Peeking out of this workshop is a project car that could prove to be extremely rewarding. It is a 1961 Corvette, and while its restoration has stalled, the owner supplies many of the parts needed to return this classic to its stunning best. This includes its original dual-quad carburetors and intake, which would give this gem power to burn. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Gunter K, who has once again demonstrated the ability to spot great classics for us. The Corvette is located in Gibbstown, New Jersey, and is listed for sale here on Craigslist. This package, including all of the parts, could be yours for $35,000.
There’s a bit to digest with this Corvette, so let’s get started. It rolled off the line as 1-of-1,794 wrapped in Roman Red paint. As part of the restoration, the owner has had the panels professionally stripped so that we can get a clear look at the fiberglass. It looks pretty good, with no major flaws for the buyer to tackle. There are a few imperfections, but these shouldn’t present an enormous challenge. The same is true of the factory hardtop, while the bows and frame are present for the buyer to supply and install a soft-top. Diving under this ‘Vette, the frame has a heavy coating of surface corrosion, but I can’t spot any evidence of penetrating rust or accident damage. Addressing the corrosion would be a priority. With the car dismantled to its current state, that would provide the perfect opportunity to follow the frame-off route to ensure that the corrosion never has the chance to graduate to full-blown rot. The wheels currently wear dog dish hubcaps, but the owner includes the full wheel covers in the sale. Most of the remaining trim is present, and many pieces have recently returned from a trip to the platers, where they have been returned to their former glory. With a new windshield rounding out the list, this project seems to have plenty of positive points.
This photo shows us some of that glorious chrome and many of the new interior pieces the owner purchased for this project. If the buyer reapplies Roman Red to the exterior, the Red interior trim will look stunning. It seems that virtually everything is present to make the interior appear factory-fresh. It includes the seats, the upholstered pieces, a new dash pad, and a matching Red carpet set. Once the panels and paint are complete, dropping this lot into place should be a rewarding task for the buyer to undertake. There could be a few minor pieces that they will need to source, but what is there would break the back of this part of the restoration process.
If there is one disappointing aspect of this Corvette, this would be that it isn’t numbers-matching. It seems that the Posi rear end is original. While the engine and transmission both feature 1961 date codes, neither is native to this car. The engine is a 283ci V8, and the transmission is a four-speed manual. The specifications of the V8 are a mystery, but it does feature this Corvette’s original dual-quad intake and carburetors. The health of the drivetrain is unknown, but with both the engine and transmission currently out of the car, it provides the ideal opportunity to inspect things thoroughly. That way, any remedial work can be undertaken, and everything can be meticulously detailed before it is slotted back into place. With the dual-quad setup bolted to the 283, the buyer should have at least 245hp available under their right foot. That’s enough to launch the ‘Vette through the ¼ mile in 15.7 seconds. That all sounds pretty good to me.
Some readers will look at this 1961 Corvette and might think the asking price is relatively high for a partially dismantled project car. However, this doesn’t seem the case from where I sit. I admit that returning the classic to its former glory will take some commitment, but most of the pieces to that puzzle seem to be present. It will never be a numbers-matching classic, but it could still be a stunning refurbishment when the work concludes. If the buyer commits to performing the work to a high standard, it is a car that should command a value beyond $70,000. If it were numbers-matching, that number could have jumped into six-figure territory. If we take that lower figure as an accurate guide, that still leaves around $35,000 in the bank before the financial viability of this restoration would come into question. Would that be enough to tempt you to tackle this project?
Seems like there’s a lot there for the money.
And a ton of work to be done.
No doubt but it seems like it’s mostly there and it seems (to me) like the seller is leaving meat on the bone for the next person
I feel it is a good 10k overpriced: it has a period correct non-original motor, unknown level of rust on frame (from limited photos) that will need blasting/repair/coating/reassembly, need rebuild suspension, fluid lines, paint, complete assembly and acquire all unknown missing parts.
Lets face it! On its way to $100k unless you think you can handle the resto in your basement by yourself. So let the fun begin? The money isn’t important its the satisfaction and enjoyment of the process. By the time its finished , devalued dollar it might be worth $200k?
I think this would soon turn into a “labor of love” instead of a sure fire financial gain.
Very cool car though, and I am glad it will be saved
If I could put it in my garage and since it’s not original, I’d love to put a mildly built 327 in it to spin that four-speed and Posi rear end. I guarantee you I’d love it!
John, I did with my 60 Vette. Stock looking from all appearances, but a year ago I dropped in a 327, bolted up the stock two four set up. I did put headers on it as well. Beautiful to look at and the added HP feels nice under the right foot.
GONE.
This is what 35K gets you in a C2 Corvette in 2021.
still nice grill & interior but 1-yr-wrong rear (this, 1st of the duck’s a$$) so a pass.
chrlsful, love the duck butt on the 61 and 62 Vette with the 61 being my favorite as the last year for the painted coves. There’s unfortunately still too much money out there chasing too few classic cars or this one wouldn’t have gone for so much. When people finally wake up to that, a lot of guys who recently bought overpriced cars will be selling them again after the new wears off for a lot less than they paid for them.
I’m curious to know if the extra carb is worth the trouble and expense? It appears to me to be about the least reliable and needed upgrade. I never had much luck making them work. For me, it was either good at idle or good at wide-open. Uni-Syn didn’t help. Considering a larger single Holley and good headers with an electric fuel pump and a mild manifold was my preferred method – in 1968. As Hunter said – worked for me.