Vehicle Description
This 1961 Chevrolet Corvette "Fuelie" convertible is one of only
1,462 produced for the model year with the 283/315hp fuel-injected
V8 engine. This example was correctly restored to high show-quality
standards. It has achieved a NCRS Top Flight Award, scoring 98.2
points. The NCRS owner's card, NCRS judging sheets and NCRS Top
Flight Award are included. A total of 10,939 Corvette convertibles
were produced in model year 1961. Of those, only 855 were painted
Jewel Blue, which was exclusive to a 1961. Of those, only 1,462
were equipped with the 283/315hp fuel-injected V8 engine. The
exterior styling was facelifted for 1961. It was the first Corvette
without heavy "teeth" in the grille area. The forward headlight
bezels were painted body color. The rear was completely restyled
with four taillights, now a Corvette tradition, but a new look for
1961. This was the last year for use of 283ci engines in Corvettes.
The example was originally ordered with a Jewel Blue solid color
exterior and blue interior. It features a black soft-top and a
body-color auxiliary hardtop with a new stand for storage. This
example was the product of a complete frame-off restoration from
2012 to 2015. It was restored by well-known Dave Evans of Evans
Investments in Blue Springs, MO. This restoration was done with an
open checkbook, and miscellaneous receipts are included. Since
completion it's had limited ownership and exposure. This C1's body
was stripped, prepped and paint in its original color of Jewel
Blue. The body is extremely straight with excellent gap lines
throughout. The high show-quality Jewel Blue paint was recently
detailed and looks amazing. Since then, the car has only been
driven 125 miles and wasn't susceptible to road rash or chips. The
front windshield and door glass was replaced with new date-stamped
glass, which is crystal clear. Everything on the exterior was
restored or replaced new. The interior was redone in its original
blue color, which complements the exterior perfectly. The door
sills were redesigned as one piece, instead of two pieces as in
1960. The upholstery and interior trim were sourced from well-known
Al Knoch Interiors. Everything in the interior was restored or
replaced new. The engine compartment is highly detailed throughout
with many correct parts. Everything was restored or replaced new
during the restoration. The car is powered by the original
matching-numbers 283/315hp fuel-injected V8 engine, which is topped
with a Rochester Ram jet mechanical fuel-injection system. As the
receipts document, the engine and fuel injection were completely
rebuilt. This engine runs and sounds excellent. The engine is
cooled by a new correct-style crossflow aluminum radiator, which
was introduced in 1961. This unit includes a separate side-mount
expansion tank. The engine breathes through the correct-style
manifolds and dual exhaust system. The exhaust exited below the
body on the 1961 model - a change from previous Corvettes, which
had the exhaust exiting through the rear body panel or rear bumper.
The engine is coupled to the original 4-speed manual transmission.
The aluminum transmission case was introduced in 1961. The
transmission was completely rebuilt and shifts smoothly. The power
is transferred to the rear end, which was also rebuilt. The
undercarriage is also highly detailed throughout with many correct
parts. Everything was restored or replaced new during the
restoration, such as the fuel system, suspension components and
braking system. The engine compartment, frame and miscellaneous
parts were decorated with assembly paint markings throughout. This
vehicle has been completely serviced and detailed, which is
documented with an invoice that's included. The hardtop stand is
also included. From the MS CLASSIC CARS Collection. ** PREVIEW
