1961 Chevrolet Corvette 4-Speed

Description

The 1961 model year brought a substantial restyle to the first-generation Corvette, including a sculpted "ducktail" rear end with quad round taillights, a fine horizontal mesh grille in place of the earlier chrome teeth, and exhaust outlets relocated beneath the rear body. It was also the final year the 283ci V8 headed the Corvette lineup before the 327ci arrived for 1962, as well as the final year for contrasting-color side coves. All 1961 Corvettes were built as convertibles, with buyers able to choose from several versions of the 283ci V8 as well as three-speed manual, four-speed manual, and Powerglide automatic transmissions.

This Corvette is finished in Roman Red with Ermine White side coves over red vinyl upholstery and a white soft top. It is powered by a 283ci V8 equipped with dual Carter four-barrel carburetors and paired with a four-speed manual transmission.

According to the seller, who has had the car since October 2021, this '61 'Vette received a frame-off refurbishment by Harmony Corvette Restorations of Marengo, Illinois, which included stripping the body and replacing the front nose section. The exterior was refinished in its factoroy colors by Black Jack Autobody of Burlington, Wisconsin, in 1993, and Harmony's reassembly work is documented by invoices from 1994.

Later engine work included a replacement block and cylinder heads sourced from Classic Engine Company of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in 2008, a carburetor rebuild by Bob Kunz Automotive of St. Louis, Missouri, and machine work and long-block assembly by Bob's Machining of Harvard, Illinois, in 2011. The transmission is also said to have been rebuilt and various interior trim pieces replaced, and the exhaust system, suspension components, gauges, and lighting were replaced as well. More details regarding the work are provided below.

This 1961 Chevrolet Corvette is now offered with partial service and refurbishment records, the removed Wonder Bar radio, and a clean Illinois title in the seller's name.

Highlights

• Refurbished by Harmony Corvette Restorations of Marengo, Illinois

• Roman Red with Ermine White side coves over red vinyl upholstery

• 283ci V8 with dual Carter four-barrel carburetors

• Four-speed manual transmission

• White convertible soft top

Factory Equipment

• Quad headlights and round taillights

• Wraparound windshield

• Full wheel covers

• Red-painted dashboard with padded upper section

• 160-mph speedometer

• Console-mounted clock

• Heater with defroster

• Three-spoke steering wheel with Chevrolet Corvette crossed-flags horn button

Modifications

• Replacement 283ci block (casting 519, date-coded F91) and 692-casting cylinder heads sourced from Classic Engine Company of Oshkosh, Wisconsin (see 2008 documentation in gallery)

• Aftermarket AM/FM cassette head unit

• Comp Cams camshaft kit and Eagle connecting rods

Servicing and Documentation

According to the seller and the accompanying documents, the following work was completed:

• Whitewall radial tires installed (2025 date codes)

• 2011: 283ci V8 machined and assembled into a long block, including a .040" overbore, a crankshaft ground .010"/.010", reconditioned cylinder heads, balancing, Eagle connecting rods, and a Comp Cams camshaft kit

• 2008: Dual Carter WCFB carburetors rebuilt by Bob Kunz Automotive

• 1994: Frame-off refurbishment completed by Harmony Corvette Restorations of Marengo, Illinois

• 1993: Exterior refinished in Roman Red and Ermine White Sikkens paint by Black Jack Autobody of Burlington, Wisconsin

• Four-speed manual transmission rebuilt by Hummel Auto

• Interior replaced using Al Knoch Interiors components

• Exhaust system replaced

• Shocks and suspension components replaced

• Rear frame crossmember shackles replaced

• Gauges and lighting replaced

• Clock rebuilt by Craig's Clocks

• Documentation includes invoices and estimates from Black Jack Autobody (1993), Harmony Corvette Restorations (1994), Classic Engine Company (2008), Bob Kunz Automotive (2008), and Bob's Machining (2011)

Known Imperfections

• Detailed images showing the vehicle's condition can be found in the photo gallery

• Various paint chips, bubbles, and soft top wear

• Wear on seat upholstery

• Discolored carpets

Ownership History

The seller acquired this '61 Corvette in October 2021.

Included Items

• Removed factory radio

• Partial service and refurbishment records