Vehicle Description
1961 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
A change in GM leadership delayed the next-generation Corvette, but
in 1961 'Vette buyers got a preview of the C2 generation in the
form of a redesigned rear treatment, harkening what would become
the Sting Ray design language. The car that won Mitchell's contest
was a coupe penned by Peter Brock, (who would leave GM in 1960 and
eventually design the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe). That car would
become the Q Corvette coupe, a design prototype built with
lightness in mind, using a Corvair transaxle and independent
rear.
For consignment, a 1961 version that is a precursor to the future
as it retains its dual open headlights of yore, loses its toothy
grill and goes with an egg crate grille. But, when we move to the
rear of the car we are looking at the sting ray back and tail light
configuration. A meticulously restored car with the numbers
matching engine, a correct 4-speed attached, dual 4 barrels and all
very special. Wrap all this in Tuxedo Black with silver coves and
top it with a white convertible top. All you need is a cherry. Now
I'd say you are ready to conquer the show field, and indeed it has
with Bloomington Gold 98.5, NCRS Nationals 98.7 Top Flight NCRS
Regional 99.2, and Winner of 2000 Super Chevy Class in Boston. Oh,
and did I mention it was once owned by Aerosmith Drummer Joey
Kramer..and that's documented. Rag Doll, Livin' in a Movie
Exterior
Not unlike a classy Tuxedo ready for the ball, this 'Vette is all
dressed in tasteful and near perfect black over a molded fiberglass
body. This paint and body are both in near excellent condition with
no chips or scratches but does show some very minor inclusions here
and there. This is now all bejeweled with beautiful chrome, which
has all been replaced and polished. We see the side coves in silver
with spears, and a new grille design is ready for its debut on the
streets. Old style front configuration, the split bumper is nearly
there, and the new sting ray rear, split bumpers and all, it is all
straight unmarred fiberglass with chrome peppering. A white canvas
convertible top sits on the head of this car and presents with no
cuts, tears, or burrs, but does show some slight soiling. It has a
plastic rear window which is clear as a bell. 15-inch knockoff
style wheel covers and wide whites in 6.70-15 format complete the
exterior outfit.
Interior
Awesome original door panels in red vinyl with plenty of horizontal
ribbed aluminum which houses the window crank and gear shift styled
knobbed door latch openers, are all excellent and shiny. Squeezing
inside past the wrap around windshield, and the restored but
original dash with its large curved eyebrow which houses the
gauges, and oversized 3 chromed spoked drilled steering wheel. We
get comfortable in the red vinyl bomber style low back buckets. The
dash with its eyebrow design is painted red and has shiny bezel
gauges clustering in the round and all in front of the steering
wheel. Red carpet in good condition floods the floors and has a
shiny gear shift bezel complete with the essential ashtray. The
center of the dash houses a signal seeking AM radio, and a nifty
aluminum plate that has 60's style airflow levers, a large clock
that actually works, and a bottom wrap around shiny trim holding it
to the carpeted hump. On the passenger side of the dash is the
coved Jesus bar in red and white, ready to be grabbed when the
driver goes into the turn ,(Jesus Ch&*$t!). One of the niftier
features of this car is the fiberglass molded tonneau cover for the
top, which has coves that form to the back of the bomber seats.
There is also a button to open the tonneau and put the top into it,
as well as a vertical glove box which cascades to the center hump.
All beautiful and comfy inside this example.
Drivetrain
A lift of the front hinged hood reveals a well restored engine bay
holding the numbers matching 283ci V8 complete with the correct
distributor, correct intake manifold, and carburetors. It's just
immaculate on the paint and detailing fronts. Atop are the correct
dual 4-barrel Carter carburetors and a correct T-10 4-speed manual
transmission on the back of this beautiful and simply wonderful
presenting mill. Power to the wheels comes by way of a 3.36 posi
rear axle.
Undercarriage
All presenting very nice for the framing and floor pans there was
never a doubt as to structural integrity. The frame has a coating
of black paint and the flooring is a mix of natural fiberglass
finish mixed with some black overspray. The engine bottom end looks
just beautiful in the Chevrolet orange paint. Independent coil
springs in front and leaf springs all rebuilt are on the rear of
this car. 4-wheel drum brakes are also noted. A factory style dual
exhaust is on and is excellent with no rust or holes.
Drive-Ability
An excellent starter and smooth runner, there is plenty of power in
this gal. Handling would best be described as sweet, and the ride
very comfortable. All interior functions performed well although I
could not get the the heater blower to work and the turn signal
stalk is a bit wonky.
One has to be attracted to this transition year Vette with the old
style dual headlights non hidden, and the more modern shark like
tail with the round lights and split rear bumper. A fine styling
mix that you could say is shaken not stirred. With the numbers
matching engine with all correct bolt ons, a correct transmission
and even the correct rear axle this is definitely worth a look, as
it runs like a Swiss watch...on steroids. Moneypenny... I'll have
mine shaken, not stirred.
10867S103729
1-1961
08-Corvette
67-Convertible
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
103729-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
