1961 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

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,...

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 a BB 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