ci) V8 engine, petrol, 4-speed manual transmission
– One of just 6,648 Corvette cabriolets produced during the 1970 model year
– Long-term single-family ownership from 1992, part of a significant private collection until October 2025
– Fully recommissioned in 2025–2026, including a complete interior refurbishment and new stainless steel exhaust system
The seller offers for sale this 1970 Chevrolet Corvette C3, powered by a 5.7-litre (350ci) small-block V8 engine, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission.
Finished in Monza Red with a beige interior, this cabriolet is one of 6,648 open-top examples built during the 1970 model year, making it notably rarer than the coupé variant. The car was imported from Maryland, USA to the United Kingdom in 1990, at which point it had covered 31,500 miles, and entered single-family ownership in 1992 when it joined a significant private collection. During the following decades it was kept as a static exhibit, which contributed to its preservation. In 2023 it was subject to a condition report covering the body, interior, chassis and mechanicals.
The Chevrolet Corvette C3 was produced from 1968 to 1982 and represented a significant step forward in styling for the model range, drawing on design cues from the Mako Shark II concept car. The 1970 model year is considered among the most desirable of the chrome-bumper generation, with revised front fender gill vents and a wider range of high-performance engine options. The 350ci small-block V8 fitted to this example was one of the most popular powerplants of the era, known for its balance of performance and reliability.
In October 2025, a comprehensive recommissioning programme was undertaken. Fluids, spark plugs, points, filters and the battery were replaced, the brakes and vacuum system were serviced, and the car was subsequently driven over 1,000 kilometres to south-west France. The interior was then fully refurbished with parts sourced from the United States, including a complete carpet set, new door cards, repaired window posts, stripped and re-padded seats with new backs, and repaired rear boxes. A new stainless steel big-bore straight-through exhaust system was fitted, mated to twin extended four-branch large-bore manifolds, and all four tyres were replaced. A cold compression test returned figures between 162 and 170 psi across all cylinders. The paintwork is in good condition with a small number of age-related chips that have been touched up. The soft top, believed to be original, is serviceable with minor repairs but would benefit from replacement with regular use.
Condition of the bodywork & paint
4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Condition of the interior
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
Technical condition
4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.
Overall condition
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in: Dordogne department, France.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has an UK registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
