Vehicle Description
1961 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster
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, hearkening 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 pre cursor to the future
as it retains its dual open headlights loses its toothy grille 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 taillight
configuration. A meticulously restored engine with every part
reworked, cleaned, bored, balanced and refitted all numbers
matching and all original parts were restored and then put back on.
Wrap all this in Tuxedo Black and you now have the belle of the
ball. And only 2 original owners, an Accountant, and a Doctor so
the car has been in good company all its life.
Exterior
Not unlike a beautiful debutante descending a staircase for her
coming out party, this 'Vette is all dressed in Tuxedo Black which
presents well but is showing its age in spots. Bejeweled with
beautiful chrome, the side coves with spears, and a new grille
design it is ready for its debut on the streets. Old style front
configuration, and the new Sting Ray rear, it is all straight
unmarred fiberglass and chrome. A presumed original convertible top
is on the head of this car and has a few rips that go through to
the inside. It has a plastic rear window which is fogged with a
wonderful tan discolored patina. 15-inch knockoff style wheel
covers and thin whites complete the exterior outfit.
Interior
Awesome original door panels in black vinyl with horizontal ribbed
aluminum which houses the window crank and knobbed door latch
openers 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
steering wheel, we get comfortable in the black vinyl bomber style
buckets. The passenger bucket has a few tape over repairs to what
we assume are cracks in the vinyl. Black carpet in good condition
floods the floors and has a shiny gearshift bezel complete with the
essential ashtray. The center of the dash houses a nifty aluminum
plate that has airflow levers, a large clock and Chevrolet badging
in your grandmother's handwriting. On the passenger side of the
dash is the coved Jesus bar in black and white, ready to be grabbed
when the driver goes into the turn.
Drivetrain
Copious notes accompany this car as to exactly what was done to the
engine, and I can tell you it was a meticulous rebuild which
included the likes of extensive cleaning, sonic studies for cracks,
micro polishing and resurfacing extensively. All this work is
wrapped up in a numbers matching 283ci V8 complete with the correct
distributor, correct intake manifold, and just immaculate painting
and detailing. Atop is a single Carter 4-barrel carburetor and a
T10 4-speed manual transmission on the back of this beautiful mill.
Power to the wheels comes by way of a 3.70 posi-traction rear.
Undercarriage
Surface rust only on numerous parts and the X frame, but never a
doubt as to structural integrity. Floor pans are excellent, and
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.
Drive-Ability
Excellent starter and smooth runner, there is plenty of power in
this gal. Handling would best be described as sweet, and ride very
comfortable. All interior functions performed well.
Save for a few faults which tend to come with something that
retains much of its originality, this car presents beautifully.
With a totally rebuilt engine, good paint, nice chrome, and a
convertible, your date awaits you to sweep you up and take you out
for a night on the town, going nowhere but certainly turning many
heads on your way. I think I'm in love. Actually I know I'm in love
because I can look at the original bill of sale, and all
maintenance receipts to ease any apprehensions I may have. SOLD!
Well not as of yet..
VIN Decode
10867S100848
1-1961
08-Corvette
67-Convertible
S-St Louis, MO Assy Plant
100848-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 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.