1961 Chevrolet Corvette in Charlotte, North Carolina

Vehicle Description

SUMMARY

Received the NCRS Duntov Mark of Excellence Award in 2010 / 3-time NCRS Top Flight Award winner

3-time Bloomington Gold certified / Received the Vette Vues Magazine Tri-Power Award in 2014

Correct 283 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 / Dual-quad carburetion

Correct Borg Warner T10 4-speed manual transmission

Correct posi-traction rear axle

Sale includes all of the car's awards

Roman Red paint / Optional factory hardtop

Black vinyl interior / Black convertible top

Optional factory heater / Wonder Bar radio

15-inch wheels

There's really no such thing as an undesirable Corvette. But, in the name of variety, a lot of vintage Vettes have been transformed into insular hot rods that just aren't as cool as their pure, correctly restored peers. That's why this national award-winning roadster is so appealing. Built to be a correct small block curve carver, evidenced by its dual-quad 283 and tough T10 4-speed, it features a rich Roman Red over Black color combination that's both attractive and timeless. It's won pretty much every accolade you can think of, including a Vette Vues Magazine Tri-Power Award, three Bloomington Gold awards, three NCRS Top Flight awards and the coveted NCRS Duntov Mark of Excellence. And it is, after all, America's favorite sports car, which means there's a built-in level of style, value and exclusivity that most old school metal simply can't match. So, if you're in the market for a cool rendition of a pedigreed collector car, this incredible roadster could be the literal interpretation of your next classic!

BODYWORK/TRIM

This contoured Chevy's curvaceous body was massaged back to life during a thorough, body-off restoration. Like most C1s, the car was originally assembled at GM's new-for-1954 St. Louis manufacturing facility. And, like most restored C1s, its fit and finish presents much better now than it did 55 years ago. In fact, judging by the looks of this roadster's smooth profile, there's no evidence it has ever seen any kind of catastrophic damage. And today, layered in vivid Roman Red 2-stage, the car rolls as one spectacular classic that's superbly detailed.

Thanks to uniquely American aesthetics and an increasing focus on well-rounded performance, the '58-'62 Corvette presents a fluid yet detailed appearance. At the front of this polished and refinished drop-top, a textured grille floats between familiar T3 headlights, small, chrome-trimmed parking lamps and elaborate header ornamentation. In front of that grille, chrome nose guards reflect intricate bumpers, which bend around chrome-trimmed fenders that follow patriotic Corvette emblems with finned cove inserts. Between those fenders, a sculpted hood leads the eye to polished wipers, curved glass and fresh Black canvas that's supplemented by a factory hardtop. At the back of that hood, traditional door handles reflect a stylish driver's mirror. And at the back of those doors, Bill Mitchell's famous 'squatter' decklid hangs a bright Corvette roundel above chrome bumpers, a chrome tag frame and four familiar taillights.

ENGINE

Tilt this roadster's glossy hood and you'll find a 283 cubic inch, dual-quad V8 that proudly displays a correct 3756519 casting number. Consistently chosen over Rochester's much-hyped Ramjet fuel injection as GM's ultimate hot rod option, this stout small block is widely regarded as the starting point of Chevrolet's amazing performance legacy. The car's big 4-barrel carburetors, which breathe through a small, louvered air cleaner, funnel life in to a correct Winters intake. At the sides of that intake, correct heads hang finned Corvette valve covers over correct, fully restored exhaust manifolds. Behind those manifolds, a chrome-capped distributor sequences fire through chrome-sleeved plug wires. And in front of those wires, an aluminum, Harrison-branded radiator circulates coolant through pliable hoses and reproduction tower clamps. In addition to its killer powerplant, this Corvette offers a thoroughly detailed engine bay that's complete with an old school AC fuel bowl, a tagged Delco-Remy generator, a small Harrison expansion tank and a reproduction Delco battery. And the car's first-rate aesthetics, which mix smooth, Satin Black framing with a bright, Chevy Orange core, create great texture and excellent contrast.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Flip this C1 upside down and you'll find a sturdy, road-ready X-frame that's bolted to clean, correctly over-sprayed floors. Behind the motor, a stout Borg Warner 4-speed twists torque through a correct, posi-traction rear end. At the ends of the floors, a fully restored double A-arm front and solid axle rear suspension has been completely returned to factory specifications. At the corners of the car, standard drum brakes complement good handling characteristics with solid and confident stops. Exhaust is managed by big, true-dual pipes, which span a U-shaped crossover and glasspack-style mufflers. Power meets the pavement through standard steelies, which spin fresh 6.70-15 Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewalls around traditional stainless covers. And everything, from this Corvette's marked steering rack to its leak-free fuel tank, is fully sorted and ready to go.

INTERIOR

In keeping with this Vette's high performance theme, interior outfitting remains minimal. High quality restoration pieces provide long-term durability without sacrificing good looks. The car's textured seats, which are equipped with simple lap belts, still have years of life left in them. There's stain-free carpet that's protected by fresh, Corvette-branded floor mats. Front and center, stylish, retro gauges, a Wonder Bar radio and controls for an optional heater look great decorating Chevrolet's famous dual-cowl dash. At the middle of the floor, a petite chrome shifter is as handsome as it is stylish. In front of the driver, a speed-drilled steering wheel spins a glossy black rim around a polished cross-flag horn button. At the sides of the passengers, scuff-free door panels center perfectly placed armrests in pristine stainless trim. And, behind the retracted top, a fully restored trunk shows virtually no signs of wear.

AWARDS

Here's a quick look at this Chevy's long list of prestigious accolades.

NCRS Duntov Mark of Excellence Award

- July 17, 2010

NCRS Performance Verification Award

- September 17, 2009

NCRS National Top Flight Award

- July 17, 2010

NCRS Regional Top Flight Award

- October 17, 2009

NCRS Regional Top Flight Award

- April 25, 2009

Bloomington Gold Certification

- June 28, 2014

Bloomington Gold Certification

- June 24, 2011

Bloomington Gold Certification

- June 26, 2009

Vette Vues Magazine Tri-Power Award

- September 28, 2014

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING ACCESSORIES

The aforementioned awards

An NCRS tag

A Bloomington tag

In the modern collector car market, there is certainly no shortage of big block show queens and over-restored pro-tourers. That means sympathetically revitalized pieces like this national award-winning roadster could become increasingly rare. With its correct 283, tough 4-speed and detailed restoration, this is a highly authentic car that you can drive and enjoy just as Duntov intended. If that sounds like a good way to spend your Saturdays, pick up the phone and become the proud owner of one of Chevrolet's best!