Potential LT1 find
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Potential LT1 find
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.
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.
#2
Melting Slicks
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St. Jude Donor '13
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.
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.
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
#3
Melting Slicks
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St. Jude Donor '13
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 $$$ guess without more info and photos.
FIRST check the frame and birdcage for rust VERY thoroughly!!!!! Don't fall in love with a rusty car.
I think the 70 version of the LT-! is a really the most desirable of the 3 years. It seems to me to have just about ALL the small block goodness that Chevrolet had worked on for so long. That makes it worth a premium.
I believe that what you might be willing to pay depends on just how much of the original parts that made it a 70 LT-! are still in attendance.
What your plans for the car are will affect what you should pay too.
If you're going to want to round up parts like the manifolds and A.I.R. system (is any of it there?) remember that dated LT-! parts aren't easy to find and are costly.
Also, what you might want to do to the body will have an affect too.
While 70 LT-! cars are valuable and desirable, doing what needs to be done to "bring one back" can be very costly pretty quickly.
But gee… a 70 LT-!…hard to pass up if it's a pretty nice one!
Regards,
Alan
Really can't even make a responsible $$$ 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.
While I might agree, I believe he's now looking at a 71
#4
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Hi bv,
Whoops! You're right!!!!!
Thanks!
Regards,
Alan
Whoops! You're right!!!!!
Thanks!
Regards,
Alan
#5
Instructor
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.
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.
#6
Drifting
Thread Starter
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.
#8
Race Director
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.
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.
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
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
#9
Race Director
I'm not sure if the mods add value or not.
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?
#10
Drifting
Thread Starter
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.
#11
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if its legit, i've seen them above $30k locally
#13
Drifting
Thread Starter
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.
Adding pics....
Adding pics....
Last edited by gccch; 06-28-2017 at 09:55 PM.
#14
Race Director
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.
Adding pics....
[img]https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.corvetteforum.com-
Adding pics....
[img]https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.corvetteforum.com-
#15
Pro
#16
Drifting
Thread Starter
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.
So what would you say for value?
So what would you say for value?
Last edited by gccch; 06-29-2017 at 05:49 AM.
#18
Melting Slicks
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St. Jude Donor '13
Depending on how much you want to dig around and prove genuine LT-1 parts I have all my parts numbers and most dates on 5 or 6 A4 sheets I can post ?
Stuart
Stuart
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St. Jude Donor '05
Nice find, looks honest..that motors been together a long time which could be a good thing
#20
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