1970 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible LT-1 4-Speed

Description

“It is, as of this writing, the best of all possible Corvettes,” enthused Car Life magazine (August 1970). Chevy’s big-block 427 engines grabbed the headlines for years yet lost one important point: balance. Those giant engines weighed much more than the small-blocks they replaced.

The high-revving 350ci LT-1 small-block introduced in 1970 produced 370hp but removed hundreds of pounds off the Corvette’s front end, reviving the 50/50 front/rear balanced handling of previous performance small block ’Vettes. This was a Porsche 911 beater built without the frills — no automatic transmission or air conditioning available, just power and handling. The LT-1 would dominate the SCCA B-Production class for years.

Just 1,287 LT-1 Corvettes were built in 1970; of those just 287 were convertibles. And this Monza Red LT-1 convertible, sold new at V.V. Cooke Chevrolet in Louisville, Kentucky, earned a Top Flight score of 95.8 percent of “typical factory production” at the NCRS 2013 Lone Star Regional. It backed up this result with another 95.8 percent score at the 2020 Fall Judging & Membership Meeting in South Carolina. Top Flight judging is no beauty contest; the National Corvette Restorers Society demands the proper components, date and casting codes, and factory correct finishes inside and out, along with all operational functions, to preserve a Corvette as it left the assembly line — including common factory imperfections. It has been further validated by earning a Bloomington Gold Certificate in 2021, judged using similar criteria.

This Corvette LT-1 convertible’s 350ci V8 bears an engine stamping containing the sequence S400393, which corresponds with the car's serial number. The accompanying Al Grenning Cylinder Case - Engine Pad Affirmation Certificate confirms these important details. (Additional photos documenting other castings and stampings can be found in the photo gallery and attached under Additional Documentation below.)

This highly decorated and documented 1970 Chevrolet Corvette LT-1 Convertible is now represented by a Broad Arrow Specialist with a tank sticker, NCRS and Bloomington Gold awards and judging forms, Al Grenning Affirmation Certificate, and a clean North Carolina title in the current owner’s name.

Highlights

• 2x NCRS Top Flight recipient

• Received a Top Flight score of 95.8 percent in 2013 and 2020

• One of 287 1970 LT-1 convertibles reportedly built

• 350ci (5.7L) LT-1 Turbo-Fire small-block V8

• M21 close-ratio 4-speed manual

• Finished in Monza Red (974) with Red vinyl (407) interior

• Tank sheet included

Factory Equipment

• 350ci LT-1 V8

  • The engine stamping contains the sequence S400393, which corresponds with the car's VIN.

• Horsepower: 370 hp @ 6,000 rpm

• Torque: 380 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

• Compression ratio: 11.0:1

• Camshaft: Solid lifter

• Fuel system: Holley 4-barrel carburetor

• Rear axle ratio: 3.70:1

• Positraction limited-slip differential (believed to be a factory warranty replacement part)

• Independent front & rear suspension with upgraded performance tuning

• 4-wheel disc brakes

• Special LT-1 engine identification decals

• Aluminum intake manifold for weight savings

• High-performance ignition

• Heavy-duty radiator and cooling system

• Factory options include:

  • C07 – Auxiliary Hardtop

  • LT1 – 370-Hp Turbo-Fire 350 V8

  • M21 – 4-Speed Close-Ratio Transmission

  • N37 – Tilt-Telescopic Steering Wheel

  • PT7 – F70x15 White Stripe Tires

  • UA6 – Audio Alarm System

  • U69 – AM/FM Pushbutton Radio

  • YE1 – Rear Axle 3.70 Ratio

  • 407 – Red Vinyl Interior

  • 974 – Monza Red

• The chassis number (194670S400939) decodes as:

  • 1 – Chevrolet Division

  • 94 – Corvette Series

  • 67 – Body Style: Convertible

  • 0 – Model Year: 1970

  • S – Assembly Plant: St. Louis, Missouri

  • 400939 – Sequential Production Number

Servicing & Documentation

• May 2020 service in preparation for Top Flight and Bloomington Gold judging included:

  • Change oil and filter using correct classic oil filter

  • Reseal transmission

  • Install new exhaust donuts on both exhaust manifolds

  • Rebuild factory carburetor

  • Install new numbers-matching fuel pump

  • Rebuild left rear caliper (leaking brake fluid)

  • Flush brake system

  • Install Wide Oval tires

  • Replace speedometer cable

  • Replace spark plugs

  • Replace all 16 valve springs

  • Adjust parking brake

  • Adjust clutch

  • Adjust carburetor

  • Remove cowl trim and reform tab for proper fit

Known Imperfections

• A few paint scrapes and fiberglass nicks under the nose and on the undercarriage as presented in the gallery

• Paint aging consistent with an older refinish

• Paint chips on headlight housings, side gills/grills, rear wheel arches, door edges and door jamb area

• Paint cracks on passenger side rear near bumper, around gas cap, passenger side wheel arch

• Missing screw on center console

• Wear on interior surfaces consistent with age and use

Ownership History

The seller has owned this 1970 Chevrolet Corvette LT-1 Convertible since 2020. The names of the two previous owners are known.

Included Items

• Original Build Sheet (“Tank Sticker”)

• Reproduction window sticker

• NCRS Flight Awards and judging sheets

• 4 stock wheels (with tires) - currently fitted with show wheels

• Spare tire and wheel (in spare tire holder)

• Al Grenning Cylinder Case - Engine Pad Affirmation Certificate

• Framed 2021 Bloomington Gold Certificate

• Framed 2020 NCRS Top Flight Award

• Binder with documentation

• Hard top and hardtop stand

Additional Information

A Broad Arrow Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the seller of this listing. As such, the purchase transaction will be facilitated by Broad Arrow, including vehicle payment, applicable taxes required to be collected by the seller or Broad Arrow, and title/ownership reassignment. Broad Arrow is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hagerty.