1961 Chevrolet Corvette

Description

Isn't technology great? Combining the traffic-stopping looks of a 1961 Corvette with the C4's fully independent suspension and powerful brakes, an injected LT1 mill, and a set of late-model Z06 wheels makes this stunning roadster more than a handful for anything else on the street.

If you want to stop traffic or take home trophies, this Corvette will do it. The original 1961 fiberglass was treated to a full cosmetic restoration to the very highest standards. That means no visible bonding seams, no cracks, and lots of laborious block sanding to get it ultra-straight. Interestingly, the color is from Mazda, something called Hot Red, but it sure looks great on the old roadster's crisp curves, and a lot like Anniversary Red from 2003. Whatever it's called, it looks fantastic and with two-stage urethane, that shine looks deep enough to swim in. The grille is from a '59, but the toothy countenance is a Corvette trademark and certainly looks right here. More stainless trim wraps around the side coves and highlights the rear end, which was a preview of things to come. "Fuel Injection" badges on the front fenders suggest there's more here than meets the eye, as does the lowered stance and those giant chrome wheels. But we'll get to all that in a moment.

Given this car's performance envelope, the stock interior is more than up to the task with supportive black leather bucket seats with custom embroidery on their backs. Factory gauges remain in the dash, although the tach has been upgraded to reflect the modern engine's wider operating band. The steering wheel is wrapped in black leather, too, and the cue ball shifter looks vintage but connects to a Tremec T56 6-speed manual gearbox. A/C was added so skillfully that it's almost undetectable at a glance and power windows have been stuffed into the doors. Interestingly enough, they kept the original Wonderbar AM radio, perhaps to enhance the illusion, and you'll get no complaints from me - this car's so much fun to drive, you'll forget to even turn it on. A black canvas convertible top is there for everyday use, and there's also a fully restored color-matched hardtop. The trunk is also beautifully upholstered in black carpet, since all pretense of originality is long gone anyway.

Underneath that vintage fiberglass, you'll find C4 Corvette underpinnings. That means a 300 horsepower LT1 small block, a 6-speed gearbox, and fully independent suspension with coil-over shocks. The engineering is impressive and the line between old and new so skillfully blended that it's hard to see where the two generations meet. Up top, the LT1 looks modern with its serpentine belt drive, aluminum radiator with electric fan, and lots of shiny chrome and polished aluminum. Underneath, the frame was painted black and with the Hot Red floors behind it, the show is worth crawling under to see. It was recently fitted with a fresh Magnaflow dual exhaust system that really cackles and there's a disc brake at each corner. Massive 18-inch wheels were borrowed from a 2006 Z06 and wear 245/40/18 performance radials all around.

Not quite designed to deceive, this is a potent sports car in its own right. Beautifully finished and expertly engineered, it's a no-compromises approach to performance that seems to make everyone happy. Call today!