Driver Quality: 1961 Chevrolet Corvette
It’s refreshing to find an old, collectible car that’s not a 100-point, concurs restoration, or a mismatched collection of rusting parts that parades around as an intact classic. Take this 1961 Chevrolet Corvette for example. Owned by the same individual for the last 36 years, it has a lot of originality going on but it’s far from perfect – it’s just a neat, useable driver. Let’s examine this Portland, Oregon resident in detail, it’s available, here on craigslist for $49,750. T.J. gets a nod and a wink for this discovery!
We were nearing the end of the Corvette’s C-1 (’53-’62) production run when this example left Chevrolet’s St. Louis, MO assembly line – and that generation had a good run! The output for ’61 was about 10,900 units, similar to the ’60 volume, but ’62, the final C-1 model year, would actually see a 33% increase – buyers weren’t quite yet ready to close the door on the original Corvette generation. Also, 1961 would be the end of the Corvette’s use of the famed 283 CI V8 engine as the ’62 would incorporate the larger and more powerful 327 in both standard and optional guises.
The seller refers to this Chevy as possessing a “fantastic patina” but it’s really just standard age and use-related wear – to the extent that can be considered “fantastic”. The Ermine White finish is a little dull but it still presents very well, as does the stainless trim and chrome plating. The rear styling, which I think just makes the ’61 and ’62 ‘Vette, is a sneak peek at what ’63’s totally new Stingray would bring to the table. Nice to see are the original wheel covers that are still in place – it seems that it’s usually difficult to improve on what the original designer penned. The real advantage of a driver-quality car like this Chevy is that you can take it out, drive it, and enjoy it without having to worry about potential hazards i.e. nicks, chips, road rash, and bird poop, the things that can be inherent in a simple, enjoyable drive.
Occupying the engine room is the standard, and all original, 230 gross HP 283 CI V8 engine that is said to be part of a “good driver/good cruiser” experience. The mileage recording is 89K miles, and while there is no claim to that being the true mileage, it’s of little concern for a properly maintained 283 that hasn’t been abused. The only disappointment here is the transmission, it’s not only an automatic but a two-speed Powerglide at that, and a real wet blanket on any sort of “spirited” driving adventure.
Where this two-seater shows its age is inside. The seats, at least the seat bottoms, look worn out and wrong for this vintage ‘Vette. The seat backs seem correct but the bottoms look like they are “borrowed” 40-year-old, fold-up movie theater seats. And actually, the outside seam of the driver’s seat back looks as if it’s starting to go. The other area of concern, and it’s minor, is the carpet. My guess is that it was originally black nylon loop construction and that’s notorious for turning brown when faded. Of course, that’s part of the charm of a driver too – no worry about muddy feet. Finally, note the door jamb, black? Seems to me it should match the exterior hue.
Last up for consideration is the price. Doing some research, Corvettes of this vintage are all over the board, the price being ultimately dependent upon condition and equipment, of course. The ask for this car, considering its originality, seems to be in line. One remaining thought on that front, however, is whether the old slip & slide Powerglide will hold this one back, what do you think?
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Comments
“T.J.gets a nod and a wink for this discovery”.. nice wordplay on the Season, Jim!
A decent daily driver tho like you said the seats need some serious attention. This car would warrant a drive considering the transmission arrangement and if it seems lacking I’d consider a transplant to a manual gearbox etc were it an easy task without any cutting involved while keeping the original pieces available.
On another note, I too experienced the ominous “Page Not Found” when I clicked on the header, but FWIW it came back up when I “refreshed” the page.
I wouldn’t call the Powerglide “slip and slide” Agreed, GM keep them around too long, but they’re a durable, dependable transmission.
While I would recover the seats and replace the carpet, condition and equipment-wise this is exactly what I would be looking for if I were going to get an older Corvette. A little bit of work and a whole lot of fun. It would have been nice if the seller would have included some photos of the tags for decoding. This 61 would be a real conversation starter at any gathering. They didn’t make that many with the powerglide so that makes this one more appealing to me. Lots of abused versions are out there for those who want to endlessly row through the gears and lose street races against modern econoboxes. This is a Cruiser and I hope the ultimate buyer leaves it that way. As they say though, opinions are like elbows…. everybody has a couple.
There were no trim tags till 63, so the C1’s were harder to figure out what options they had, the tach redline can give you some kind of idea on the engine if the tach is original, the color was written in crayon on the trunk divider.
I had to sell a Jewel-Blue ’61 Corvette due to it’s 4spd manual trans. With both of my hips replaced, it was just too hard and painful to enjoy. I might consider one with a powerglide if they weren’t so hard (low) to get in and out of. Don’t downplay the importance of an automatic trans in these as I know many of us old-timers in my same position.
I hear you I have a 60 I’m able bodied and not that big a guy and I have a hard time getting in and out of it, I can’t imagine a big or impaired guy getting in and out one
I have one we put A 700R4 in.. works perfect and makes driving a pleasure to drive,,and nobody knows
I have a 1962 and I am 6.2 tall 205 so understand the comment about entering and exiting – /but what has worked very well for me is to enter Head first into the center turn and sit down then bring legs in and just reverse to exit.! Most everyone I show this to finds it eliminates entering and also exiting issues. Great autos, lots of fun driving and enjoying! Just allow extra time for interesting onlookers !
We have a ’60 with awesome body and paint but needed all new suspension front and back, tires and wheels and hub caps. Has at with powerside and 283
. On list is still wonderbar with Bluetooth and instrument cluster. Still fun to own a c1 classic!
Somewhat rough condition for the price tag. Too easy to find a better shape car for the asking price on this one.
I think the asking price is ridiculous considering the worn out condition of the car.
The price of this one brings up an interesting quandary.
It is close to the MSRP of a new Corvette – not that anyone ever pays only 60K for one. Which one would you choose?
I think that it would be great to own the ’61 – same year I was born – drive and enjoy it while slowly working on it to make it an even nicer driver – not a garage queen.
When you are done with it, the value will surpass that immediate gratification you could have had with the newer Vette.
Beautiful car!
I was lucky my first was a 60 Corvette. I have many since then. I lived 3 blocks from my high school and just had to have one. My dad purchased it for me back in 1969 for the amazing price of $1300.
Ha….decent driver. Far from it. I can just imagine the whole host of issues if somebody expected to buy that car for 50K jump in turn the key and start driving it around…won’t happen. That car mat condition isn’t worth more than 30k. Some of these people selling these cars are so delusional.. they live in Fantasyland.
Man m..61 vette..50k..for a 200 dollar 283 motor and a 150$worn out powerglide.tranny..how bout.those 75 buck.front seats..tough.on the gut…I guess I would have to pay extra for the home depot heater hose.on the side wall over there…I hardly see a 283 vette.takin.on anybody on the streets now full of 450 horse challengers…..really..it’s a old man’s creeper car..and I’m 65..I’d.rather have a 68 camaro with a 327 and a 4speed tranny..at least..I can jump em at a red lite..r
Not a Vette fan not worth 30 more like 3000.00 rather have a 63 El Camino
No ’63 El Camino. It ran from ’59 to ’60, and then ’64 to ’87.
JO