The C1 (first generation) of the Chevy Corvette continued into 1961 with the biggest change being a switch to twin taillights in a boat-tail rear-end. Nearly 11,000 copies would be sold that year, a record that would be broken just the following year. This ’61 ‘Vette was treated to a mostly cosmetic restoration by a prior owner, but more is needed along with some attention on the mechanical side. Located in Miami Beach, Florida, this red roadster is available here on eBay where the no-reserve auction has reached $25,100.

As the 327 cubic inch V8 wouldn’t come along until 1962, the 283 engine still continued to power the Corvette. A variety of versions were offered, from a single 4-barrel carburetor to dual-quads or fuel injection. We assume the seller’s car had a single carburetor from the looks of the intake manifold. The engine wears new paint, but there is no indication if it’s been gone into, and most all of the accessory pieces have taken flight (what you see is what you get; there is no treasure trove of parts that go with the car).

As the story goes, the previous owner started to restore the Chevrolet. and – except for the top and glass – most of it may have been completed. The hardtop is present, but no mention is made of the convertible portion of the Corvette. It has a 4-speed manual transmission whose condition will need verification, but the seller says the car rolls and steers which is important for transport. The red interior matches the exterior and the Corvette also has contrasting white paint in the cove areas, which would be the last year for that treatment.

If you decide to buy and complete this project, you’ll need to build an inventory of what’s there and what’s not. Fortunately, most of the parts for these C1 Corvettes can be found, so taking this car across the finish line should be doable in just a few weeks or months. That is if none of the bodywork or paint has to be redone.