UPDATE – We featured this Corvette back in May when it was being offered in Ohio by a different seller. It’s been relisted, here on eBay, in Dexter, Michigan with a BIN of $36,500 by a different seller. They claim they purchased it with plans to swap an LT4 into it, but decided they couldn’t bring themselves to cut up a numbers matching fuelie, so they decided to move it along to someone that wants to restore it. They’ve provided lots of detailed photos for a better look at the car’s overall condition, so be sure to give it another look!
FROM 4/2/2021 – Chevrolet might never have seen a better return on their advertising dollar than through the television series Route 66. Though Tod and Buz began their travels in a 1960 model, the real star of the remainder of the first season was the 1961 Corvette. This example from Galena, Ohio, is available here on eBay for $34,900. Many thanks to Lee Shabe for the tip!
A bit of useless trivia: although the cars used for publicity stills were often red, there was never a red car on the show itself: the color didn’t photograph well in black-and-white. Instead, lighter colors like blue, and later, beige, were used– another similarity with this car, which appears to have left the factory in wearing Jewel Blue with white coves. The engine, which is out of the car, bears the correct date and serial number, although the heads are not original. The four-speed manual transmission (which is technically in the car) also seems to be correct. The front fiberglass has been replaced, however, with no explanation as to the reason. The seller describes the frame as solid, though with the replaced fiberglass it might pay to take a look under the car. Finally, the hood, although original, has been modified.
Although the seller reports limited rust, the interior will require a complete restoration. Fortunately most of the critical components seem present; even the Wonderbar has remained in place. The car comes with both the factory hardtop and a soft top, which likely needs replacement since the car also comes with a second soft top in a box. If it’s not pictured though, it’s not included: meaning that the buyer should budget for several pieces of replacement trim. Fortunately, these should all be readily available through the robust network of suppliers keeping these cars on the road.
In total, this machine presents a lot of potential. It needs a lot to get back out on the street, including rear bumpers and the fuel injection unit. But restored to original, the blue-and-white would be a striking combination in a sea of red or black C1’s. And when it comes to adventure and excitement on the Mother Road, well, this would definitely fit the bill.
Speaking of Route 66, has anyone here ever heard anything definitive about what ended up happening to the cars used in the filming of this great series?
Has anyone ever come forward and said “This one was used in Season two?”
Just curious. Keep in mind, we are talking about many more than just one Vette.
Yea I think it was a 59 or 60 shows up on Adam 12 at times . It is blue.
That does makes sense, Martin Milner was in both shows. Maybe he owned the blue Vette ? If you watch the series, quite a few cars pop up in different episodes.
I saw two of the route 66 TV show cars in the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green Kentucky. The older one was light blue and the newer one was tan.
Wow. Another mess of a car that the seller wants all the money in the world for…Another person who ‘knows what he has.’ This is a hard pass for my bucks.
If I want to go thru years of pain and tears and money, well guess I could just stay married.
Thanks but no thanks.
“The true value is only what someone is willing to pay for it.”
However when the car is finished it could be sensational
Good question, but I would be concerned about being able to verify the history of a car claimed to be from a TV series from 60 years ago. Just the same it is nice to think the Vettes from that show were saved and preserved. But you never know.
Ralph, Nowhere in the EBAY listing is it claimed that this ’61 was in the Route 66 show. This would be a nice car for a C1 lover to tackle and refresh over time providing their pockets are deep enough, too bad the Fuelie unit is MIA.
’56/60 is “my” model, just pre-duck tail (as this one). This still has the great dash (both sides).
Another car close to me that I would be interested in (for 15-20k). TV connection with no proof is valueless, the FI Unit will be expensive to source. The body off restoration, complete interior, engine and tranny rebuild, chrome etc is instant under water. Only way this works if you go for a one of a kind restomod (transvestite car). Otherwise just buy a fully restored one for 60-70k and enjoy it day one.
Not clear if original Rochester F.I. comes with sale. Could affect value a lot.
My uncle bought a new 61 and ordered it with the low HP engine (which had a bit more torque) and a 3 speed box. Go figure!
Doe this model have a birdcage ?
no, w-shld frame comes off
It’s amazing what someone will pay for something like this but at least they get a new convertible top.
To me, it doesn’t look like a bad car for the money…..IF….it’s a real fuelie car. Fuelie’s came with a 6500 RPM redline tach, but this car has the low horse, 5500 redline tach. The lack of any broach marks on the engine stamp pad, is a concern too.
Even if it didn’t turn out to be a fuelie car, it looks pretty complete, leading me to believe the price isn’t to far out of line.
The round logo on front is NOT 61 trim. Many many $$$$ to get back to the original look
for another 5 K,you could buy a decent car..another jackass
please.
stock restoration.
no resto-mod or other garbage.
and loose the cheesy 60’s custom hood.
good “labor of love” car for someone with Corvette restoration skills, but likely not a viable investment at this price.
it’s the second ambitiously-priced project ‘Vette this year from my ancestral homeland of central Ohio…….
please.
stock restoration.
no resto-mod or other garbage.
and loose the cheesy hood.
Strictly a “labor of love” project for an experienced Corvette restorer at this price. Make a realistic offer assuming it is non-fuelie and Route 66 provenance cannot be documented.
Second ambitiously-priced ‘Vette this year stashed in a small village in central Ohio……
This car was ridden hard and put away wet. I suspect that it is really rusty being from Ohio where road salt is king. I would not be tempted at half the bid price. I sold a base 1961 Corvette for $2100. in 1966 while working as a car salesman in California. The house made $700. on the deal. Times have changed.
correct comments on year 59-60 not a 61, front end emblym is wrong.
I keep seeing people talk about being a TV car. No one is claiming this to be a TV car. It’s only being compared to a well known TV car.
Color, and Tail lights say 1961. Front panel is removeable with a wood chisel, and steady hands. grille is 61. If it has papers, and the price comes down, I would look, it would be nice next to my other Jewel blue and white 61.
IMHO, you would need to have a corvette savvy bodyman to take look and offer an opinion . Do be concerned with the frame, regardless of what the sellers claim. For what its worth, I saw 3 complete Fuelie units at the spring Carlisle swap last week, didnt price them. One of he manufacturers makes an electronic fI unit that Looks like the original somewhat. Good luck, know what you are buying and stay safe.
Why can’t the seller just be honest and admit he/she bought the car to flip.
Wonder if he decided to pass it on when he checked the vin against the title?
Another pig in a poke. The starter on the floor of the car along with hood parts and other misc. parts, no fuel injection and the wrong heads. Its dash is missing the clock and other parts. You can buy a driver for less. Looks like this owner took a look and said not for me.
1 yr too late (C duck tail on the back) ’56 – 60 R only ones to have. Still got the nice driver’s binnacle and a cove dash on pass side tho. As sacrilegious as it is: I’d put the Blue Flame in any ’56/60. All said on 1st pass a mo ago.
No interest in any provenance, ever, any item (“but it wuz in xx race”; “but Mr xx owned it” etc). Aunt the dealer warned me, I still don’t listen.
Pile of over priced junk.