MODIFIED C1 FOR MORE SPIRITED DRIVING OR TAKE IT BACK TO STOCK, 355 V8, AUTO
1961 Chevrolet Corvette
First generation Corvettes hold an important place in automotive history, as they heralded the arrival of what most consider the first true modern American Sports Car. They were around for nine years, evolving considerably during that time, and this 1961 Chevrolet Corvette is a great study in that evolution. It carries distinctly first generation styling cues blending seamlessly with more futuristic features that would go on to characterize Corvettes for decades to come, and it offers a level of driving excitement seldom seen among its classmates.
Chevy had all those model years before this '61 came out to refine their concept and they made sure it was time well-spent, as this is one great-looking vintage drop top. It has a wide stance relative to its compact wheelbase, combining with the car's low center of gravity to give it handling capabilities truly rare for its time. There's a lot of style on display here - the twin dual headlights looming over the front grille that were put in place at a time when most other domestics had long since relocated them to either side of the grille, the modestly proportioned, race-inspired windshield and the duck tail rear end that would prove to be a big hit being among them. A low-profile hood scoop has been added to the mix - injecting a little aftermarket flair to the car's magnetic original style. The exterior fittings on this 'Vette look particularly sharp - the front and rear bumpers are level and show no obvious dings or blemishes, and the decorative trim sits flush and securely in place.
Climb inside and you see that a racing seat presides over the interior. It's a fun feature, as it's configured to hold you firmly in place while cornering - and make no mistake, this vintage performer really can corner - but should you opt for more authenticity, the original bucket seat comes with the car and can be installed fairly easily. Corvette was already creating show-stopping dash areas by this time, and this one has an array of easily readable gauges in its cluster that are crowned by a fan shaped speedometer at the top. An additional AutoMeter gauge sits to their right to keep tabs on engine temperatures, alongside an aftermarket AM/FM radio. The trunk area in back is nice and straight, featuring a modern fuel-cell to provide an additional element of safety that sits adjacent to the battery relocated from up front.
There's a great selection of components that fit nicely in the engine bay to provide inspired performance. At the forefront is a 355-cubic inch V8 that's topped by a Holley 850 4-barrel carb to feed clean fuel from the new fuel cell and is flanked by very sharp looking branded Chevrolet valve covers. The engine is very fresh, having logged only about 1000 miles since its rebuild, and is bracketed by a pair of headers to provide easy breathing into the dual exhaust. The V8 is bolted to a TH350 transmission known for its durability, and the original clutch pedal still sits in place inside the toe box, should you decide to revert to manual transmission. An aluminum radiator pairs with an electric fan up front to keep engine temperatures in check, while down below upgraded front disc brakes have been added to provide fade-resistant stopping power. The front end was rebuilt recently, so this 'Vette is riding smooth and tracking true as it rides on a set of 15" Cragar wheels outfitted with Cooper Trendsetter radials.
This 1961 Chevrolet Corvette offers the rare opportunity to put a pivotal and strong-performing first generation of a true American sports car in your garage. Call today!
- Condition: Used
- Make: Chevrolet
- Model: Corvette
- Type: Convertible
- Doors: 2
- Year: 1961
- Mileage: 9,388
- VIN: 10867S101219
- Color: Red
- Engine size: 355 V8
- Transmission: Automatic
- Interior color: Black
- Vehicle Title: Clear Want to buy? Contact seller!
