There's a reason a red Corvette convertible shows up on so many automotive bucket lists, and this 1970 example heading to auction makes the case better than most. Finished in two-stage Cranberry Red over a white canvas top, it leans hard into the classic Coke-bottle styling that made the C3 an icon: fenders that sweep skyward, a nose-down stance, hidden headlights, and side gills that nod to the seagoing stingray that inspired the shape.
The numbers tell an honest story. The odometer reads a title-verified 95,317 actual miles, and the car rolls on fresh 255/60R15 tires carrying a mid-2022 date code. Under the forward-tilting hood sits a 350ci V8 topped with an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor on an Edelbrock intake. Behind it is the desirable numbers-matching Muncie M20 four-speed manual, feeding a rear axle with 3.36 gears and Positraction. Power steering and power brakes are both on board, with discs at all four corners and the C3's fully independent suspension underneath.
Inside, the Saddle interior is clean and complete, with tall bucket seats, a leather-wrapped wheel, and the familiar aircraft-style center stack of five gauges above an AM/FM radio. A chrome ball shifter sits in its trim plate with the shift diagram intact, and tan loop carpet runs through the cabin and into the cargo area. A little detailing would freshen up the light patina that has settled in over the decades.
This is billed as a drivable project, and the seller is upfront about it. The car reportedly runs, drives, stops, and turns well, but the wipers, radio, horn, reverse lights, brake lights, and air conditioning were all noted as inoperable. The convertible top is missing some latches, and the hood can be stubborn about staying closed. Cosmetically, expect chips and scratches, some haze in the plastic rear window, an empty antenna hole, and a few panel-gap quirks, the kind of honest wear that gives a weekend project its to-do list.
None of that dulls the appeal. A matching-numbers four-speed C3 droptop with verified miles is a strong foundation, and this one could be enjoyed as-is or steadily brought up to the next level with some patience and TLC. For anyone who has had a red convertible Corvette on the wish list, this Cranberry Red 1970 is a tempting place to start. See it here.
