| Finding a Corvette you can drive and enjoy is sometimes easier said than done. So many have been cut, hacked, or just abused that finding a tight, clean, matching-numbers C3 convertible with no needs can be daunting. But this Bridgehampton Blue '70 roadster is the right car at the right price, including a matching-numbers 350, factory A/C, and a 4-speed transmission. Restored a few years ago, this one shows only minor signs of being driven, which means that someone was absolutely fanatical about maintenance, because Corvettes are made to be driven. It's wearing its original code 979 Bridgehampton Blue livery, albeit a lot shinier and more durable than the original Magic Mirror enamel they were using in 1970. The bodywork was nicely done with the addition of a big block hood, but it's not so perfect you're afraid to touch it, but nice enough to get a second or third envious glance from the guy in the Honda next to you at the red light. Gaps are good all around, and if you prefer the chrome bumpers, the '70s are a great choice. And while some claim that there's nothing like a red Corvette, the blue on this one looks right and gives it an understated look that doesn't deny what it is, but suggests that there's more to it than just brute force. And speaking of chrome, everything is nicely finished and polished, including the optional trunk rack on the back, which always looks cool. The code 411 blue interior is in excellent condition and received a lot of new equipment when the car was restored a few years ago. The seat covers are both grippy and comfortable if you're cruising in the sun, and the center console puts most of the secondary controls at your fingertips. The original gauges all have bright markings and clear lenses, while a modern digital AM/FM/cassette stereo has been fitted in the center stack. The Hurst shifter makes a statement and Chevy was justifiably proud of the Corvette's credentials (and knew their buyers would be, too) and boldly spelled out the engine specs on a plaque mounted on the center console. Factory A/C is a rather rare option on a Corvette convertible, and this car's system is fully functional thanks to an R134a refrigerant conversion. There's a new white vinyl convertible top that stows so easily, you won't think twice about putting the top down, even for a quick trip up the street. The original, numbers-matching 350 cubic inch engine was rebuilt at the time the car was restored, and today runs as well as any small block Chevy we've featured. New Chevy Orange paint was applied to the block while it was apart, and chrome valve covers give it a cool retro look that's pure Corvette. Upgrades include the MSD ignition system, aftermarket intake, and 4-barrel carburetor, but unless you're an expert, those mods will go largely unnoticed. The engine bay is extremely clean, suggesting that this car has led a good life in a dry climate, and there's no sign of rust anywhere on the running gear. The original exhaust manifolds feed a newer dual exhaust system that's throaty without being annoying on the highway. And nothing makes a Corvette sing like a 4-speed gearbox, which offers positive shifts and progressive clutch take up, and it rolls on a set of original Rally wheels inside fat 255/60/15 BFGoodrich T/A radials. If you're looking for a comfortable, flashy, and unusual Corvette roadster to enjoy next summer, this is the one. 67,448 miles from the odometer. BiN $35,995. October 30, 2015. |
