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1970 Chevy Corvette ZR1 Rag Top Headed To Mecum Indy Auction

1970 Chevy Corvette came standard with the 350 cubic-inch, 300-horsepower Small Block, the four-speed wide-ratio manual transmission, a vinyl interior, and a soft top for convertibles. Production was delayed due to an extended run for the 1969 model year. Because of this, 1970 production totaled only 17,316 units, the lowest since the 1962 model year.

The Chevy Corvette for 1970 saw a number of improvements and refinements. Previously optional tinted glass, a Positraction rear differential, and a four-speed wide-ratio transmission, became standard. Front and rear fenders were flared to protect the body from rock chips and road debris. Fender louvers were redesigned, exhaust tips were rectangular rather than round, the grille was a square mesh design, and parking lights were trapezoidal with clear lenses and amber bulbs. The seats were redesigned to allow for better headroom and easier storage compartment access. A deluxe interior option was available with leather seats, woodgrain on the console and door panels, and more luxurious carpet.

The 1970 Chevy Corvette engine options saw a few changes, with the 350 cubic-inch Small Block available in 300-, 350-, or 370-horsepower LT1 versions, while the Big Block grew to 454 cubic inches, producing 390 horsepower. A 460-horsepower LS7 Big Block with aluminum heads was planned, but never made it to production.

The 1970 Chevy Corvette ZR1 Special Purpose Engine Package option was offered with competition in mind. It included the LT1 370-horsepower Small Block, M22 four-speed close-ratio manual gearbox, heavy-duty power brakes, transistorized ignition, special aluminum radiator with metal fan shroud, and special front and rear suspension including special springs, shocks, and stabilizer bars. The ZR1 package could not be paired with power windows, rear window defroster, air conditioning, power steering, alarm system, or AM-FM radio. The ZR1 option added $968.95 to the window sticker. Only 25 ZR1s left the factory in 1970.

Our feature 1970 Chevy Corvette ZR1 is finished in Corvette Bronze over a Saddle Interior. It has been Bloomington Gold certified and is accompanied by the Bloomington Gold judging sheets. Powered by its 370-horsepower LT1 engine backed by the Muncie M22 four-speed manual transmission, it is equipped with a Positraction rear differential, heavy-duty power brakes, transistor ignition, special aluminum radiator, and special springs, shocks, front and rear stabilizer bars, tilt-telescopic steering column, and an optional removable hardtop. Included in the sale are spare keys and the owner’s manual.

This rare Chevy Corvette ZR1 convertible will cross the Mecum Auctions block at their Indianapolis, Indiana event taking place May 10th through the 18th.

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Comments

  1. I always liked the 69/70 Vette with the tried and true 350. I hope it gets big money at Mecum.

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    1. No doubt a blue chip car.

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  2. This car reminds me of the ’71 Ontario Orange 2 Top LT-1 Roadster that I bought brand new in November 1970 from Reedman Motors Langhorne Pa. , I put the factory ’69 side exhaust on it along with American Racing Wheels 200S Satin finish and a Hurst Competition Plus Shifter and a Lakewood scattershield & a Hays clutch, it was a fun car that I missed as soon as the new owner drove away. It ran 13.2 at New York National Speedway, it was pretty quick. Vin.# 194671S101719

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    1. Reedman was a huge dealership! Like an airport full of cars. Love the color.

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    2. What I failed to mention was that my car had a widow label on it from Ramp Chevrolet, a dealer out on Long Island N.Y. .The get ready guys at Reedman scrapped it off before I could tell them I wanted it .

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  3. I was the original owner of the 1972 corvette zr1 with 307 miles that crossed the Mecum block a couple years ago. I hope this zr1 gets the respect it deserves. The C3 ZR1 are every bit as important as the Z06 and L88s.

    .

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  4. Guy C – Fantastic Car! You have far more restraint than I do. I would have had to drive that car more than 1/2 mile/month for 50 years. That would be like being married to a supermodel and having separate bedrooms.

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  5. I am the Original Purchaser and still current Owner of a “Corvette Bronze” coloured Corvette, and that is definitely NOT one !
    At least, the colour it is currently painted is “Ontario Orange”, as shown in the pictures.

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  6. I own a 1970 LT! that I purchased 25 years ago. It maroon with black interior. It had some damage to the driver side door. so I purchased at a reasonable price. it had 23000 miles on the odometer. I worked at a corvette shop and decided to do a total frame up restoration which took 28 months. I love the solid lifter engine and close ratio transmission, its overall a great car.

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  7. I have one of these in storage since 1983……maybe its time to dig it out and start the restoration…..lets see what kind of money it brings…..I will be watching.

    Reply

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