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, 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, (in 1982), 3 owner car with
a circa 1958 283ci V8 and a 1966-67 Muncie M20 4-speed manual on
back. Wrap all this in Roman Red with a black convertible top. Now
I'd say you are ready to conquer!
Exterior
Not unlike a beautiful flower blooming in the springtime, this
'Vette is all dressed in Roman Red over molded fiberglass body.
This paint and body are both in near excellent condition with no
chips or scratches but does show some inclusions and dry spots. Now
all bejeweled with beautiful chrome, which has all been replaced
and polished. We see the side coves with spears, and a new grille
design is ready for its debut on the streets. Old style front
configuration, and the new sting ray rear, split bumpers and all,
it is all straight unmarred fiberglass and chrome peppering. A
presumed original convertible top sits on the head of this car and
presents with no cuts, tears, or burrs. It has a plastic rear
window which is clear as a bell. A body matching hardtop which has
been purchased by the most recent consignor comes with this car and
installs easily with two people. 15-inch knockoff style wheel
covers and wide whites complete the exterior outfit.
Interior
Awesome original door panels in black vinyl with plenty of
horizontal ribbed aluminum which houses the window crank and gear
shift styled 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 3 chromed spoked drilled steering wheel. We
get comfortable in the black vinyl bomber style low back buckets.
The dash with its eyebrow design is painted black and has shiny
bezeled gauges clustering in the round and all in front of the
steering wheel. Black 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 Wonderbar radio, and a
nifty aluminum plate that has 60's styled airflow levers, a large
clock, (disconnected due to battery drain but it 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 black and
white, ready to be grabbed when the driver goes into the turn
(Jesus!). 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
Coming from a few years prior to this car's manufacture date,
(circa 1958), a 283ci V8 complete with the correct distributor,
correct intake manifold, and just immaculate painting and
detailing. Atop is a single 4-barrel carburetor and a Muncie M20
4-speed manual transmission on the back of this beautiful and
simply presenting mill. Power to the wheels comes by way of a 3.70
rear axle.
Undercarriage
All nicely painted black rust-free framing and floor pans there was
never a doubt as to structural integrity. Engine bottom end looks
just beautiful in the Chevrolet orange paint. OEM newer 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 Gardner exhaust
replaces the original and is excellent with no rust or holes.
Drive-Ability
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.
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. Definitely worth a
look and runs like a Swiss watch, on steroids.
VIN DECODE
10867S109450
1-1961
08-Corvette
67-Convertible
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
109450-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.
