1961 wasn’t exactly the best year in Corvette’s history, as the production numbers barely improved from the previous year. Chevrolet produced 10,939 units, all in the convertible body style, because this was still the only available version.
The biggest change in the new Corvette happened in the rear, where Chevrolet addressed a problem already causing frustration in the Corvette customer base. The carmaker moved the location of the exhaust.
The previous model years came with the exhaust integrated into the rear bumper, and while this approach made the car sportier, it caused massive problems in the long term because of the smoke coming out of the exhaust. Chevrolet moved the exhaust system under the car, so the 1961 Corvette comes with a clear bumper that’s also likely to be clean.
A 1961 Chevrolet Corvette that recently made its way to eBay courtesy of seller arminhott87 is one of the most gorgeous projects I’ve seen lately. It looks incredible, and its dirty secret is hiding under the hood where everything needs to be redone.
Let me start with the good side of the story and tell everybody that this Corvette looks delicious. It really does, as everything is nearly spotless. The interior is incredible, the paint is mesmerizing, and the body is perfect. I’d say someone restored this car but couldn’t finish the project, and now the mechanical part is the only job left before the Corvette becomes a collectible.
The owner does not provide such information, saying the car has “nice paint and nice interior.” They claim it needs a complete restoration, though it’s obvious they’re only referring to the part hiding under the hood. The engine doesn’t start and run, so you must find a good mechanic to help bring this Corvette back to the road.
The owner didn’t share too many specifics, as they decided to let the photos speak for themselves, but the mechanical part is so mysterious that the only way to tell if this Vette is worth your money is to inspect the car in person.
However, the vehicle has already attracted the attention of tens of people on eBay, so the auction recorded close to 40 bids in just a few hours online. The amazing interest in the Vette shows that people are impressed with the looks, so I don’t expect the car to remain available for too long. Especially because the auction comes without a reserve, that is, so the highest bidder can take it home.
The top offer at the time of writing is $24,350, but the price will certainly go up significantly as we approach the end of the battle. The Corvette sleeps in Miami, and you’ll need a trailer, considering the non-working condition.