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, 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 precursor to the future
as it retains its dual open headlights, loses its toothy grille and
goes with an egg crate grille. However, when we move to the rear of
the car we are looking at the sting ray back and tail light
configuration. Owned by the same person for 34 years, it's only
been driven a mere 4,320 miles over this time period. A
meticulously restored engine with every part reworked, cleaned,
balanced and refitted all numbers matching, and a full restoration
including every nut and bolt in the 1990's all original parts were
restored, some new added on but NOS, and then all assembled with
great attention to detail. Wrap all this in Roman Red and Ermine
White highlighting, and you now have the belle of the ball.
Exterior
Not unlike a beautiful debutante descending a staircase for her
coming out party, this 'Vette is all dressed in Roman Red which
presents well even since its 90's restoration. Bejeweled with
beautiful chrome, the side coves with spears highlighted in Ermine
White, 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 sits on the head of this car. It presents
in very nice condition, with a few smudges that come with the
passage of time. This car also comes with the hardtop also in Roman
Red with a white headliner. 15 inch knock off style wheel covers
and thin whites complete the exterior outfit. These are radial
tires, and our consignor states the bias ply tires will come with
the car.
Interior
Awesome original door panels in red vinyl with horizontal ribbed
aluminum which houses the window crank and 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
steering wheel. A lineup of metal large red bezel black faced
gauges reside below the semi circular speedo. We get comfortable in
the red vinyl bomber style buckets sporting ribbed inserts and
smooth bolsters all in blazing red and looking near perfect. The
seats fit neatly into the fiberglass tonneau covering which sports
chromed trim edges that curve around the seats. A vertical storage
compartment is between the seats and dives down toward the hump.
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 nifty aluminum plate that has airflow levers, a
large clock and some climate control knobs all shiny and bright. 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. Hold
on we're goin' for broke!
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. All this work is wrapped
up in a numbers matching 283ci V8 complete with the correct
distributor, Pertronix ignition, correct intake manifold, and just
immaculate painting and detailing. Atop is a chromed dinner plate
air cleaner covering, and underneath it the correct dual 4 barrel
carburetors. 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 which displays aBB stamping code which is not a
Corvette axle.
Undercarriage
All buttoned up in black steel and fiberglass and never a doubt as
to structural integrity. Floor pans are excellent, and 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.
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 save for
the speedo which remained at zero and the temp gauge reads high.
Otherwise near perfection and loads of fun to drive top on or off,
up or down.
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 her up and take you out
for a night on the town, going in style and certainly turning many
heads on your way. I think I'm in love. Cue the Roman Red hearts
and crossed flags.
10867S105576
1-Chevrolet
08-Corvette
67-Convertible
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
105576-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.