1961 Corvette
The main noticeable change introduced into the body styling of the 1961-1962 Corvette was the alteration of the back of the car from a rounded slope to a more pointed edge. This change was the first small taste of the radically different Sting Ray styling which would be introduced in 1963. A refined, thin vertical and horizontal bar grille and "duck tail" rear treatment with four cylindrical taillights quickly set the new '61 Corvetter apart from its predecessor. The exhaust now exited under the car, rather than through bumper ports. Seven exterior colors were available: Black, white, red, maroon, beige, blue, and silver. 51% sold came with detachable hardtops and 64% had the optional 4 speed. This was the last year wide whitewall tires were available. 0-60 with the 315 horsepower motor came in just under 6 seconds.
The black and white Corvette in my photo gallery has a 283 cu. in., 245 h.p. V8 engine with dual 4 bbl. carburetors. The car has a 4 speed manual transmission and has been owned by the same individual since 1970!
Factory Price: $3934
Overall Length: 177.2"
Wheelbase: 102"
Width: 70.4"
Hight: 51.5"
Engine: 283 cid V-8
Compression: 9.25:1
Carburetor: 4 Barrel (standered)
Dual 4 Barrels (optional)
Fuel Injection (optional)
Horsepower: 230@4800rpm
245@????rpm (optional)
270@????rpm (optional)
275@????rpm (fuel injection)
315@????rpm(fule injection)
Transmission: 3 Speed manual
4 Speed manual (optional)
2 Speed auto (optional)