GD70

70 had the lowest production run due to the GM strike in 69, making the 70 a bit more desirable for that reason. Seat design was revised for more head room. Less engine options than 69.
It comes down to taste as far as shark gills, egg crate, flared fenders etc... CONDITION, PRICE, COLOR, OPTIONS, MATCHING #'s will also play a big part in your decision and let's not forget Rust.
Take your time and you'll find a great Vette.
Glenn

demonx

1970 = lowest production numbers
1970 = last year of the high horsepower 350ci engines
1970 = has a 454 which the 68 & 69 dont
1970 = egg crate grills (my prefered option)
1970 = modified rear guards to help defend stone chips etc

Raphiki

When you get into cars that are this old the individual car is what matters most. You have to check the basics on any of them and pick the best candidate for what you have to spend and what you want it to do. I have a '70 and love it but my '69 when it was new in '69 was in MUCH better shape.

What ever you decide drive the car, have it checked out thoroughly by someone you really knows old vettes and enjoy the hell out of it! Drive it like you stole it!

Brewcity

WOW!!! What a respose! Thank you to you all!!
I will definitely take into consideration everything that you have told me.

7T1vette

I haven't read the entire thread, so I may be duplicating ideas. Anyway...

'68-69s do not have extended flares behind each wheel well. This allows rocks/debris to be thrown on the lower panels of your car. Bad news. The '70 car has flares and has the most powerful engines of the C3 series cars. Compression ratios and power were reduced in '71 and later; but that means the '71 and later cars can run on today's gasoline...base engines run well on 87 octane and LT-1's/hi-perf engines will run on premium just fine. In '72 GM dropped the removable rear window.

Power cars: '68-70; low octane cars: '71 and later. Best car for the money: 1971's or 1972's.

SHOWME

I don't see how you could go wrong with any of the steel bumpered vettes.Just find one YOU like that fits what you want.

hammadown

72's had the removable window..........73's and up did not

Hammadown

7T1vette

thanks for the correction

Easy Mike

Here ya go. Purchase a copy, read about the various model years, and make your own decision.

highschool67

I've owned a couple of 68's and love them. They were a little more expensive to restore. I have a 69 now and love it as well. I'm not sure about the quote from PRNDL? Sunken button on doors, ignition switch on dash, map pockets, and door panels with a grip handle and insert and optional chrome grill vents. Other than the paint colors that were changed for 69 ( I think Safari Yellow was one of my favorite vette colors) you'd be hard pressed to see the beauty diminished. They are roughly the same car visually.
Just my .02

TSAGG

Not sure if true but was told by a local Corvette 'expert' when i was looking to buy that '68 was notorious for having rust issues. not sure exactly why, but was cautioned to really stay away from them unless they were thoroughly inspected. After that, i like '70 since it is a low production year (due to strike at plant) and has some big horserpower/compression ratios available.

Selling my '70 and want to get another '70, so i am biased i guess!

good luck with your search!

Corey_68

Thanks, that's a new one I'll have to add to the "list".

Mashman

The 72 engines are pretty much the same as 71, they just switched from 'gross' to 'net' HP ratings.

7T1vette

No reason for '68s to have any worse problems with rust than any other C3.

Tom73

That would apply to all C3's

Makonut

All the differences have basically been stated. To me the biggest difference is between the flared fenders of the 70,71, andnd 72 as opposed to the straight lines of the 68,69.
I think the big block 68,69 are terrific. They seem to be a little pricey though. I am not a fan of all the smog control on the 72. The 70 and 71 are very close.
Personally I am biased towards the 70.
Flared fenders,headlight washers and fiber optics plus the lowest production make it special
But it also depends on how factory correct of a car you want. For instance if you ever replace the carpet on a 70, it is near impossible to get the correct replacement. The early 70 also has a Briggs and Stratton alarm and tire lock. Very hard to find.
IOt is a matter of choice. All things consiered they are all great cars. Performance waise if that is your thing, then 68,69 is for you. Looks wise, I do prefer the 70-72 flared body. It just looks more aggressive to me.

thatcorvetteguy

Did Chevrolet make Corvettes after 68???

Ironcross

Nope, they went to Sting Rays and sacrificed some of the 68`s clean lines in doing so......

Frank.luvstingrays

I bought a 70 and just love it.........

mar

Look at a lot of cars - buy and absorb a lot of resource material on the marque - buy the car you like. Chances are - it won't be the one you are convinced about right now. Lot's of cars out there and pricing is generally pretty good now.