LT4-Powered 1961 Chevrolet Corvette Restomod

Description

The C1 Corvette transformed from a pretty poser to a competition contender in only 10 years. After the underpowered yet stylish 1953 model’s debut, the Corvette was given the groundbreaking small-block V8 in 1955, and a sexy new body in 1956. The 283’s power jumped to one horse per cube in 1957, and 1958 models got dual headlights and frame-mounted bumpers. Then in 1960, a privateer Corvette notched its first class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, declaring to the world that this machine could go toe to toe with Europe’s best sports cars.

The 1961 Corvette boldly looked to the future while honoring its past. This C1’s uniquely designed body featured a cleaner front end and grille; however, the reshaped rear wore new, recessed quad taillights. That rear was an early look at the timeless C2’s styling, with elements that remain even on modern-day Vettes.

This 1961 Corvette retains its timeless styling, but its performance is enhanced with modern components. The refinished body sits on an aftermarket chassis, and it’s powered by an updated drivetrain featuring a fuel-injected 1996 LT4 crate engine made for the 1996 Corvette Grand Sport.

Highlights 

• Classic C1 Corvette with a modern chassis and drivetrain 

• 1996 LT4 V8 rated at 330 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque 

• LT4 crate engine is one of 200 sent to SLP for a Camaro/Firebird project, but SLP didn’t use it 

• ZF six-speed manual transmission    

• Refinished in (741519) Dupont Blue By You with (745532) DuPont Silver cove 

• Wise Guys 1962 Corvette Red leather seats 

• Jim Meyer aftermarket Competition chassis 

• Vintage Air conditioning system 

• Street and Performance headers and chrome side pipes 

Features 

• 2,971-pound gross weight 

• 17x8.5-inch front, 17x10.5-inch rear Vintage Wheels wearing 255/50ZR17 Nitto Invo tires 

• Wilwood 11-inch, four-wheel disc brakes 

• Ford 9-inch rear end with 31-spline axles and 4.10 gears 

• Coilover shocks 

• Early-style finned Corvette valve covers 

• Aluminum radiator with electric cooling fan and overflow reservoir 

• American Autowire vehicle wiring harness 

• Street and Performance engine and ECM wiring harness 

• Power rack and pinion steering 

• Ididit steering column  

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel 

• Trunk-mounted fire extinguisher 

Known Imperfections 

• Three tiny paint bubbles behind driver side rear tire  

• Minor paint chip on rear edge of driver side door 

• Electronic speedometer bounces at first when car sits for awhile 

Included 

• Keys 

Ownership History

Consignor states, “I purchased all of the parts for this project, and did the assembly myself.”

Sales Tax Notice to Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia Bidders: Because this car is located in Florida, Hagerty Marketplace may be required to collect and remit Florida sales tax on your purchase, even if you plan to register it outside of Florida.  Unlike most other states, the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia may not provide a full credit against sales taxes paid to Florida.  For additional information, please consult this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Florida that are sold to residents of another state.