Description
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
Viewing: Tues 14th October from 12pm
Auction: Wed 15th October from 9am
Location: St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE
1970 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Stingray Convertible
Estimate
£10, 000 - £15, 000
Registration No: MFL 72H
Chassis No: 194670S409171
MOT: Exempt
Desirable chrome-bumper C3 Convertible
350ci (5. 7-litre) small block V8 engine and popular four-speed manual transmission
Entered from a significant private collection in which it has resided since 1992
Notably rarer than the Coupe variant, with only 7½ per cent of C3s being Convertibles
Introduced three years after Chevrolet's wonderfully dramatic 1965 Mako Shark II show car, the so-called “C3” Corvette borrowed heavily from the Shark’s “coke bottle” silhouette. Underpinned by a perimeter-frame chassis featuring all-round independent suspension, recirculating-ball steering and four-wheel disc brakes, the newcomer's beautifully moulded fibreglass skin wore slimline chrome bumpers. With even the mildest of its “small block” V8 engines being rated at 300bhp and 360lb ft of torque, the C3 could really perform. Tested by Road & Track magazine against a Porsche 911, Jaguar E-type and Mercedes-Benz 280SL, just such an entry-level ’Vette acquitted itself with honours. Demolishing the opposition in a straight line, it split the Europeans on the slalom and other handling tests. Manufactured in coupé and convertible guises until 1975, but continuing in coupé form only until 1982, the convertibles accounted for just 7½ per cent. of all C3 production.
One of just 6, 648 Corvette convertibles built during the 1970 model year, this striking example is finished in what we believe to be Monza Red and comes equipped with a 350ci V8 and four-speed manual transmission. The 350 was introduced as the Corvette’s base engine in 1969, while the wide-ratio four-speed was made standard in 1970, with a close-ratio version optional. Our car was imported into Britain from Maryland in 1990, and has been in single-family ownership since 1992, when it was purchased for a significant private collection.
In that time, it has never been on the road but has been enjoyed as a static exhibit, which has ensured its survival as a highly original example, with all the interior and exterior fittings appearing to be correct to factory specification. In 2023, it was subject to a condition report, which elicited generally favourable comments concerning the body, interior, chassis and mechanicals, although the mechanical inspection was purely visual. Now displaying a light patina, it appears very original cosmetically. Of course, some recommissioning will be required before it can return to the road, however, the Corvette is running and driving, but an overhauling of the brakes and wiper motor is definitely required. It is offered with the current V5C, the historic Maryland title and the recent condition report.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
