Changes to the 1961 Chevy Corvette were minimal as the car entered its ninth year of the first generation. An all-new Corvette was underway for a 1963 debut, so the most noticeable change for ’61 was a new rear styling treatment featuring four taillights. The seller’s ’61 convertible may have had some work done, but it’s a big project for the next owner to tackle. Located on the back of a trailer (is the seller a flipper?), this ‘Vette is in Lexington, Virginia, and the opening bid of $10,000 has yet to be cast. That’s here on eBay, where a reserve is also in place.
The 283 cubic inch V8 was still the only powerplant offered in the Corvette in 1961. The 327 wouldn’t arrive until the following year. We’re told the seller’s car has a 283, but it’s not original and is rated at 230 hp with a T-10 4-speed manual transmission. No mention is made of the Chevy’s running condition, so we assume it is not. The front brakes have been converted to disc brakes, and there is a new “ws” (anyone know what that means?). Perhaps windshield?
According to the seller, the frame has been “done,” but the fiberglass body will need some attention. We’re told the doors are “wrong” (not ’61 doors?), and there is no top or deck lid (though we see one in the photos). As such, this is a DIY project, and the seller suggests it could be a good candidate to set up for vintage racing. Total Corvette production for the model year was just under 11,000 units.
Besides the rear styling update, other changes were minimal. An aluminum radiator was now standard. The dual exhaust was modified to exit from under the rear bumper instead of being integrated into said bumper. We don’t know how complete this Corvette is, but a lot of work and expenses lie in the buyer’s future. Do you think it’s worth saving?
My dad bought a brand new 1961 Corvette 283/315 FI and 6 months it was stolen from LaGuardia Airport in Queens NY. He recovered the car and put a 409 from a wrecked Impala, into it. He street raced it for many years and never lost. My dad died in 1968 and mom sold the car. I always wonder where that car is today……….
LaGuarda airport… Funny my parents had a pizza parlor by the airport back around 74′ Vila Bella Pizzeria. Once the working crews at the airport knew of the place we were slammed with orders.
You oughtta search on some Vette forums. Get the word out. With that combo of a ’61 w/ a 409 put in, probably be a 1 of 1 after market! You never know!
Probably stored away somewhere. I have a similar story. My mom and dad had a 61 Vette, white with gray coves. I have 2 black and white pictures of it. I was born in 64 and my first ever ride in a car was in that Corvette on moms lap when they brought me home. Dad traded the car 3 months later for a 62 Scout. I often wonder if it’s still alive tucked away 🤔
Here’s your next gasser project!
Wonder if the previous 356 and this guy know each other?
They probably know each other . Nice.
YES!
Very poor ad for a parts car. Certainly not a viable restoration “project” or even for further desecration as a Modo-Thingo. A shame, really.
choices…. this or the sellers ’65
one of 11000 they will never make any more . if i had the garage space i would love to get this back on the road .
Data plate/vin source?
Poor baby gonna need a lot of love.
Corvette’s are my passion, have been since my first one in ’67, but lets be realistic, this baby isn’t even a parts car. That being said, it will not surprise me if someone with more money and time on their hands than common sense buys it.
(Please accept my apologies in advance if that poor soul is you. I know first hand how passionate these things can make someone)
I’d get it running and drive, drive, drive. I love the look as is.
Paging an opthalmologist….
RAT ROD IT .
lot of work here. real shame somebody did this to it.
Ain’t enough left….
I think some people look at this vette and would love to see the transformation no matter the cost, I don’t think it’s not they have any brains, I think they just have the money plain and simple and a deep passion for corvettes to save this one.
When does passion become insanity? It’s a fine line that I believe can easily become blurred.
Ain’t nobody done nothing passionate yet. This pile of parts and junk is still for sale. Maybe it’s got a clean title but the seller hasn’t mentioned anything about it.