Corvettes are some of the most consistently collectable cars of all, but some are obviously more desirable than others. There are collectors who seek rarity and pedigrees, while others simply appreciate Corvettes for their intended purpose: the joy of driving. Having fun behind the wheel is the Corvette’s sole reason for existing, and for many, the first generation “solid axle” cars are the ideal blend of style, performance, and unique feel that makes them stand out among their peers. They’re old, which is part of the appeal, but they’re also competent enough to run with some of today’s finest hardware, a rare combination indeed. If you’re not looking to go to car shows and display papers, this awesome 1961 Corvette delivers a fantastic Corvette experience in the purest sense: on the road.

The color is Honduras Maroon, the third most popular color in 1961 and it’s easy to see why. Not quite burgundy, there’s a hint of brick red in it and that makes it stand out. Although most restored ‘Vettes you see have contrasting side coves, that two-tone treatment was actually a $16.15 option that this particular Corvette didn’t receive and we like the purity of the look it has today. 1961 was also the first year for quad taillights, a look that continues to this day, and the dramatically new rear end previewed things to come. The fiberglass on this lovely roadster is in fantastic condition with no evidence of previous repairs or other issues and the fit is better than it should be on a car (especially a Corvette) of this age. You’ll note that the doors fit flush all the way around, the hood is even with the nose, and even the trunk lid is pretty darned good. The crease that defines the all-new rear end is almost sharp enough to give you a paper cut and there’s a deep shine that suggests someone invested a good deal of time and effort in the final finish. There’s also nice chrome, including the bumpers, the blacked-out grille, and lovely stainless trim surrounding the side cove, trim that would disappear the following year. This is a Corvette that looks right.

The interior is low-key about the modifications, sticking to original-style reproduction seat covers, new carpets, and correct door panels with a slash of bright anodized trim. Look a little closer, however, and you’ll discover a custom steering wheel wrapped in black leather—it looks stock but it’s a little smaller in diameter, which pays big dividends in terms of getting comfortable behind the wheel. A modern A/C system has been discreetly tucked under the dash with clever eyeball vents. Better yet, the system uses the original heater controls for a very slick installation. Factory gauges monitor the engine and they’re all fully functional except the tach, which seems to need a new drive cable (it broke on the way to our shop and should be an easy fix). The original Wonderbar AM radio is still in the dash and the 4-speed Hurst shifter is just as slick as you remember. Solid axle Corvettes also include a good-sized trunk, with this one being fully upholstered in matching black carpets. It also includes both a new black convertible top and a removable hardtop that was restored with the rest of the car.

This car is affordable both because of and despite the 350 cubic inch crate motor under the hood. Drenched in chrome and Chevy Orange paint, it would be easy to dismiss this as a poser, but the sucker runs and runs superbly! With a 4-barrel Edelbrock carburetor, it lights off instantly and idles well after a few seconds of warming up, and it pulls with a ferocity that the original 283 never could have managed (those extra 67 cubes certainly don’t hurt). The original ignition shielding covers a distributor with electronic guts and there’s a modern alternator making the electricity. A new radiator, upgraded cooling fan, modern A/C components, and original “ram’s horn” exhaust manifolds round out an engine bay that’s built to run but doesn’t mind going to the show.

The chassis is driver-grade, but that’s what this ‘Vette was built to do, so don’t blame it for not wanting shiny, perfect, over-restored floors. The frame is correct satin black and the front suspension has been augmented with rack-and-pinion steering that’s not only effortless but tracks like a cruise missile. There are also front disc brakes that are a nice improvement over the original drums and the polished stainless steel exhaust system sounds fantastic without getting annoying on the open road. New shocks all around give it a comfortable, capable ride and it sits on right-sized 215/75/15 whitewall radials with factory hubcaps for a period-perfect look.

This is not a Corvette for purists, but then again, I don’t think most Corvette fans demand perfection. Instead, it is tastefully and thoughtfully modified to make it a superior driving specimen, enhancing what was already there without altering the basic feel. That’s the right way to do it and this beautiful convertible just nails the look and is simply joyous to drive. For a C1 to not feel ancient is quite an achievement. Call today!