1961 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster

LMC proudly presents for sale this 1961 Corvette Roadster.

Chevrolet Corvette (C1) is the first generation of the now classic Corvette sports car produced from 1953 through ‘62. It is commonly referred to as the "solid-axle" generation, as the independent rear suspension did not appear until the 1963 Sting Ray. Designed by the legendary Harley Earl and re-engineered by the famed Zora Arkus Duntov these Corvettes were well received by the public as America’s sports car and developed into a formidable competitor on the track. In ‘58 after the Ford Thunderbird left the two-seat sports car production to Corvette it received body and interior freshening which included a longer front end with the then-obligatory quad headlamps. The 1961 model year featured many significant design features such as the debut of the new boat-tail design later used on the C2, the new four taillights that continues to this day, the last year for contrasting paint colors in the stylistic cove areas and last until the two-tone ’78 Corvette. Many car enthusiasts think all Corvettes came this way but in fact this was the RPO 440 Code. A $16.15 option on 3351 of the 10,939 cars produced for 1961 but only 429 were in the Black/Silver. Performance was once again supplied by several versions of the iconic 283 V8 and horsepower ratings for the dual-four barrel engines did not change but this was the last year of their availability.

A 1961 Chevrolet advertisement captured the imagination of the prospective Corvette buyer stating ‘new form and fitness for America’s only sports car’ to ensure the Corvette enthusiast appreciated the changes. Today the ’61 Corvette is the model year of choice by many because the styling features the front end quad headlights combined with the cleaner lines of the boat-tail that reflects styling of the C2 Vettes.

This absolutely gorgeous and beautifully restored 1961 Corvette is finished in gleaming Tuxedo Black with Sateen Silver coves.  It is complemented by a Roman Red interior with a new black convertible soft top. This Vette was built in the last month of production coming from GM’s St. Louis line in July 1961. Optioned with the numbers matching 283-cid 270HP V8 with dual four-barrel carburetors and backed by a 4 speed manual transmission. Outfitted with a Wonderbar radio, heater, the correct high horsepower 6500 redline tach, spinner hubcaps and wide whitewall tires.

General Motors ’61 Corvette advertisement - ‘If you wanted a Corvette before, there’ll be no holding you now!’- a message that captured Corvette enthusiasts back in the day and no doubt appropriate today with this fabulous 1961 Corvette Convertible.