1961 Chevrolet Corvette C1
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Highlights
• A beautifully presented and comprehensively restored example
• Only three owners since new including only two owners in the UK
• Large amounts of paperwork covering restoration and original paperwork from the car's life in the USA, Florida.
The Background
The Chevrolet Corvette represents the original American sports car and amazingly, is the world’s longest-running, continuously produced passenger car. The first Corvette C1 rolled off the production line in 1953. Chevrolet only produced 300 cars in the first production run and of those only 183 were sold.
The C1 struggled to attract buyers until Chevrolet finally installed their 4.3-litre V8 to give the Corvette the sports car performance it was crying out for. Over the next few years the Corvette goes from strength to strength with horsepower increases across the board. The C1 received a re-design in 1958 and by 1961-62 Chevrolet was ready to wave goodbye to the first generation of the now incredibly popular sports car.
The final swan song of the C1 undergoes another design tweak to the rear of the car and it receives the Corvettes most powerful engine of the generation, a 5.4 litre V8 that now pushed out an eye widening 360 horsepower in its most sporty configuration. The Corvette would continue to bewitch the world through its next generations and even now as we begin to see the new C8 generation it still represents the sporting prowess of American cars.
The C1 struggled to attract buyers until Chevrolet finally installed their 4.3-litre V8 to give the Corvette the sports car performance it was crying out for. Over the next few years the Corvette goes from strength to strength with horsepower increases across the board. The C1 received a re-design in 1958 and by 1961-62 Chevrolet was ready to wave goodbye to the first generation of the now incredibly popular sports car.
The final swan song of the C1 undergoes another design tweak to the rear of the car and it receives the Corvettes most powerful engine of the generation, a 5.4 litre V8 that now pushed out an eye widening 360 horsepower in its most sporty configuration. The Corvette would continue to bewitch the world through its next generations and even now as we begin to see the new C8 generation it still represents the sporting prowess of American cars.
The History
This 1961 Corvette spent the majority of its life in its birth country of the USA in Tallahassee, Florida. The car was imported to the UK in June 2016 and was purchased from the first UK owner by the current owner in 2019.
Since being in the current ownership the Corvette has undergone significant restoration work including but not limited to, full respray, all new interior, new chrome-work and a host of engine updates. After being kept dry-stored in the garage and covering minimal miles the current owner has decided it is time to move this beautiful C1 on to its next appreciative owner.
Since being in the current ownership the Corvette has undergone significant restoration work including but not limited to, full respray, all new interior, new chrome-work and a host of engine updates. After being kept dry-stored in the garage and covering minimal miles the current owner has decided it is time to move this beautiful C1 on to its next appreciative owner.
The Paperwork
The Corvette comes with a large amount of supporting paperwork that includes many receipts and invoices covering the original ownership in America.
The paperwork includes the latest MOT certificate from 2021 as well as several past MOT certificates. Also included is a large amount of receipts from Corvette Kingdom covering most of the replacement parts for the restoration and engine work.
There is the invoice for the full interior re-upholstery and an extensive breakdown of the work carried out on the car by APH Classic Car restoration. Alongside the physical paperwork the current owner also has a large amount of digital paperwork that will be available for the next owner.
The paperwork includes the latest MOT certificate from 2021 as well as several past MOT certificates. Also included is a large amount of receipts from Corvette Kingdom covering most of the replacement parts for the restoration and engine work.
There is the invoice for the full interior re-upholstery and an extensive breakdown of the work carried out on the car by APH Classic Car restoration. Alongside the physical paperwork the current owner also has a large amount of digital paperwork that will be available for the next owner.
The Interior
The interior styling of the C1 Corvette is a huge feature of these fantastic cars. The design is just as eye-catching today as it was in 1961 and this C1 features an interior that is in excellent condition. The leather seats look fantastic, freshly re-upholstered and trimmed in the two tone red and white. They show very little wear with no marks or tears.
The dashboard leather is clean and mark free and the painted sections are bright and show no sign of wear. The Corvette features new carpets throughout that are still in excellent condition and there is a brand new steering wheel that is in immaculate condition with no crack or damage.
All the buttons and switches are present and in perfect working order as well as the radio which is also working. Overall the interior of the Corvette is in excellent condition showing very minimal signs of use.
The dashboard leather is clean and mark free and the painted sections are bright and show no sign of wear. The Corvette features new carpets throughout that are still in excellent condition and there is a brand new steering wheel that is in immaculate condition with no crack or damage.
All the buttons and switches are present and in perfect working order as well as the radio which is also working. Overall the interior of the Corvette is in excellent condition showing very minimal signs of use.
The Exterior
The exterior of the Corvette is also in excellent condition overall. The bodywork shows no signs of dents or damage and the current owner has had the doors rehung to better tighten up the panel gaps on the car. The Corvette has recently undergone a full respray that has been carried out to a very high standard.
The white base with silver scallops gives this Corvette a subtle but incredibly stylish finish. The paintwork condition is excellent, showing incredibly little wear. All the rubber seals of the car have been replaced and the chrome-work has also been replaced. The chrome is bright and shows no signs of pitting and only minimal marks.
All the wheels are in excellent condition and show no signs of curbing or damage. The Corvette has also had a brand new front plate holder and benefits from fully LED lighting for both headlights, side lights and rear lights.
The white base with silver scallops gives this Corvette a subtle but incredibly stylish finish. The paintwork condition is excellent, showing incredibly little wear. All the rubber seals of the car have been replaced and the chrome-work has also been replaced. The chrome is bright and shows no signs of pitting and only minimal marks.
All the wheels are in excellent condition and show no signs of curbing or damage. The Corvette has also had a brand new front plate holder and benefits from fully LED lighting for both headlights, side lights and rear lights.
The Mechanics
The Corvette benefits from the biggest engine given to the first generation of the model, the 327 cc, 5.4-litre engine. Lifting the iconic hood reveals the 327 in all its beauty.
The engine bay is incredibly clean and the work that has been carried out is clearly to a very high standard. The current owner has had a host of engine work completed to make the C1 more modern and easier to live with. This work includes but is not limited to: a new four barrel Holley carb, all new hoses, a new manifold, recored radiator, refurbed generator and starter motor as well as new electric power steering, electric ignition and fuel pump.
The current owner has also had the entire underside of the car wax oiled and has had a new exhaust system installed to make the most of that heavenly V8 engine note.
The engine bay is incredibly clean and the work that has been carried out is clearly to a very high standard. The current owner has had a host of engine work completed to make the C1 more modern and easier to live with. This work includes but is not limited to: a new four barrel Holley carb, all new hoses, a new manifold, recored radiator, refurbed generator and starter motor as well as new electric power steering, electric ignition and fuel pump.
The current owner has also had the entire underside of the car wax oiled and has had a new exhaust system installed to make the most of that heavenly V8 engine note.
The Appeal
This 1961 C1 Corvette represents a fantastic opportunity to own one of the last hurrahs from the distinguished first generation of the Corvette, America's sports car! The C1 Corvette is a car whose beauty is like that of a fine wine, it only seems to get better with age. And this example has become most palatable indeed.
A big block Chevrolet V8 with that exquisite 60s styling and an interior to match make this an American dream not to miss out on. With the restoration work carried out by the current owner this C1 wants for nothing but it’ll surely give back smiles per gallon, not just for those on the inside but for everyone that it drives past too!
A big block Chevrolet V8 with that exquisite 60s styling and an interior to match make this an American dream not to miss out on. With the restoration work carried out by the current owner this C1 wants for nothing but it’ll surely give back smiles per gallon, not just for those on the inside but for everyone that it drives past too!
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1961
- Make Chevrolet
- Model Corvette
- Colour White
- Odometer 69,840 Miles
- Engine size 5700
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Somerset
- Country United Kingdom
50
bids
- ki•••• £76,500 09/01/22
- Ia•••• £76,000 09/01/22
- ki•••• £75,999 09/01/22
- ki•••• £75,500 09/01/22
- Ia•••• £75,000 09/01/22
- Ia•••• £74,500 09/01/22
- ki•••• £74,000 09/01/22
- ki•••• £73,500 09/01/22
- Ia•••• £73,000 09/01/22
- Le•••• £72,500 09/01/22
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