market after months of delay. Now, the car is a symbol of Chevrolet's resilience and an icon for many vintage auto enthusiasts.
Read on about the wonderful journey and timelessness of the classic 1970 Corvette and how it outwitted other sports cars.
The superstructure of the 1970 Corvette
The cosmetically enhanced body of the 1970 Corvette did not receive many changes compared to the 1969 model. But according to Chevrolet, the body was just fine for a car that was still establishing a foothold in the sports car industry.
It featured a third-generation Corvette styling, two doors, and a polished exterior. The 451 Roadster and LT1 also had the same styling.
The main aim of Chevrolet was to build a spectacular and battle-ready car, and the 1970 Corvette has those wonderful aspects. Its streamlined body, curves, and angles are absolutely great.
However, the 1970 Corvette came with an egg-crate patterned grille which was not standard in the 1968 and ‘69 models. Previous models had four-gill patterned grilles.
Other changes included adopting a larger rectangular exhaust pipe, fixing parking lights on the grille, and a long list of detailed refinements on the tailgate.
Hoisting the Corvette exposed two giant steel rails running full body length. Together with five cross members, these rails increased torsional rigidity and supported vital parts like the engine.
Another noticeable aspect of the car is the unusual low center of gravity. This is partly explained by the two rails running below the body. These rails create a wider base for uniform weight distribution, lowering the center of gravity.
On the other hand, a low center of gravity contributed to improved stability and reduced the possibility of steering off the road, especially around sharp corners.
When driving a Corvette, one can notice its excellent traction features, something that was still a mystery in the ‘70s.
The secret lies in A-shaped arms. These arms are part of the front suspension system and coupled with variable rate coil springs, they cushion the car from small bumps and ensure the driver has a firm grip on the controls.
At the rear, two action-hardened leaf springs and two axial shafts connected to the differential act as shock absorbers. Since the design allows the rear wheels to interact independently, smoother rides are inevitable.
MORE: This 1955 Chevy Corvette Could Be the Most Expensive Model Auctioned
Every Corvette built from 1969 to 1976 had a tough beginning, just like other muscle cars. Despite this, they still came with high-performing 5.7, 7.0, or 7.4-Liter V8 engines that churned out over 300 horsepower.
Previous models had the same engine and power rating but lacked the iconic three-speed automatic transmission system of the 1970 Corvette.
, supporting the engine is a dual pulley system that keeps the fan active and an extra-large oil pan. A recently refurbished starter motor is another key component that made the 1970 Corvette a prized model. It quickly cranked up the engine, and in less than 7 seconds, you would be cruising at over 60 kph.
When everything was set and ready, Corvettes majestically rolled out of the factory with a price tag of little over $5,000 in the '70s. Today, the car retails at over $40,000, according to
The simple interior of the 1970 Corvette is adorned with gauge, leather-trimmed seats, and door-to-door carpeting. In later months, wood grain trim on the consoles was introduced to warm up the interior.
The seats were updated in 1969 and included a headrest for the 1970 model. At the back, they had slots that fed the seatbelt to the driver and appeared as if they were part of the seat's design.
Get the best classic car insurance
Insuring a classic car shouldn't be that expensive. Unfortunately, many car owners shell out thousands of bucks each year for the same reason.