When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I began my search for my first corvette about 10 years ago focused on a 70 LT1. Never found one worthy so I ended up with a different c3 and now have a c2. Still intrigued by the LT1 and now going to look at a 71 convertible which sounds promising. Owner purchased in 76. Ontario orange, my favorite color, original motor (supposedly) with a handful of 70s modifications like rear fender flares, cragar ss mags and headers.
Otherwise it's supposed to be a 63k mile car. If it is a solid no rust car with the flares being the only repaint I think I'm pretty interested. What would you say is the going price range for this one? I have some good experience with c3 from the 70 I ended up with and top flighted. So I know mostly what to look for. But it's been a while since I looked at buying.
I began my search for my first corvette about 10 years ago focused on a 70 LT1. Never found one worthy so I ended up with a different c3 and now have a c2. Still intrigued by the LT1 and now going to look at a 71 convertible which sounds promising. Owner purchased in 76. Ontario orange, my favorite color, original motor (supposedly) with a handful of 70s modifications like rear fender flares, cragar ss mags and headers.
Otherwise it's supposed to be a 63k mile car. If it is a solid no rust car with the flares being the only repaint I think I'm pretty interested. What would you say is the going price range for this one? I have some good experience with c3 from the 70 I ended up with and top flighted. So I know mostly what to look for. But it's been a while since I looked at buying.
Hi gcccn.
Mines a coupe but a 71 with the same mileage showing and bought 18 months ago so fairly current.
I paid 50 which may seem on the high side but it's a top flight car and most of the original docs and stuff that is easy to mislay - t top bags, all keys jack retainer spring, smog system are all there.
Good luck and try and get some pics for a more accurate valuation.
Hi g,
I think the 70 version of the LT-! is a really the most desirable of the 3 years. It seems to me to have just about ALL the small block goodness that Chevrolet had worked on for so long. That makes it worth a premium.
I believe that what you might be willing to pay depends on just how much of the original parts that made it a 70 LT-! are still in attendance.
What your plans for the car are will affect what you should pay too.
If you're going to want to round up parts like the manifolds and A.I.R. system (is any of it there?) remember that dated LT-! parts aren't easy to find and are costly.
Also, what you might want to do to the body will have an affect too.
While 70 LT-! cars are valuable and desirable, doing what needs to be done to "bring one back" can be very costly pretty quickly.
But gee… a 70 LT-!…hard to pass up if it's a pretty nice one!
Regards,
Alan
Really can't even make a responsible $$$ guess without more info and photos.
FIRST check the frame and birdcage for rust VERY thoroughly!!!!! Don't fall in love with a rusty car.
Hi Alan.
While I might agree, I believe he's now looking at a 71
I began my search for my first corvette about 10 years ago focused on a 70 LT1. Never found one worthy so I ended up with a different c3 and now have a c2. Still intrigued by the LT1 and now going to look at a 71 convertible which sounds promising. Owner purchased in 76. Ontario orange, my favorite color, original motor (supposedly) with a handful of 70s modifications like rear fender flares, cragar ss mags and headers.
Otherwise it's supposed to be a 63k mile car. If it is a solid no rust car with the flares being the only repaint I think I'm pretty interested. What would you say is the going price range for this one? I have some good experience with c3 from the 70 I ended up with and top flighted. So I know mostly what to look for. But it's been a while since I looked at buying.
I just purchased a 71 LT1 convertible this spring, and it seems that clean/original/numbers-matching ones are hard to find under $35k - $40k (my experience). I'm not sure if the mods add value or not. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions as I just went through this myself.
I'm sure the mods on this car take away value. The question I will be asking is what it costs to Mel it right and how desireable it can be with that invested. Seems like it's a pretty good opportunity but I haven't seen it yet. Will take pics and share them. If I don't pull the trigger I am sure someone here will be interested. Biggest concern is the body work.
Good to see you back on the search Greg. Sounds like an interesting car. The convertible raises the price, the flares lower it but I think the key is the motor. Additional documentation drives a big premium, in particular the original tank sticker. I think the range that you see mentioned here are certainly in the ball park.
Originally Posted by brit vet
Hi gcccn.
Mines a coupe but a 71 with the same mileage showing and bought 18 months ago so fairly current.
I paid 50 which may seem on the high side but it's a top flight car and most of the original docs and stuff that is easy to mislay - t top bags, all keys jack retainer spring, smog system are all there.
Good luck and try and get some pics for a more accurate valuation.
Stuart
Definately at the top of the price range but top flight cars demand and justify the premium. Sounds like a great car that will hold its value like few others.
As stated, I am sure they DETRACT. I would not buy.
I would pay alot more for a true Blue '70. Might have to pay 50, 60,
but that's what I would do. The real deal '70.
Did I mention Blue?
I wouldn't write a check for a '70 or '71 LT-1 without proven REAL factory docs., period.
Good luck!
One thing I can be reasonably sure of is this guy is not trying to fake it. I will check what docs he has. His memory of the color is "Canadian orange". I haven't corrected him. I may have pumped gas into this car when I was in high school (1978/9). I do remember an orange c3 coming in often but thought it was a 454 coupe
Im not sure I'm really going after this one ( or any actually). But I think I'm the first in line to see it and that's always nice.
I was able to check it out tonight. Now. I have not confirmed 100% my findings which would be a condition of sale, but I am convinced this is a true LT1 with matching engine block and no structural rust. It had less rust than my 36k mile top flight 70. Original spare is still hidden away, but those fender flares are gross. Mostly original paint as well! The paint over the flares was not brought up to the rear deck. One other spot of touch up was found along the edge of the hood. The stripes and lettering appear original.
I was able to check it out tonight. Now. I have not confirmed 100% my findings which would be a condition of sale, but I am convinced this is a true LT1 with matching engine block and no structural rust. It had less rust than my 36k mile top flight 70. Original spare is still hidden away, but those fender flares are gross. Mostly original paint as well! The paint over the flares was not brought up to the rear deck. One other spot of touch up was found along the edge of the hood. The stripes and lettering appear original.
Did not notice that! Good one. It's very clearly legit in my eyes. And very clean rust-wise... I also think the fender flares were likely added without cutting the original glass. No way to know for sure but one of the pics I have is from inside the fender and it looks complete. The interior is also in really good shape minus aftermarket radio and a cracked brake lever cover.
Nice find, looks honest..that motors been together a long time which could be a good thing
Looks like different distributor, custom headers and valve covers to me - I'd want to see the stamp on the block and make sure the TI amp is still there.
Potential LT1 find
