Custom Color: 1961 Chevrolet Corvette – Sold?

December 4, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Rare is the opportunity to feature a driver quality C1 (1953 through 1962) Corvette sourced from a Craigslist ad. 1961 saw Chevrolet launch the two round tail light Stingray design that would remain the brand’s signature design language through the mid-2000s. Coming across this driver-quality 1961 Chevrolet Corvette originally listed in October 2021 on Craigslist in Akron, New York (Buffalo) was a nice change of pace. Equipped with a 283 cubic inch small block V8 connected to a four-speed Muncie that transfers the torque through 3:73 gears, the current caretaker of the past ten years says he doesn’t use the car enough anymore and wants to find someone who will.

Featuring a new interior, wiring harness, and a spare dual quad intake, the private seller is currently asking $60,000 or best offer for his 1961 Corvette. Comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their Corvette priced between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $50,900 and its #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $86,400.  Similarly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #2 “Very Good” estimate of $62,000 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $85,000.

Chevrolet stylists completely redesigned the rear end of the 1961 Corvette with a stylish near “duck tail” featuring four simple round lights. Engineers relocated the exhaust tips to underneath the rear bumper rather than integrated inside it. Upfront, a more modern billet-style grille replaced the teeth design of prior cars. While engine choices were carried over from the prior year, a new cross-flow aluminum radiator improved cooling.

The Charles Phoenix Joyride YouTube Channel features this 1961 Corvette with an interesting history:

With so many (we’d argue too many) of these first-generation Corvettes over-restored to the point the owners feel they can no longer use them, it’s nice to come across one you can actually drive and enjoy. You’ll need to ask the seller more about the exterior color combination as it’s not a factory combination.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Up for sale is my 1961 corvette. I have owned it for 10 years. The past few years I have only driven it about 1000 miles.So I have decided to sell it. This car is a nice driver and is very dependable.

The engine 283 cast date E 31 1 the block 3756519 the serial number 10435
4sp muncie transmission
3:73 rear axle
New interior, wiring harness, chrome, and more.
Everything works except the clock and the windsheild squirts.
I have a 2×4 setup that came with the car other than that I dont know much about it
I’m asking $60000 or best offer”

Show or go: what would you do with this 1961 Corvette?  Comment below and let us know!