283 Dual Quad: 1961 Chevrolet Corvette

By the time 1961 rolled around, the Chevrolet Corvette had cemented its spot in the American new car marketplace. This was a badge that had been threatened with extinction only a few short years before, but increasing sales saw it go from strength to strength. Today, the C1 Corvette is a staple of the classic car scene, and spotless examples will always command plenty of attention when they hit the market. Ten years have passed since this award-winner received a meticulous restoration, and it can still turn heads today. The owner has decided to part with the Corvette, so he has listed it for sale here on eBay. It is located in Fraser, Michigan, and the owner has set the BIN at $89,900.

Chevrolet offered a limited selection of two-tone paint combinations in 1961, and this car is 1-of-385 to roll off the line wearing Ermine White with Silver coves. The vehicle underwent a complete nut-and-bolt restoration in 2011, and it still presents superbly a decade later. The owner says that there are some minor blemishes in the paint, but these don’t show in any of the supplied photos. An indication of how well this car presents can be gained by looking at its achievements since the restoration work was completed. It has served as a display vehicle for Maguires and Summit Racing at the Autorama, and that honor isn’t afforded to any old car. The owner says that it has also won numerous awards, and I find this easy to believe. The fiberglass is free from stress cracks and crazing, and there’s no evidence of any rust problems. The Corvette comes with a Jewel Blue soft-top, as well as a White factory hardtop. The soft-top raises an interesting point because it may not be the original color. The reference sources that I have indicate that only Black or White was offered in the 1961 model year combined with Ermine White paint, although this car may have been some form of a special order. The chrome and trim appear to be flawless, as is the glass.

It is no surprise to turn our attention to the Corvette’s interior and find that it is as beautiful as the rest of the car. It is trimmed in Jewel Blue, and it wouldn’t be stretching things to describe it as flawless. I don’t know how many miles have rolled under the tires since this Corvette returned to active service, but I suspect it won’t have been many. There is no visible wear on any of the upholstered surfaces, while the carpet is in as-new condition. The dash is a thing of beauty and remains exactly as it would have looked the day that it rolled off the production line. This is about more than mere looks, because every item, including the Wonderbar radio and the often troublesome clock, works as they should. There have been no aftermarket additions, and I can’t see why the buyer couldn’t walk away with a collection of trophies if they entered this classic in car shows.

When the Corvette first hit the market in 1953, potential buyers were underwhelmed by its specifications and its performance. Where the majority were expecting a hard-edged sports car, what they received was a vehicle with a six-cylinder engine under the hood that was backed by a 2-speed Powerglide transmission. When combined with the poor build quality of early examples, it almost sounded the death knell for the Corvette. However, things had taken an enormous leap forward by the time this car rolled off the line in 1961. Gone was the adequate six-cylinder engine, and the V8 now ruled the roost. In this case, we find the mighty 283ci motor equipped with the Dual Quad setup that produces 270hp. All of those horses are fed to the 3.55 Posi rear end via a 4-speed manual transmission, and the Corvette now held the performance credentials that had been lacking in earlier examples. Point this beauty at a ¼ mile, and the journey would be over in 15.6 seconds. If the driver were willing to keep the pedal to the metal, that glorious V8 would run out of breath when the needle was nudging 133mph. Those figures made the Corvette a seriously fast car back in 1961, and it could rightfully wear the tag of a genuine sports car. This Corvette is a numbers-matching car, and apart from an aluminum radiator, it remains as it was when it left the factory. The owner doesn’t indicate how well it runs or drives, but you would have to think that the news would be pretty positive when you look at its history and overall presentation.

This 1961 Corvette has so much going for it, and I believe that its new owner will be able to drive this classic with their head held high. Its presentation is superb, and its drivetrain combination offers the promise of an enjoyable driving experience. The owner indicates that he has recently slashed the asking price significantly. When you consider this vehicle’s overall condition, history, and mechanical specifications, the BIN price looks pretty competitive. I suspect that a new owner won’t be far away for this beauty, and I have to admit that I will feel a touch of envy for that person. Will you, or do you plan on being that person?