This is the kind of find any of us dream of coming across! It’s a low mileage survivor that has only had two owners since new. The second owner has had to do some work to it to keep it looking and driving it’s best, but it looks like you can jump in this Corvette and go! If you’d love to have it, you can find it here on eBay in Springtown, Texas with a current bid of $36,950 and no reserve.
The seller claims that much of the paint is original, but they admit that the side coves and hardtop have both been resprayed. That’s not the end of the world and I’m sure it cleaned the car up nicely. This color combo sure looks great!
Inside, we find what is believed to be the all original interior. It truly looks to be original but is in great overall condition. The carpets are a bit faded and the trim is showing some pitting, but those issues just tell this car’s story. I for one would love to hop into the driver’s seat and take this Vette for a spin.
The ad states that under the hood is a 327 V8, which is paired to a 4-speed. Perhaps the seller isn’t sure which engine this is or it’s been swapped out, as the 327 wasn’t introduced until 1962. The 283 was the only option for ’61. The casting number on the intake manifold suggests that this is a 4 barrel 283, but an inspection is definitely in order. The engine bay looks to be very original, but could definitely benefit from a good detailing.
It sounds like this car had been parked for a while when the second owner found it, as it required a fair amount of work to get it back onto the road, but most of the work was the typical service that a parked car requires. The only thing that doesn’t appear to be routine service was the front suspension rebuild, as it appears the front end has been lowered. It does give the car a more aggressive look, but I’d rather it be stock. So, what do you think of this Corvette? Is it really as original as the seller states? And if so, would this be the kind of find you’d want to own?
Nice car, however something doesn’t look quite right with the stance. Also looks like the drivers side door sags, or perhaps the front fender has been repaired. You experts out there need to give us the scoop. Good luck with the sale.
I’d suggest it’s the rear that has been raised, probably by the wrong length gas shocks. Nice car.
Shocks don’t support the weight of the vehicles standing ride height!
’58 to ’62 will always be my favorite Vette. I sure wouldn’t kick this one off my driveway. I would sure want to get the front end back up where it belongs. It looks like it’s sagging. 283 or 327, with a single 4 bbl carb would be just fine with me. Now I need to win the lottery and then take it for my bucket list trip down Route 66…
It’s a great looking car but somethings don’t seem right and are concerning. GuernseyPagoda is right about the door alignment and the hood alignment is off. Maybe easy fixes but maybe an indication of something more serious. A knowledeable inspection is in order before the cashiers check is tendered.
Shocks don’t support the weight of the vehicles standing ride height!
I usually don’t get real excited about Corvettes, but this one is the same year, I gradated from High school and just looking at it brings back, some cool memories. I also, don’t usually say ,I would leave a car alone. This one is an exception, other than driving and detaiing, I would touch anything. Maybe address some of the fit issues, I love the stance and could care less if, its correct 283 or a 327.
The stance looks right to me. The drivers door could use an adjustment (hopefully) to bring the front of the door up and the back of the door down. The hood/nose situation looks a little more problematic. It appears the nose has dipped down. I don’t remember what, if any, braces are under there. The trunk could use a minor adjustment, too.
All-in-all, a very nice car. I would expect it to hit $60k but there is only a day+ left.
A 1961 Corvette should have a 283 with power options ranging from 230 to 315 h.p. No 327 until 1962.
Beautiful car!! The only thing I’d do is take those ugly looking white walls off and put on some tires that belong on a sports car!!!
Perhaps the cove trim on the drivers door just needs to be aligned. The hood….now that’s another story.
I was waiting for the white wall comment.
Wide WWs were the style of the day. They look great on a ’53-’62 Vette & other 1950s GM cars.
As usual, it comes down to personal taste.
Everyone has pretty much covered everything I saw. I don’t think it would bring over 60 if it was a 327. You have to ask what happened to 283?
No lack of pictures. I think it is a 35/40 car at best without looking at it.
How do you wear out a front end with less than 40,000 miles. You have to inspect to see if it has been wrecked. Glass looks pretty good.
I have called to make appointment to see car, left message, no return call.
Ron did call me back and looked at car this afternoon.
Not sure it is a 283 however he did not represent it as one. F0504E should have more really doesn’t tell engine CI but only that it came from Flint Michigan May 4th. No more info. The block number on the rear of casting was not read. No surprises on the car, new top with good vinyl. It [body]does seem all out off alignment, hood, trunk doors however a body man should be able to sq it up. Amazing interior for age.Runs great, did not drive it on hwy. Should make someone a very good driver.Ron seems to be up front on this car.If it has 283 you could take to next level of retro
other wise a nice driver.
I have this same car… Looks like someone elses wife freaked out and almost demanded you put seat belts in it..hahhahah