1961 Chevrolet Corvette

This 1961 Chevrolet Corvette is a first-generation convertible that has been updated with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, polished aluminum Bonspeed wheels, a 2” suspension lowering package, and a modern audio system. Power is provided by a replacement 350ci V8 paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission and a positraction rear end, and the drivetrain has been equipped with aluminum heads and an aluminum radiator. The seller has owned the vehicle for 21 years and oversaw the completion of a full restoration and repaint in 2002. Finished in two-tone red with white coves over a reupholstered red leather interior, this C1 Corvette is now offered with an Edelbrock Pro-Flo fuel injection system, an assembly instruction manual, a servicing guide, and a clear Washington title in the seller’s name.

For the final two model years of the Corvette’s first generation in 1961 and 1962, the rear of the car wore a redesign which incorporated quad taillights and a “ducktail” aesthetic. Finished in two-tone red with white coves, this Corvette was the recipient of a frame-off restoration in 2002, two years after the seller purchased the vehicle. The fitment and finishes of the exterior are said to remain in good condition, and brightwork includes the front and rear bumpers, cove moldings, window trim, door handles, and exhaust system. The white retractable soft top has been reupholstered and has a plastic rear window, and the seller notes that a hardtop is not included with the sale.

Bonspeed multi-spoke polished aluminum wheels are wrapped in newer tires. The suspension has been lowered by 2” and features a Jim Meyer front setup with power rack and pinion steering and coil-over shocks. The rear suspension is stock, and all four corners offer power disc braking.

The interior is fitted with reupholstered dark red leather bucket seating featuring Corvette silhouette embroidered logos in the backrests, with matching red and white materials for the door panels, dash, and carpeting. Updates include an aftermarket leather-wrapped steering wheel and a modern stereo with an amplifier. The trunk is upholstered all the way around and has a carpet mat.

Instrumentation is provided by replacement white-faced AutoMeter gauges and includes a 160-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and gauges for coolant temperature, fuel level, voltage, and oil pressure. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads just under 7k miles, although true mileage on the chassis is unknown.

The replacement 350ci V8 is outfitted with Chevrolet bowtie-branded valve covers, aluminum heads, an Edelbrock Pro-Flo electronic fuel injection system, an aluminum radiator with an electric fan, and an engine bay dress-up equipment. The seller states that an oil change was performed in 2020. Power is directed to the rear wheels via a TH200-R4 4-speed automatic transmission and an Eaton positraction rear end.

A photo of the painted frame prior to the body reinstallation can be found in the gallery.

The sale includes components for the Edelbrock Pro-Flo fuel injection kit, an assembly instruction manual from Corvette Central, and a 1953-62 Corvette servicing guide.