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

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

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

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

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

 

MODEL 1970 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
GENERATION C3
BODY STYLE Two-door convertible/coupe, front engine, rear wheel drive
MANUFACTURING LOCATION St. Louis, Missouri
EXTERIOR

COLORS

Classic White, Monza Red, Marlboro Maroon, Mulsanne Blue, Bridgehampton Blue, Donnybrooke Green, Daytona Yellow, Cortez Silver, Ontario Orange, Laguna Gray
INTERIOR

COLORS

Black, Blue, Brown, Green, Saddle, Red
CONSTRUCTION Uniconstruction: fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP or “fiberglass”) body, backboned by a steel cage outlining the passenger compartment. Principal members – underbody, front and rear end assemblies, dash panel and hinge pillars are bonded, riveted, or bolted together and to each other. Hood is plastic with bonded plastic reinforcement. Coupe: two removable roof panels and removable rear window. Frame: all welded, full length, ladder construction with 5 crossmembers. Side Rails and intermediate crossmembers box section; front crossmember box girder section. Eight body-mounting points.
VEHICLE NUMBERS (VIN) 194370S400001 – 194370S417316
TRANSMISSION 3-speed manual (standard), 4-speed manual (optional), 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic (optional)
ENGINE SUFFIX CGW: 454 CUBIC INCH, 390 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

CRJ: 454 CUBIC INCH, 390 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, TRANSISTOR IGNITION

CRI: 454 CUBIC INCH, 390 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION, TRANSISTOR IGNITION

CTD: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION

CTG: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

CTH: 350 CUBIC INCH, 350 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION

CTJ: 350 CUBIC INCH, 350 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION, AIR CONDITION

CTK: 350 CUBIC INCH, 370 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION, TRANSISTOR IGNITION

CTL: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION

CTM: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC TRANSMMISSION

CTN: 350 CUBIC INCH, 350 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMMISSION

CTO: 350 CUBIC INCH, 350 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMMISSION,AIR CONDITIONING

CTP: 350 CUBIC INCH, 350 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMMISSION, TRANSISTOR IGNITION

CTQ: 350 CUBIC INCH, 350 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMMISSION, AIR CONDITIONING, TRANSISTOR IGNITION

CTR: 350 CUBIC INCH, 370 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMMISSION, TRANSISTOR IGNITION

CTU: 350 CUBIC INCH, 370 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMMISSION, TRANSISTOR IGNITION

CTV: 350 CUBIC INCH, 370 HORSEPOWER (ZR1), MANUAL TRANSMMISSION

CZU: 454 CUBIC INCH, 390 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMMISSION

ENGINE BLOCK NUMBER 3970010, 350 CUBIC INCH, 300 HP, 350HP, 370HP

3963512, 454 CUBIC INCH, 390 HP

HEAD NUMBER 3927186, 350 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, 350HP, 370HP

3927187, 350 CUBIC INCH, 350HP

3964290, 454 CUBIC INCH, 390HP

3973414, 350 CUBIC INCH, 370HP

CARBURETOR NUMBERS ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040202: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, AUTO

ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040203: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, MANUAL

ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040204: 454 CUBIC INCH, 390HP, AUTO

ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040205: 454 CUBIC INCH, 390HP, MANUAL

ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040207: 350 CUBIC INCH, 350HP, MANUAL

ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040212: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, AUTO

ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040213: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, MANUAL

ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040502: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, AUTO

ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040503: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, MANUAL

ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040504: 454 CUBIC INCH, 390HP, AUTO

ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040505: 454 CUBIC INCH, 390HP, MANUAL

ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040507: 350 CUBIC INCH, 350HP, MANUAL

ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040513: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, MANUAL

HOLLEY R4489A #3972123: 350 CUBIC INCH, 370HP, MANUAL

HOLLEY R4555A #3972121: 350 CUBIC INCH, 370HP, MANUAL

DISTRIBUTOR NUMBER 1111464: 454 CUBIC INCH, 390HP

1111490: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300HP

1111491: 350 CUBIC INCH, 370HP, TRANSISTOR IGNITION

1111493: 350 CUBIC INCH, 350HP

1112020: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300HP

1112021: 350 CUBIC INCH, 350HP

ALTERNATOR NUMBER 1100825: 350 CUBIC INCH, 370HP

1100833: 350 CUBIC INCH 350HP, 454 CUBIC INCH 390HP

1100859: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300HP

AXLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER CAK: 3.36:1 RATIO

CAL: 3.08:1 RATIO

CAN: 3.55:1 RATIO

CAP: 4.11:1 RATIO

CAS: 3.70:1 RATIO

CAV: 3.08:1 RATIO

CAW: 3.08:1 RATIO

CLR: 3.36:1 RATIO

POSITRACTION AXLE CAM: 3.36:1 RATIO

CAO: 3.70:1 RATIO

CAT: 3.08:1 RATIO, HEAVY DUTY

CAU: 3.36:1, HEAVY DUTY

CAX: 3.36:1, HEAVY DUTY

CAY: 2.73:1 RATIO, TURBO HYDRA-MATIC TRANSMISSION

CAZ: 3.55:1 RATIO, HEAVY DUTY

CFA: 3.70:1 RATIO

CFB: 4.11:1 RATIO, HEAVY DUTY

CFC: 4.56:1, HEAVY DUTY

PRODUCTION ENDING VEHICLE JANUARY 1979:402261, FEBRUARY 1970: 405183, MARCH. 1970: 407977, APRIL. 1970: 408314, MAY 1970: 410652, JUNE 1970: 413829, JULY 1970: 417316

 

Options Codes, Production, & Pricing

 

CODES DESCRIPTION QUANTITY RETAIL PRICE
19437 Base Corvette Sport Coupe 10,668 $5,192.00
19467 Base Corvette Convertible 6,648 $4,849.00
Custom Interior Trim 3,191 $158.00
A31 Power Windows 4,813 $63.20
A85 Custom Shoulder Belts (std with coupe) 475 $42.15
C07 Auxiliary Hardtop (for convertible) 2,556 $273.85
C08 Vinyl Covering (for auxiliary hardtop) 832 $63.20
C50 Rear Window Defroster 1,281 $36.90
C60 Air Conditioning 6,659 $447.65
G81 Optional Rear Axle Ratio 2,862 $12.65
J50 Power Brakes 8,984 $47.40
L46 350ci 350hp Engine 4,910 $158.00
LS5 454ci 390hp Engine 4,473 $289.65
LT1 350ci 370hp Engine 1,287 $447.60
M21 4-Speed Manual Transmission, Close-Ratio 4,383 $0.00
M22 4-Speed Manual Transmission, Close Ratio Heavy Duty 25 $95.00
M40 Turbo-Hydro-matic Automatic Transmission 5,102 $0.00
NA9 California Emissions 1,758 $36.90
N37 Tilt-Telescopic Steering Column 5,803 $84.30
N40 Power Steering 11,907 $105.35
P02 Deluxe Wheel Covers 3,467 $57.95
PT7 White Stripe Tires, F70x15, Nylon 6,589 $31.30
PU9 White Letter Tires, F70x15, Nylon 7,985 $33.15
T60 Heavy Duty Battery (std with LS5) 165 $15.80
UA6 Alarm System 6,727 $31.60
U69 AM-FM Radio 14,529 $172.75
U70 AM-FM Radio, Stereo 2,462 $278.10
ZR1 Special Purpose Engine Package 25 $968.95

 

We currently have the following 1970 corvettes for sale:

1970 Burgundy Corvette 4spd 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