Used 1961 Chevrolet Corvette

1961 Chevrolet CorvetteThere is no doubt that in the history of American cars, there are few vehicles more beloved than the Chevrolet Corvette. And of that car's 70 year production run, the second generation of the C1 Corvette with its distinctive deviating color side coves stands head and shoulders above as one of the most recognizable and desirable cars period. In 1961, Chevrolet was beginning the development of the C1's successor which would become known as the Stingray and the Mako Shark concept that much of the Stingray's design was based off of, was already making the rounds at auto shows across the US. In an effort to breathe a bit of life into the C1 Corvette during its final two years of production, Chevrolet incorporated some small design elements from the Mako Shark into the car for 1961 and 1962, to get people excited for the upcoming model. The most notable of these is the more heavily sloped rear end with two taillights per side- a design cue which went on to become a Corvette hallmark that is still used on the brand to this day.This 1961 Corvette is a great example that has been made more enjoyable by a number of upgrades under the skin, leaving the classic shape intact while adding both reliability and performance. Finished in Roman Red with a white cove, the car presents exceptionally well with bright chrome work all the way around the car and its original polished hubcaps that are paired to thin whitewall radial tires. This Corvette was purchased out of Ohio by the consignor in 2020 and, upon taking delivery, underwent a thorough sorting at Prova Motorsports in Seattle during the fall of 2021.But in this Corvette, it's what's under the car that separates it from the rest and makes it a truly exceptional driver's car. Starting up front, the largest motor you could specify for your Corvette from the factory in 1961 was a 283 ci V8- although it was a fantastic performer in the day, time has moved along. In place of that 283 ci engine sits a GM Performance 350 ci V8 that produces 290 horsepower and is equipped with a Holley 4bbl carburetor, ceramic coated Hooker headers and HEI performance ignition. This combination makes great power and adds reliability to the already great looking package. Backing that up is a 5-speed Tremec manual gearbox with a hydraulic clutch, aluminum flywheel and Hurst shift linkage that makes for extremely positive shift feel and the extra gear up top means that highway cruising is a breeze. With the aforementioned modifications, it makes sense to upgrade the suspension too- front and rear swaybars have been added along with rack and pinion steering, adjustable shocks and the replacement of all suspension bushings around the car. For increased reliability, the original generator was swapped out for an alternator and up front, an aluminum radiator keeps the car cool on the hottest days.The interior of this Corvette presents very nicely in red to match the car's exterior. One of the best things about this generation of Corvette is the aircraft inspired interior layout with its large, space aged looking gauge pod, molded into the dashboard and paired to a large bump-out in front of the passenger with a grab handle for when the road gets twisty. Stainless steel is used as an accent throughout the inside to continue with that futuristic feeling and in this particular car, looks great against all of the red.What makes this Corvette so desirable is that, unlike many modified cars from the 1960s, you still get the same experience from behind the wheel as you would have had back in the early 60s, but everything is just a bit better. Many people go overboard with the modifications adding modern engines and transmission and wild suspension setups that transform these classics into completely different cars. Anybody who sees this car driving by will have no idea that its anything but a stock example, but you get to enjoy the extra performance and reliability every time you get in and turn the key.Watch a Walkaround video here...Important Upgrades * 350ci V8 * Holley 4bbl Carburetor * HEI Ignition * Ceramic Coated Hooker Headers * Finned Aluminum Corvette Valve Covers * 5-Speed Manual Transmission * Aluminum Flywheel * Hurst Shift Linkage * Aluminum Radiator * Front and Rear Swaybars * Ride-Adjustable Shocks * New Suspension Bushings * Rack and Pinion Steering * Alternator ConversionFor more information on this 1961 Chevrolet Corvette or any of our 100+ High-Performance, Exotic and Special Interest cars always in stock, contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable sales consultants or always feel free to drop by our 40,000+ sq ft of Indoor Showrooms in Bellevue, WA - Home of an Exciting Inventory of Luxury, Exotic, High Performance and Collectible Automobiles. With 150+ Always On Site, Nobody Has What We Have!