Highlights

Desirable chrome-bumper C3 Convertible, one of just 6,648 built for the 1970 model year
In single family ownership from 1992 until October 2025
Recently recommissioned following long-term storage in a significant private collection
Interior recently stripped and refurbished using US-manufactured parts
New stainless steel exhaust system and four new tyres fitted

The Appeal

Credited to the legendary Bill Mitchell, it's an iconic silhouette that sells the C3 at first glance. This is a car that's bold to the extreme, slicked back with high-octane coke-bottle styling that feels fast when it's standing still. The iconic car has gone on to become a legend of American muscle - and a bit of a tonic in a world of increasingly pedestrian automotive design.

With convertibles accounting for just 7½ per cent of total C3 production, they are notably rarer than their coupé counterparts, and the early chrome-bumper cars, produced before the federally mandated rubber bumpers arrived for 1973, are easily the most unspoilt. When Road & Track tested a base-spec C3 against a Porsche 911, Jaguar E-Type and Mercedes-Benz 280SL, the Corvette demolished the opposition in a straight line and split the Europeans on handling, proving it was far more than just a pretty face.

This 1970 example, one of just 6,648 convertibles produced that model year, is finished in what is believed to be Monza Red and is equipped with the 350ci small block V8 and the wide-ratio four-speed manual gearbox that became standard for 1970. Imported into Britain from Maryland in 1990, it entered single-family ownership in 1992 when it was acquired for a significant private collection, where it remained as a static exhibit until October 2025. That long period of careful custodianship has ensured its survival.

Following recommissioning in late 2025, the car was driven over 1,000 kilometres to South West France, reportedly without consuming any oil or water. The interior has since been stripped and refurbished, a new stainless steel exhaust system has been fitted, and a cold compression test returned encouraging readings. Currently located in South West France, this is a compelling opportunity to acquire a rare and increasingly sought-after chrome-bumper C3 Convertible with long-term single-family provenance.

History and Paperwork

1970 model year, left-hand drive
Imported into Britain from Maryland, USA in 1990
Single-family ownership since 1992, when it was acquired for a significant private collection
Stored as a static exhibit from 1992 until October 2025, when recommissioning commenced
Subject to a condition report in 2023, which reportedly elicited generally favourable comments on body, interior, chassis and mechanicals
Exempt from MOT testing as a pre-1977 vehicle
Currently located in South West France
V5C present
Historic Maryland title present
Condition report and some parts receipts included
Due to be driven back to the UK at the end of May 2026 unless sold to a European buyer beforehand

The Condition

Believed to be finished in Monza Red
Fibreglass body
The vendor reports the paintwork is in very good condition
A few age-related chips have been touched up; the vendor notes these could be improved upon on close inspection
Four new tyres fitted
Underside described as being in good original condition with some surface rust showing
Soft top appears to be original and is described as tired but functional, with two small holes repaired
Soft top metalwork and operating mechanisms reported to be in working order
The vendor suggests the soft top should ideally be replaced if the car is to be used regularly
Interior recently stripped and refurbished including:
- New carpet set
- New door cards
- New window posts
- Seats stripped and repaired
- Bases re-padded
- New seat backs and rear boxes repaired
Interior refurbishment parts manufactured in the US, with total parts and labour costs of just under €6,000

The C3 is a simply breathtaking bit of kit. The lightweight, coke-bottle styled fibreglass sports car looks like it belongs up in the air rather than on the asphalt, and for many it was the ultimate in Chevrolet styling - something not quite topped since. This example is a grand ambassador for the model, carrying a fitting red livery and with the fibreglass appearing solid and free from fractures.

Some surface corrosion and gentle paint chips are visible here and there, but it's a deeply attractive car from top to bottom - and seemingly very original, too.

The cabin is loaded with character; like its body shell, the Chevrolet cabin feels almost aeronautic, with a handsome array of tactile switches and deep-set instruments. This has been extensively refurbished and looks in handsome order, with a grand focus on period accuracy.

The Mechanics

350ci (5.7-litre) small block V8 engine
4-speed manual transmission
Perimeter-frame chassis with all-round independent suspension
Recirculating-ball steering
Four-wheel disc brakes
Recommissioned from October 2025, including:
- Fluids
- Spark plugs
- Points
- Filters
- Battery
- Brakes and vacuum system all serviced or replaced
New big-bore straight-through stainless steel exhaust system mated to twin extended four-branch large-bore manifolds
Cold compression test performed: lowest reading 162 psi, highest 170 psi
Driven over 1,000 kilometres post-recommissioning, reportedly without consuming any oil or water

The beefy V8 under the bonnet is really where the C3's heart lies. The C3 was capable of impressive speeds and felt balanced and civilised, as was oft-celebrated by its contemporary press. This car is very factory-standard, with plenty of recommissioning work already completed, and is reportedly in good working order.

As far as the classics from the '60s and '70s go, the C3 is amongst the most perennially popular, and this handsome car is likely to prove exactly as to why.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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