1961 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster

1961 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster

A change in GM leadership delayed the next-generation Corvette, but in 1961 'Vette buyers got a preview of the C2 generation in the form of a redesigned rear treatment, harkening what would become the Sting Ray design language. The car that won Mitchell's contest was a coupe penned by Peter Brock, (who would leave GM in 1960 and eventually design the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe). That car would become the Q Corvette coupe, a design prototype built with lightness in mind, using a Corvair transaxle and independent rear.

For consignment, a 1961 version that is a precursor to the future as it retains its dual open headlights of yore, loses its toothy grill and goes with an egg crate grille. But, when we move to the rear of the car we are looking at the sting ray back and tail light configuration. A meticulously restored, (in 1982), 3 owner car with a circa 1958 283ci V8 and a 1966-67 Muncie M20 4-speed manual on back. Wrap all this in Roman Red with a black convertible top. Now I'd say you are ready to conquer!

ExteriorNot unlike a beautiful flower blooming in the springtime, this 'Vette is all dressed in Roman Red over molded fiberglass body. This paint and body are both in near excellent condition with no chips or scratches but does show some inclusions and dry spots. Now all bejeweled with beautiful chrome, which has all been replaced and polished. We see the side coves with spears, and a new grille design is ready for its debut on the streets. Old style front configuration, and the new sting ray rear, split bumpers and all, it is all straight unmarred fiberglass and chrome peppering. A presumed original convertible top sits on the head of this car and presents with no cuts, tears, or burrs. It has a plastic rear window which is clear as a bell. A body matching hardtop which has been purchased by the most recent consignor comes with this car and installs easily with two people. 15-inch knockoff style wheel covers and wide whites complete the exterior outfit.

InteriorAwesome original door panels in black vinyl with plenty of horizontal ribbed aluminum which houses the window crank and gear shift styled knobbed door latch openers 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 3 chromed spoked drilled steering wheel. We get comfortable in the black vinyl bomber style low back buckets. The dash with its eyebrow design is painted black and has shiny bezeled gauges clustering in the round and all in front of the steering wheel. Black 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 Wonderbar radio, and a nifty aluminum plate that has 60's styled airflow levers, a large clock, (disconnected due to battery drain but it works), and a bottom wrap around shiny trim holding it to the carpeted hump. On the passenger side of the dash is the coved Jesus bar in black and white, ready to be grabbed when the driver goes into the turn (Jesus!). One of the niftier features of this car is the fiberglass molded tonneau cover for the top, which has coves that form to the back of the bomber seats. There is also a button to open the tonneau and put the top into it, as well as a vertical glove box which cascades to the center hump. All beautiful and comfy inside this example.

Drivetrain Coming from a few years prior to this car's manufacture date, (circa 1958), a 283ci V8 complete with the correct distributor, correct intake manifold, and just immaculate painting and detailing. Atop is a single 4-barrel carburetor and a Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission on the back of this beautiful and simply presenting mill. Power to the wheels comes by way of a 3.70 rear axle.

UndercarriageAll nicely painted black rust-free framing and floor pans there was never a doubt as to structural integrity. Engine bottom end looks just beautiful in the Chevrolet orange paint. OEM newer independent coil springs in front and leaf springs all rebuilt are on the rear of this car. 4-wheel drum brakes are also noted. A Gardner exhaust replaces the original and is excellent with no rust or holes.

Drive-AbilityExcellent 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.

One has to be attracted to this transition year Vette with the old style dual headlights non hidden, and the more modern shark like tail with the round lights and split rear bumper. A fine styling mix that you could say is shaken not stirred. Definitely worth a look and runs like a Swiss watch, on steroids.

VIN DECODE10867S1094501-196108-Corvette67-ConvertibleS-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant109450-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.