1970 Chevrolet Corvette LT1 Coupe

In 1970, the LT1 engine was introduced as an option for the Corvette. With 11.0:1 compression, big-valve heads, a solid-lifter camshaft and a big carburetor on an aluminum high-rise intake manifold, the 350 CI LT1 was rated at a high-revving 370 HP and 380 lb-ft of torque. Costing roughly $445 above the price of a regular Corvette, it pressed the Corvette into the realm of pricey by many accounts but represented what was arguably the finest small-block Corvette ever built. Because of the expense associated with an LT1-equipped Corvette, just 1,287 were built in 1970. Magazine tests of the car when it was new noted that, while its straight-line performance (sub-6-second 0-60 MPH times and mid-14-second quarter-mile ET’s) was nearly a match for its big-block-powered brothers, the lighter small-block made a world of difference in the Corvette’s handling and overall personality.

This 1970 Corvette LT1 was sold new at Deboer Chevrolet in Edgerton, Minnesota, and was factory finished in Code 974 Monza Red with a Code 400 Black interior. Under the hood is the matching-numbers LT1 350/370 HP engine that still retains its original smog equipment and is backed by the matching-numbers 4-speed manual transmission, the only transmission available behind the LT1. Important with any Corvette, this example’s provenance can be verified by its tank sticker, NCRS shipping data report, owner’s manual and CCAS engine and trim tag certification.

Any 1970-model Corvette is somewhat rare, as labor difficulties in 1969 delayed the start of 1970 model year production and a mere 17,316 Corvettes were made. Of those, fewer than 1,300 were equipped with the LT1. This example is highly documented and retains its certified matching-numbers engine and trim tag, making it a great addition to any Corvette collection.