For Sale at Auction: 1961 Chevrolet Corvette in Newport, Rhode Island

Chassis No. 10867S110096
Engine No. 1110096F0524CS

The 1961 Corvette marked the penultimate year for the first-generation design, with a cleaner body that shed much of the chrome "gingerbread" accumulated from 1958 to 1960 and a new four-taillight treatment that hinted at the Sting Ray to come. The 1961 Corvette was also a competition-bred headline-maker, particularly when equipped with the famed 'RPO 354' 315-hp 283 cu-in V8 with Rochester mechanical fuel injection.

The Fuelie made 45 horsepower more than the twin-carbureted 270-hp 283 and largely cured the fuel starvation that plagued carbureted cars in hard cornering. Powerglide was not offered with any of the three hottest engines for 1961, and most 315-hp buyers ordered the Borg-Warner four-speed manual, which gained a lighter aluminum case that year and allowed a narrower transmission tunnel. The combination again claimed the SCCA B-Production championship, while Car Life recorded a remarkable 5.5-second zero-to-60-mph time and 128-mph top speed. Little wonder 1,462 buyers specified the 315-hp CS-code engine, despite its high price.

Finished in June 1961, according to NCRS data this Fuelie wears its original exterior color of Ermine White with matching side coves. The all-white exterior is further enhanced with a matching white soft top and whitewall tires. A red-upholstered interior provides contrast. Under the hood, the 283 cu-in V8 features a 3756519 casting number and a pad stamp completion date of May 24 (0524) with the all-important CS suffix indicating the highest horsepower fuel-injected engine for 1961.

The subject of an comprehensive restoration, this fuel-injected Corvette captured NCRS Top Flight in 1993 with a score of 95.5 points out of 100. Furthermore, it is an AACA National First and Senior Prize winner and is accompanied by a 2015 inspection document concluding that the block casting date of May 19, 1961 (E191), rear differential housing (3788812) and transmission (WD2512) are consistent with those fitted to a late-production 1961 example such as this.

Finished in a striking color combination, fitted with the most powerful V8 engine available, and featuring an award-winning restoration, this 1961 Chevrolet Corvette represents a particularly desirable example of Chevrolet's first-generation sports car.