1970 CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY (C3)

This Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is a wonderful slice of 1970s Americana, presented in superb condition following extensive cosmetic and mechanical refurbishment within the last five years. It is powered by a 350 cu in (5.7-litre) small-block engine producing around 300hp, coupled to General Motors’ three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission. It is understood to have covered just 57,683 miles from new.

Understood to have been completed in early 1970, this left-hand drive targa-top coupe is believed to have been delivered to the west coast of the US. There is an original ownership within the history file, issued in November 1978 to a gentleman living in Hollywood, California. The seller acquired the Corvette four years ago, having bought it direct from a specialist in Los Angeles, and the car was shipped to the UK in 2016. He has enjoyed around 1,300 miles on the road since then.

While still in California, the car was the subject of an extensive cosmetic and mechanical refurbishment, carried out by Blackhorse Motorsports. A more detailed rundown of work is included later in the listing, but it involved a full body repaint in a period-correct Ontario Orange colour, renewal of all shock absorbers and the front ball joints and bushes, a new windscreen, and replacement rubber seals for the doors, window and targa top. The interior was also smartened up with numerous new trims, a replacement blower motor, and new door locks.

Today, the Corvette presents in very good condition, and its fibreglass body means it is free of panel corrosion. The offside wing was damaged slightly by the shipping company in 2016, so this was repaired upon arrival in the UK. The overall appearance of the car is fantastic, and the hue suits the body contours perfectly. The seller reports that the paintwork is of good quality, though not concours, and that there are some small bubbles along the rear deck ridge - though of course these could be attended to in due course. In certain light conditions, some of the paint has a ‘two tone’ contrast appearance, which may be down to slight differences in the clear coat finish.

It has the correct egg-crate front grilles and wing vents, as well as the squared-off indicator lenses, and the rectangular exhaust outlets. There are some paint chips around the nearside wing vent, which are clearly shown in the photo gallery. All of the brightwork presents smartly, and the light lenses are in good order, with the tail lamps having been renewed in 2015. The targa top panels are in great shape, and come with a soft bag for transport or storage when not fitted to the car.

The cabin has a lovely patina throughout. The beige upholstery is in good condition, with no apparent damage, and only some slight discolouration on the driver’s seat backrest. Ahead of the driver, the steering wheel and gear lever appear to be the original items, though the wheel rim looks to have been refreshed in the past. The seller reports that the air-conditioning is not currently working, but all of the instrument dials are working as they should. The speedometer previously failed and was replaced as a complete unit at 56,699 miles, so the current odometer reading has been added to that to reflect the correct mileage.

Its last scheduled maintenance was in March 2018 at 395 miles (true 57,094 miles), carried out by specialist engineering business Webster and Lancaster. This included a fresh set of spark plugs, ignition timing check, a compression test, and adjustment of the choke mechanism and throttle cable. A new brake servo and master cylinder was also fitted, the brake fluid was renewed, and the system was bled.

In June 2017, a new radiator and two fan belts were fitted by American Auto Services in Harlington, West London. A month earlier in May 2017, the same specialist carried out a full service, and fitted the new speedometer as stated above.

While still in the US in November 2015, a thorough mechanical overhaul and cosmetic refurbishment was carried out at Blackhorse Motorsports in Los Angeles. The current owner had selected Ontario Orange - a correct colour option for 1970 - and had the Corvette fully repainted in this vibrant hue. Blackhorse gave the car a comprehensive ‘fluids and filters’ service, replaced all four shock absorbers, fitted new ball joints and control arm bushings on the front suspension, and set the car up with four-wheel alignment. New spark plugs were fitted, along with a distributor cap and rotor arm, and replacement speedometer cables.

This refurbishment also incorporated renewal of the door, window, and targa top seals with fresh rubber, a new windscreen, and replacement tail light lenses. In the cabin, the pedals and foot pads were renewed, along with the sill cover plates, door panel trims, and the HVAC blower motor. Replacement door, glovebox, and ignition locks were fitted, supplied with new sets of keys.

Based on age, the car no longer requires annual MOT testing, but the most recent test was carried out on 10 May 2018 at an indicated 527 miles (true 57,226 miles), which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories whatsoever. It has had three MOT tests since arriving in the UK, each with the same clean, fault-free result. The wheels are fitted with BFGoodrich radial tyres all round, which are in good condition with plenty of tread.

Accompanying the car is the full list of work carried out in Los Angeles by Blackhorse Motorsports, along with an itemised list of components replaced - which can be seen in the photo gallery. Receipts for work completed in the UK are also present, along with a Corvette restoration book, and a 2015 edition of the Corvette Black Book, which is a wonderful reference guide to the model.

This Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is a superb example of one of the most recognisable American icons. It is always an event to drive, and never fails to draw attention wherever it goes, thanks to its bold styling, eye-popping colour, and bassy V8 rumble. With only minor cosmetic imperfections that could be attended to in the future, this is a wonderful classic cruiser.

The car is offered from the Horizon Classics collection, which has been assembled by a passionate enthusiast who has always bought cars that he will drive and enjoy. They are all kept in superb mechanical order, ready to take out at a moment’s notice, and represent some of the most popular modern classics.