Vehicle Description
1961 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
1961 was a year of firsts and lasts for the Corvette. It was the
first to lose the "big tooth" grille, first with the restyled Sting
Ray tail, and the first year for exhaust pipes to exit below the
bumper instead of through it or the body work. It was also a year
of "lasts" including the final year for the 283ci V8, the last
model with wide white wall tires, and we say goodbye to the
contrasting cove colors after 1961.
For consignment, the poster child for firsts and lasts, a 1961
Corvette convertible with a matching numbers powerplant and
flashing that contrasting coves so iconic in the classic Corvette
world. The car is in very good original condition and is a whiplash
inducing looker on the street.
Exterior
This little red Corvette is coated in Roman Red which is accented
of course by the painted cove in Ermine White. Other contrasting
elements include the chrome bumpers and grille in fine condition,
and 15-inch white wall tires surrounding polished wheel covers with
mock knock-offs. Descending side spears emerge from the vented
gills, and along with the cove are probably the most photographed
and artistically rendered body part in history next to Bo
Derek's...teeth. The white canvas top is in great condition and has
a plastic window, while the curved windshield framed in chrome is
worth the price of admission! Paint flaws include a few areas of
bubbling, scuffs on the rear cowl, and a touched up scratch.
Interior
Im not sure if this was purposeful, but the polished metal panel on
the door panels looks like a shark eating the armrest and the door
actuator serves as the eye. The remainder of the panel is smooth
red vinyl in great condition. Low back red vinyl bucket seats fit
like a glove in the sculpted tonneau. We do note seam separation in
the driver's side seat bottom but the rest looks good. There are
few words to describe the amazing dash, but "work of art" seems to
fit. The big arching speedometer climbs to 160mph under which we
find the tachometer and four symmetrical round gauges, all in a
hard red casing. The padded dash cover looms over the center stack
which contains the AM radio, clock, and air controls. A deep cove
behind a handle greets the passenger and the only thing missing
might be a "Sit down, Shut up, and Hold on" decal. A 4-speed
shifter with ivory knob is floor mounted and that floor is covered
in a black and red loop style carpet in stunning condition. The
"door shark" metal accent continues into the footwell walls and we
can only imagine how much fun designing this car must've been! The
trunk is lined in red and covered with a red vinyl mat, looking
clean as could be!
Drivetrain
The numbers matching 283ci V8 is under the hood and is rated at 270
horsepower. Two correct Carter 4-barrel carburetors top the correct
aluminum intake manifold and a T10 4-speed manual transmission
propels the car forward sending power to the rear wheels and 3.55
gears. The engine bay is in original condition with no extra bling,
but as is a showpiece. Drum brakes lurk behind each wheel.
Undercarriage
Super clean and dry underneath, it's likely this car has rarely
seen rain, if ever. The dual exhaust travels to stock style
mufflers and then exits without fanfare under the rear fender. Coil
springs occupy the front independent suspension while leaf springs
are found in the back. We note some overspray on the spare tire
carrier underneath.
Drive-Ability
It's a rough job but someone has to do it. Another classic Vette
must be evaluated for functionality. We baby this E-ticket onto the
test loop and take a quick spin to check the bells and whistles.
Obviously, the car has great power, a wonderful sound, and decent
visibility and with the top down, visibility is limitless. Time to
bring it home and test the brakes, which work in fine fashion. The
only demerit is an inoperable odometer.
There are two cars that consistently make it to the top of any car
lover's wish list. One is the Shelby Cobra, and the other is a
classic Corvette. And according to several sources and contrary to
the myth, white cars are pulled over more often than the highly
desired red car. Chances are if you get pulled over in this car,
it's because the officer is a big fan and wants a closer look.
Meanwhile, this bit of red needs a new garage. Got space?
10867S100581
1-1961
08-Corvette
67-Convertible
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
100581-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
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