Did anyone ever build Estes rocket models as a kid? Emblazoned prominently on the kit was the skill level of the model, from one to five. One was a model that you glued fins on and launched, while skill level five was a finely detailed Saturn V with multiple stages. Automotive restoration projects should also come labeled with skill levels. If you are new to the restoration game, then you would probably be well served by picking up a relatively easy first project. This 1970 Corvette coupe for sale on eBay in Miami, Florida might be a good car to begin your journey with. While not running, this chrome bumper Corvette has several desirable options and a fresh interior. With two days left to go, bidding is stuck at $7,500 with no reserve. Where do you think it will top out? Would you like to have it in your garage to work on?
While nobody would suggest that a vintage Corvette is a low-skill level project, there is a lot to be said for the relative simplicity and amazing amount of support these cars have. One of the negatives attached to Corvettes by their detractors is the large number of parts in these cars that are pulled from other General Motors vehicles. While the chassis, brake calipers and discs, rear end, body, and the necessarily different engine and trim pieces are Corvette only, the rest of the car’s components are directly drawn from the GM parts bin. Considering that millions of GM cars carry these parts, this is not a bad thing. It ensures that parts are out there and at reasonable prices.
If you do need Corvette-specific parts, there are countless vendors out there that can provide new and used parts. Some also hawk some of the most garish Corvette accessories you can think of. Why are there so many in the Corvette parts business? This is because over 1.5 million Corvettes have been built to date. 542,861 third-generation Corvettes were built from 1968 through 1972 alone. It is likely that more than half of that number is still on the road and cared for by one of the most faithful contingents of car lovers on the planet. Many of those Corvette lovers belong to a Corvette-specific club. Those clubs offer support networks, vendor discounts, and decades of knowledge in how to tune, rebuild, restore, and race America’s sports car.
So, why should you consider purchasing this 1970 Corvette coupe? First off, chrome bumper C3 Corvettes are now solidly in investment territory. While special cars have taken off towards the stratosphere in price, the more common cars on the market are bringing solid, steadily rising numbers. This car appears to have a rather pedestrian 350 cubic inch small block with 300 horsepower under the hood. It is also equipped with an automatic transmission, air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, and power windows. What it lacks in tire-melting horsepower, it makes up for in everyday civility.
The ad states that there are 77,515 miles on the odometer. While there is no way to know if this is the correct mileage given that the car came through the period when setting back mileage on an odometer was par for the course at many used car lots, it is possible. The seller is direct about the car sitting for several years and needing a full restoration. They have also provided many photographs showing the car to be in restorable shape. There is surface rust on every metal part. As always, a professional look at the frame and birdcage area would be advised.
All you are promised in the way of mechanical condition is that the car rolls and steers. While the engine does not run, the absence of a belt for the air conditioning compressor may be a clue that it had gone south before the car was parked. The engine area looks rough but complete except for the radio shielding. Amazingly, it appears that the car was treated to a full interior kit recently. The blue interior would make a nice contrast to the original blue paint that is now missing from the exterior. In true seventies fashion, someone painted the car white with gold stripes.
With no reserve and bidding at $7,500, it might be worth taking a chance on this car. A home restoration is not out of the question for a Corvette of this vintage, and there are far worse cars to learn the art of restoration on. This would also be a great cruiser when finished. Hopefully, someone will take a chance on this car and returns it to its glory.
