1970 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
C3 · Lowest C3 production year due to GM strike. New 454ci big bl... · The last great big-block Corvette before emissions killed the muscle era
Highly Collectible
Production & Overview
Total Production
17,316
Original MSRP
$5,192
Assembly Plants
St. Louis, MO
Wheelbase
98 inches
Body Styles
Coupe · Convertible
Curb Weight
3,250 lbs
Notable Packages & Production
LT1 350 — LT1
2-3x base small block
4,910
produced
Available Engines
LT1 350ci — V8
Solid lifter small block — rev-happy and finest small block of the era. Highly collectible.
370 hp
LS5 454ci — V8
New 454 big block base — massive torque
390 hp
LS7 454ci — V8
Listed in order guide but not installed in production cars in 1970. Technically available for 1971.
460 hp
Buyer Checklist
⚠ Clone warning: LT1 non-matching loses 40-60%. Big block non-matching loses 30-50%.. Always verify with cowl tag, engine stamp, and registry before purchase.
Decode cowl tag to confirm all options
LT1 — verify solid lifter heads and correct intake manifold
Check engine date codes are prior to assembly date
Inspect T-top seals and headliner condition
Check hidden wiper system operation
Inspect fiberglass at all stress points
Verify correct Rally wheels and hub caps
Check frame rails and torque boxes for rust
Low production year — verify VIN sequence is reasonable
Road test: check for rear axle noise and transmission operation
Known Problem Areas
LT1 valve train wear — solid lifters require proper maintenance
Fiberglass stress cracks
Hidden wiper door vacuum failures
T-top leaks and seal deterioration
Frame rust at torque box locations
Electrical grounding issues
What Drives Value
↑ Increases Value
LT1 numbers-matching — premium small block
LS5 454 with documentation
Low production year adds collector premium
NCRS or Bloomington Gold certification
Rare colors (Mulsanne Blue, Donnybrooke Green)
↓ Decreases Value
Non-matching numbers
Frame rust
T-top damage
Repaint in incorrect color
Restoration Overview
Difficulty
Medium
Parts Availability
Excellent
Driver Quality Cost
$20,000 – $45,000
Show Quality Cost
$60,000 – $120,000
Key Suppliers
Corvette Central · Mid America Motorworks · Zip Corvette
Pop Culture & Legacy
Last year before emissions regulations began strangling horsepower
LT1 considered one of the great small block engines ever built
Low production numbers make this a sleeper collectible
Other Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Years