1961 Chevrolet Corvette - Restored 383 Stroker, 5-Speed, Documented
Build
Turn the key on this '61 Corvette and you immediately know it's
more than just a pretty face. Finished in classic Red with White
coves over a matching Red interior, this C1 combines timeless
styling with a modern, performance-built 383ci stroker and a
5-speed manual transmission for the kind of cruiser you can
actually enjoy on today's roads.
Highlights
Beautiful 1961 Chevrolet Corvette roadster
Iconic Red exterior with White coves and matching Red interior
5-speed manual transmission - ideal for highway cruising
Dual exhaust with long-tube headers
Excellent chrome and brightwork throughout
White convertible soft top in great condition
Correct style steel wheels with Corvette hubcaps and red
accents
Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires with raised white letters
Clean, detailed engine bay and undercarriage
Red carpeted trunk compartment
Binder of documentation and receipts, including engine
paperwork
Exterior
From every angle, this Corvette hits the right notes of early-'60s
style. The body is finished in a brilliant Red with crisp White
coves, a combination that perfectly frames the car's sculpted
lines. The paint presents with a deep shine and smooth reflections,
giving the car a show-worthy appearance under showroom lights or
sunshine.
Up front, the classic quad headlights, mesh grille, and split
bumper design are all present and in excellent condition, with
bright chrome that really pops against the red paint. Out back, the
signature "ducktail" rear with integrated taillights completes the
unmistakable '61 look.
A clean white soft top sits tight and straight over the cockpit,
with a clear rear window and smooth stitching. It pairs beautifully
with the red body and gives the car an elegant, period-correct vibe
when the top is up.
Correct-style Corvette wheels with bright hubcaps and red accent
rings are wrapped in Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires with raised
white letters. The stance is just right - sporty without being
overdone - and the wheel/tire combo completes the classic
performance look.
Interior
Inside, the Corvette delivers that mid-century sports car feel with
a tasteful upgrade in condition. The entire cabin is finished in
Red, from the dash to the door panels and carpet, creating a
cohesive and striking look.
Bucket seats are upholstered in red material that shows very
nicely, with matching door panels and trim. The dash retains its
original dual-hooded gauge layout and factory-style switchgear,
blending vintage charm with a clean, restored appearance. The
center stack features the classic radio and heater controls, along
with the period clock, all framed in bright trim that matches the
exterior chrome.
A 5-speed shift pattern hints at the upgrades underneath, and the
polished shifter lever sitting in the red console invites you to
row through the gears. Overall, the cockpit feels like a
well-restored, driver-focused environment where everything looks
correct but feels fresh.
Even the trunk is nicely finished with matching red carpet, giving
the car a finished, high-quality feel from front to back.
Drivetrain & Performance
Under the hood is where this C1 really separates itself from a
stock '61. Instead of the original small-block, you'll find a
performance-built 383ci stroker V8. The engine bay is clean and
detailed, with:
Polished/open air cleaner with "Corvette" script top
Finned aluminum valve covers
Performance ignition components and upgraded plug wires
Long-tube headers feeding a dual exhaust system
The 383 stroker delivers the kind of torque and throttle response
that makes this car genuinely fun to drive, pulling hard through
the rev range while sounding exactly like a classic Corvette
should.
Backing the engine is a 5-speed manual transmission, a huge
advantage over the original 3- or 4-speed units. The extra gear
allows relaxed highway cruising, better fuel efficiency, and keeps
the engine in its sweet spot whether you're around town or on a
long weekend trip.
Chassis & Undercarriage
A look underneath shows this Corvette was built to be driven, not
just parked:
Solid frame and floors
Long-tube headers feeding into a dual exhaust system
Clean, orderly routing of lines and components
The undercarriage presents as a well-sorted, driver-quality car
with attention paid to both performance and longevity.
Documentation
Included with the car is a red binder full of documentation and
paperwork. Among the contents are:
Engine build sheets and specifications from Prestige
Motorsports
Torque specs and notes for the 383ci engine
Additional information and instructions for components used in the
build
This documentation adds confidence in the quality of the drivetrain
and helps verify the work performed.
Final Thoughts
This 1961 Chevrolet Corvette blends the romance of a
first-generation Vette with the drivability of a modernized
powertrain. With its striking Red/White color combo, upgraded 383
stroker V8, highway-friendly 5-speed manual, clean presentation,
and supporting documentation, it's the ideal C1 for someone who
wants the look of a classic with the performance to actually enjoy
it.
If you're searching for a C1 that you can proudly show and
confidently drive, this '61 Corvette deserves a spot at the top of
your list.
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