With production delayed by the historic UAW strike, the 1970 Corvette was unveiled late and to relatively indifferent reception. Though it featured significant powertrain changes and a new egg-crate grille look with large corner signal lights, sales for models of this year were remarkably low—in part due to the strike and production shortages.

The seat design was more ergonomic in the 1970 Corvette than in previous years—there was an extra inch of headroom for passengers and upgrade packages included luxury accents, like wood-grain trim and higher spec carpeting.

Under the hood, the new small-block LT-1 V-8 engine was introduced along with a ZR1 package option that included several transmission and racing suspension performance upgrades.

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Ownership costs for a 1970 Corvette

The 1970 Corvette came with new interior upgrade options that pushed it into luxury sports car territory—a slight deviation from its pure sports car branding up until now. Perhaps because of these finer touches, pricing jumped several hundred dollars from a mid-$4,000 range in 1969 to over $5,000 for a base coupe in 1970.

The standard build still included the convertible or coupe option, with engine options ranging from the 370-horsepower LT-1 small-block to the largest big-block displacement yet at 454 cubic inches.

Depending on both build type and upgrades, a 1970 Vette’s current purchase cost can range significantly. However, you can generally expect to pay around $43,600 for a well-maintained 1970 model.

According to J.D. Power and NADA Guides, a 1970 Corvette will have the following values:

Cost factor	Value
Original MSRP	$5,192
Current low retail	$19,200
Average retail	$43,600
High retail	$53,000

As for ownership costs, you will need to take into consideration insurance, maintenance, fuel, repairs, and tax expenses.

Of course, with classic models, these annual expenses can easily range from a few to several thousand dollars depending on vehicle usage and maintenance history. It’s important to note, however, that as a classic C3 model, the 1970 Corvette has value in ownership to consider as well.

While newer production models will likely depreciate in value over time, the ’70 Vette could very well accrue value as a financial investment.

Key Takeaway The cost of ownership for a 1970 Corvette may be unpredictable, but the buying price typically averages around $43,300. It’s also important to note that as a classic C3 model, the ’70 Vette may accrue value in ownership over time.

Where to buy a 1970 Corvette

If you’re on the hunt for a ’70 Vette of your own, your best bet is to check out sites like

Classic Cars

for listings and auctions. You can also see if any fellow enthusiasts on

Corvette forums

have any purchase tips or listing suggestions.

MORE:

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What does the 1970 Corvette bring to the table?

Modeled after the Aero Coupe show car, the 1970 Corvette featured a new egg-grate grille design with a deeply flared wheelhouse—a look that was equally functional in reducing damage to the car body from road debris.

The interior was more spacious and ergonomic than previous models—with custom interior upgrades creating a truly glamorous feel—and Soft-Ray Tinted Glass windows became a standard rather than an option.

The new LT-1 small-block solid-lifter engine upgrade came equipped with a special hood dome and lettering, which quickly gained popularity amongst Corvette motorheads.

Meanwhile, the LS5 big-block option increased output to 390 horsepower, but the anticipated LS7 460 horsepower engine was never made public due to last-minute policy changes.

Though the 1970 Corvette didn’t meet the high sale numbers of its 1969 and 1968 predecessors, the vehicle itself is perhaps one of the more underrated C3 classics.

Strengths and weaknesses of the 1970 Corvette

If you’re interested in getting your hands on your own 1970 Corvette, here’s a look at some of the car’s standout features—both good and bad.

The good: interior luxury

The 1970 Corvette added more options to upgrade to a custom interior, which contributed to a far more luxurious look and feel than previous generations.

Seats could be leather-trimmed, carpets could be door-to-door high spec cut-pile, and wood trim could outline the console and doors. The cabin space even received some smart reorganization to cut down on the clutter—seatbelts retracted through the seatbacks and inertia reels retracted less noticeable into the rear quarters.

The good: engine power

The LT-1 solid-lifter, small-block engine was a game-changer for a lot of Corvette enthusiasts. This still-legendary powerhouse could put out 370 horsepower and 380 lb/ft of torque from just 350 cubic inches of displacement.

The behemoth 454 cubic inch LS5 was another icon on the big-block end with an eye-opening torque rating of 500 lb/ft. When tested, it could reach 60 mph in 7.0 seconds and hit a top speed of 144 mph.

Several changes were made to the 1970 Vette that helped integrate functional and cosmetic design details better than earlier models.

Louvers along the fenders replaced the gills of the 1968 and 1969 models and a deeply flared wheelhouse helped protect the bodyside tuck-under from stone damage. Parking lights were better incorporated into the corners of the grille and rectangular exhaust pipe tips were tucked underneath the rear bumper assembly.

The bad: harsh suspension

Testers found that when traveling over rough surfaces, the suspension—especially on the LS5 big block—became excessively harsh. Alongside this, a common complaint amongst consumers was that the car was prone to rattling and squeaking.

On the other hand, while traveling on a smooth surface at high speeds the ’70 Corvette performed with a “floatiness” that took away from the pedal-to-the-metal experience some sports car enthusiasts sought.

The bad: power vs. amenities

While the ZR1 package could bring huge upgrades to engine power with the LT-1, it also eliminated certain amenities like air conditioning, power windows, and the radio.

Even without the extra ZR1 racing upgrades to the suspension, brakes, and stabilization, the 1970 Vette could not be equipped with the LT-1 and AC simultaneously.

MORE: 7 things to look for when buying a used car

The bottom line—which 1970 Corvette to buy

There may be more limited purchasing options when searching for a classic model, but here are some considerations you’ll still want to take on your hunt for the ’70 Vette of your dreams.

If you’re looking for engine power, but can settle without a proper race car experience—the more modest L46 engine at 350 horsepower is a solid high performer. On the other hand, if you’re itching for acceleration, but you don’t quite need the biggest block out there—the classic LT-1 offers great engine power if you can get your hands on one.

As for exterior design, the convertible is always the thriftier choice—and a desirable one if you like the feeling of wind in your hair. However, the coupe comes with the famous T-top removable panels to give you a similar windswept experience with a little less commitment.

How to save money on car insurance for the 1970 Corvette

No matter which build and design of the classic 1970 Corvette you go with, it’s always a good idea to protect your new investment with quality car insurance. Though finding a policy that works with both your coverage and budget needs can be tedious—

Jerry

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The app is free to use and instantly cross-analyzes custom quotes from over 50 top insurance companies to track down the best rates available for the coverage you want. As a

licensed broker

, Jerry can then help cancel your old policy for you and handle all the transition paperwork to get your savings started seamlessly.

Even after you’ve settled on a policy, Jerry continues to scope out options to ensure you’re always getting the best price for your premium. The average user ends up saving $887 a year on car insurance so it’s definitely worth a look to keep that classic Corvette well-protected!

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