THE 1970 THIRD GENERATION CORVETTE

Thank you for checking in here at Hobby Car Corvettes, as we continue with our C3 Vette Rundown Series. Two weeks ago, we shop-talked the victorious reveal of the 1969 C3 Corvette. As a result of hard work, ingenuity, and listening to the people, ‘69 was a great year! This made for a hopeful year to come in 1970.

1970 Car of the Future Chevrolet Corvette Original Advertisement

So wasting no more time, let’s find out what the 1970 third generation Corvette brought to the table!

A DELAYED START

The reveal of the 1970 Chevrolet Corvette was slightly delayed, or let’s say… fashionably late. This was partly due to the backlog of production from the extremely successful 1969 year. It was also partially due to the UAW (United Workers) strike, beginning in May 1969. The strike caused the 1969 production to be extended 4 months, and the 1970 production to be cut short. The effects of both of these events had the 1970 C3 Corvette, reaching showrooms in February. But as they say, good things come to those who wait.

Because of the delayed starts, the production numbers were far lower in 1970, than in 1969. The total number of 1970 Corvettes built totaled 17,316, with 6,648 being convertibles and 10,668 being coupes.

CHANGES MADE

Even with 1969 having been a more fruitful year for the third generation Corvettes than 1968, try and stop Chevrolet from continuing to grow and improve. There is always room for improvements in the eyes of designers, inventors, technicians, and innovators. Make it faster. Make it sharper. Make it better. Keep growing. 

A lot More than a Car – Chevrolet Corvette Ad

The design changes of the 1970 C3 were revealed on a show car known as the Aero Coupe. The aesthetic changes that were apparent to the naked eye, led onlookers to view a subtle transition in style. The designers wanted to take the Chevrolet Corvette from strictly Sports Car, to a Luxury Sports Car.

1970 Marlboro red Chevrolet Corvette, Private Collection at Hobby Car Corvettes

The 1970 C3 Corvettes’ fender flares were designed into the body contours to reduce damage from wheel-thrown road debris. Egg-crate grills were added, replacing the previous four side gills. There were also matching front fender side vents and larger squared front directional lamps. The previously round dual exhaust outlets were made larger and rectangular in shape.  The new rectangular exhaust pipe tips were recessed into the underside of the tail, a design concept inspired by the Mako Shark II.

1970 Daytona yellow Chevrolet Corvette, Private Collection Hobby Car Corvettes

The seats were once again tweaked to add additional headroom. Afterall, luxury demands spaciousness. Also offered on the interior, was a new deluxe option of combined wood-grain wood accents and higher-spec carpeting with leather seat surfaces. You could truly feel like royalty, surrounded by these high end details. Tuxedo Black was no longer available as an exterior color, although there were probably a few cars that were painted black as special orders.

DID YOU KNOW:  

• In 1970, big block engines increased from 427 to 454 cubic inches and the powerful 370 HP LT1 small block engine made its debut.
• Also, the first ZR1 performance package appeared in 1970 (not 1990, as some might believe) and included the 370 HP LT1 engine and a host of other performance items.
• In 1970, GM President Ed Cole made the decision that all engines would be required to run on 91-octane fuel, a decision that was made in preparation for ever tightening emission regulations that would strongly regulate future automotive production.

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

The 1970 Corvette was not deterred by the delay in production. Quantity is not always a direct reflection, of quality. We believe 1970 was good year. To this day, each third generation Corvette continues to excite and impress us, which is why we are eager to continue this highlight series with you. Stay tuned to see what Chevrolet has in store for it’s 1971 release. You know you are curious.

In the meantime, feel free to reach out to us at Hobby Car Corvettes, located in Martinsburg, PA, if you have any questions or interest in owning your very own C3 Corvette. Your dream of owning your very own C3 Chevrolet Corvette is only one click away!

SPECS

Options Codes, Production, & Pricing

We currently have the following 1970 corvettes for sale:

Just Arrived

1970 Burgundy Corvette 4spd For Sale

Price: $ 28000

350 engine, 4 speed manual transmission, 4,394 miles on the dash (title is exempt for mileage), aftermarket Borgeson power steering, rally wheels, black interior, Hooker

Transmission:
Manual

Engine:
350

Mileage:
4,394 on dash

Corvette Details