The 1968 model year brought a new generation for the Chevy Corvette. The redesigned ‘Vette drew styling cues from the Larry Shinoda-designed Mako Shark II, but rode on a nearly identical frame and underpinnings. Seatbacks had a rearward lean fixed at thirty-three degrees in order to accommodate the deeply slanted windsheild and and cabin. Headlights were still hidden, although they morphed to vacuum operated as opposed to the electrically operated headlights from the previous year. One welcome change was that the headlight door operation and switch had been integrated into a single switch. Windshield wipers were hidden beneath a vacuum operated door at the bottom of the windshield. The third generation Corvette was a more complicated car than the previous generation, using thirty percent more parts. Coupes featured removable T-tops and removable rear windows, and all Corvettes were equipped with a fiber optic tail light monitoring system with indicator lights mounted at the console’s base. The battery had been relocated from behind the passenger side front wheel to a storage compartment behind the driver’s seat. Door handles combined a thumb pushbutton with a finger scoop, but the thumb button would be eliminated for the 1969 model year.
The 1968 Chevy Corvette had a wide selection of engine options that included 300 and 350 horsepower 350 cubic inch Small Blocks, as well as 390, 400, and 435 horsepower 427 cubic inch Big Blocks. The radical, competition-intended L88 427 was also available, laughingly underrated at just 430 horsepower. Transmission choices included three-speed and four-speed manuals, and the new-to-Corvette three-speed Turbo Hydramatic automatic which replaced the two-speed Powerglide auto transmission.
The Chevy Corvette received several minor changes for the 1969 model year. The previously mentioned pushbutton was eliminated from the exterior door handles, the passenger side of the dash received a map pocket, the ignition switch was moved to the steering column from the dash, and the Stingray name returned to the front fenders after a one-year absence, although as a single word as opposed to the previous Sting Ray. Wheels grew an inch in width to eight inches, and Small Block displacement grew to 350 cubic inches with 300, 350, and 370 horsepower variants. 1969 would be the final production year for moth the 427 Big Block and the L88 competition engines.
1970 marked the third production year for the third gen Chevy Corvette, and there were a number of refinements made. The fenders were flared to prevent stone damage to the paint, front fender vents morphed from the previous four slat design to louvers, previously round exhaust tips were changed to a larger rectangular design, square mesh grilles housed rectangular parking lights with clear lenses and amber bulbs. Redesigned seats allowed for better headroom and easier access to the cargo area storage bins. Deluxe interiors were available for the first time, and included leather seats, woodgrain console and door panel trim, and more plush carpeting.
The 1970 Chevy Corvette could be had with the ZR1 Special Purpose Engine Package that was the spiritual replacement for the L88. The ZR1 package included the 370 horsepower LT1 Small Block, Muncie M22 four-speed close-ratio gearbox, Heavy Duty power brakes, special aluminum radiator with metal fan shroud, transistorized ignition, special suspension that included special springs, shocks, and stabilizer bars front and rear. As it was intended to be a competition-oriented option package, the ZR1 could not be paired with air conditioning, power steering, power windows, rear window defroster, AM-FM radio, or the alarm system. Option for the ZR1 package added $968.95 to the sticker. Only 25 Corvette ZR1s were built for the 1970 model year.
Our featured 1970 Chevy Corvette ZR1 coupe, which we brought to your attention a few days ago, is finished in Monza Red over a Saddle vinyl interior. It is powered by the 370 horsepower, 350 cubic inch LT1 Small Block backed by a close-ratio M22 four-speed and 4.56:1 Positraction rear differential. It is equipped with an aluminum radiator with metal fan shroud, heavy duty power disc brakes, special front and rear suspension, and a heater. The Corvette was awarded the National Corvette Restorers Society Top Flight honors in 2014. Included in the sale is the owner’s manual, ZR1 literature, service records, ownership records, photos of the tank sticker, NCRS judging sheets and awards, and an NCRS Shipping Data Report.
This rare 1970 Chevy Corvette ZR-1 was available until a few hours ago on Bring a Trailer, and sold for a healthy $217,500.
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