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Known History! 1961 Corvette Cruiser

Contrary to alternate opinions, some cars improve through deviations from stock. Witness this 1961 Chevrolet Corvette in Colorado Springs, Colorado. During a lengthy tenure with its current owner, at least two major overhauls notably improved its performance. Anyone who enjoys power will appreciate the modestly-built 350 cid (5.7L) small-block V8 and four-speed manual transmission over the original 283 cid (4.6L) version and three-speed. These and other changes also liberate the buyer to write the next chapter of this car’s story without feeling like they’re abandoning the careful curation of a museum-quality survivor. Click Buy It Now here on eBay and, for $40,000, you can enjoy it immediately or make it over with your own cash and creativity. Update:  This vehicle has been relisted here on eBay.

What began life as a white car with red interior became this Forest Green gem with black interior. For a while it ran with a 301 cid V8 sporting 1961 factory fuel injection!

The instrument pod bristles with post-war optimism, while the platter-sized semi-circular speedometer begs you to “bury the needle.” Sure, the upholstery looks like ’80s K-Mart, but that’s easily fixed. Besides, if you need immaculate or correct seat covers to enjoy a Corvette, you’re missing the point. For you I suggest a Corvette made by Matchbox or Revell.

Red paint cleverly disguised the Edelbrock Victor Jr performance intake manifold. Check out the fuel pressure gauge, perhaps left over from the car’s days of fuel-injection. A Holley 650 “Double Pumper” (mechanical secondary) carburetor atomizes the fuel today. The seller recommends new tires as these were fitted some 20 years ago. I volunteer to melt them down to the cords before you chuck ’em out. What’s your vision for this Chevy’s next makeover?

Comments

  1. Avatar TimM

    Really cool!! Like the color but when I first saw it I kind of cringed but after checking out the pictures it’s kind of growing on me!!

    Like 2
  2. Avatar ccrvtt

    Not sure on the color. Looks like Old Ford Green to me. Not as bad as some others I’ve seen. I had a Mustang in this color. Maybe paint the coves silver for a little contrast.

    Those stupid chrome rear rims have to go. I admit I’m a fan of slotted dish mags, but with chrome center caps and 5 studs on the left front wheel.

    You’d think someone asking $40 grand for a car would at least invest the $2.79 at Advance Auto Parts for 1 wheel stud.

    On the other hand, the general rattiness and road scars belie a car well-loved and used for its original purpose. It’s been hot-rodded in (mostly) all the right ways. At first glance the wrap on the steering wheel looks a bit nasty, but it’s threaded on and obviously enthusiastically used.

    Yes, I’ve just talked myself into believing it’s worth the ask. Lord, let me win the lottery tonight…

    Like 4
  3. Avatar chrlsful

    “…I suggest a Corvette made by Matchbox or Revell…” @ least Todd hit my price range…but this one’s (if it only had the earlier “I-tailian” rear) sure got me stretchin !

    Like 3
  4. Avatar Troy s

    Built to be driven with ear to ear grins. And heard.

    Like 4
  5. Avatar Camaro Joe

    For sure it’s meant to be driven with gusto. It should be a wicked ride with that motor and those gears. I hope it goes to a good home at the right price, but it’s a late 1960’s hot rod and only worth the asking price to a few people. I hope the seller and the car finds that guy.

    The Corvette purists aren’t going to be impressed, and it’s probably too much money for anybody building a Resto-Mod to pay the price. Personally I like “Day two” or “Five years in” cars. I have a 69 Z-28 Camaro, numbers matching, 49,000 miles. It still has the Moroso Cool Can under the hood (pack it with ice and it keeps your drink cold while you’re changing plugs) and the towing lugs for the tow bar that used to tow it to RIchmond Dragway. The front spoiler hides the towing lugs, but I can point them out at a show if anybody asks. I hope the right 1960’s hot rodder shows up and buys it.

    Like 5
  6. Avatar 71FXSuperGlide

    Looks like someone pulled the BIN trigger. Priced right apparently.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Steve R

      No, it was just re-listed for the 4th time. It keeps ending in the $32,000-$34,000 range, but hasn’t met reserve.

      Steve R

      Like 3
  7. Avatar lbpa18

    Id put old body colored steelies on there and drive her hard as a daily driver.

    Like 2
  8. Avatar jeff Member

    This months Hemmings Muscle has a GREAT article/Articles on Corvettes…..I would hope the BIRD cage is solid on this one………..Rust the killer of old corvettes

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Karl

    You know it would sure be a fun driver, I haven’t seen a cool can in 35 years. The owners seems a bit vague on what’s been done with the engine, the fact it’s got a Victor Jr and a 4777 Holley makes me think there more here than meets the eye? Generally when I use carb/intake combination like that there is a set of good heads, a sizable hydraulic or full roller cam in it and the bottom is built to support some RPMs. Then on the other hand the owner just thinks it’s a cool carb?

    Like 0

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