1961 Chevrolet Corvette: Design & Features - Classic Car History

1961 Corvette Browse the article 1961 Corvette

1961 Corvette

A freshened rear design was the most pronounced external change for the 1961 Corvette, a kind of "ducktail" design that had been lifted virtually intact from Mitchell's Stingray racer and also used on his XP-700 show car. Besides improved aesthetics, the new posterior brought a practical bonus: luggage space (such as it was) increased by around 20 percent. The new tail also sported a pair of small round taillamps on each side of the central license-plate recess, plus a modest longitudinal trunklid creaseline running through the traditional, big, round Corvette medallion. Simple chrome bumperettes bracketed the license plate, which itself gained a small "arch" bumper. And for the first time, the dual exhausts exited below the body rather than through it or the bumper guards.

The 1961 Corvette had a shapely new "ducktail" that mated
nicely with the existing four-lamp front.

On the leading end of the car, Mitchell crafted a cleaner version of the existing four-lamp nose. Headlight bezels were now painted body color, and the trademark vertical teeth were jettisoned in favor of a fine, horizontal-mesh insert finished in argent silver. The round medallion gave way to separate block letters spelling out the car's name, topped by a larger version of the Corvette's crossed-flags insignia. The 1961 would be the last Corvette available with bodyside coves in a contrasting hue, a mere $16.15 option that most buyers ordered. Even the fiberglass exterior's build quality was improved, as the car's fit-and-finish for 1961 was the best yet.

Carrying a base price of $3,934, standard features now included windshield washers, sunvisors, a thermostatically controlled radiator fan, and a parking-brake warning light. A heater was still optional for 1961, however, priced at $102.25. While air conditioning, power steering, and power brakes still weren't offered, the "Wonder Bar" signal-seeking AM radio remained available, as did the Positraction limited-slip differential, "wide" whitewall tires, electric windows, and the power-operated top. Nearly three-quarters of all Corvette customers that year gladly paid $188.30 for the four-speed manual transmission, which was now clad in aluminum, trimming 15 pounds from the car's heft.

Within the two-seat cockpit, the only change for 1961 was a narrower transmission tunnel that afforded a bit more interior room. Four interior color schemes were available: black, red, fawn, and blue.

The 1961 Corvette had a cleaner look that was appreciated by
buyers -- sales rose to nearly 11,000 for the model year.

Mechanically, the 1961 Corvette was much like the 1960 model. However, an aluminum radiator took the place of the previous copper-core unit, which not only improved cooling capacity some 10 percent, but weighed half as much as before -- which was another weight-saving improvement. Side-mount coolant-expansion tanks were added as a running change. Engine choices were basically carryovers. There were still five versions of Chevy's renowned 283-cubic-inch small-block V-8: 230, 245, 270, 275, and 315 bhp, the last two being fuel injected. The three-speed manual remained the standard gearbox but was now offered with a wider choice of axle ratios. Powerglide automatic continued as optional, but was now unavailable with the three hottest engines.

Even with the mildest 283 and Powerglide, the 1961 Corvette was quick by any standard: Magazine testers recorded 0-60-mph acceleration between 6.7 and 7.7 seconds. Top speed with the automatic was listed at 109 mph and was limited mainly by gearing. The four speed lacked the long-legged overdrive ratio of most modern five-speed manuals, yet many of the fuel-injected and twin four-barrel models could reach in excess of 130 mph.

Although Corvette didn't yet have an independent rear suspension like some costlier European models, this didn't seem to hurt the vehicle on either the street or the track. Testers sang the praises of the 1961's handling virtues, and almost none of them discerned any particular deficiencies. By the standards of that day, the Corvette was now one of the most roadworthy cars in the world.

Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:

1953 Corvette
1954 Corvette
1955 Corvette
1956 Corvette
1957 Corvette
1958 Corvette
1959 Corvette
1960 Corvette
1961 Corvette
1962 Corvette

Looking for more information on Corvettes and other cars? See:

• Corvettes: Learn about the history behind each model year and see Corvette photographs.
• Corvette Specifications: Get key specifications, engine and transmission types, prices, and production totals.
• Corvette Museum: The National Corvette Museum draws Corvette lovers from all over the world. Learn more about the museum.
• Corvette Pictures: Find pictures of the hottest classic and current-year Corvettes.
• Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.
  
• Consumer Guide Corvette Reviews: Considering a Corvette purchase? See what Consumer Guide has to say.

1961 Corvette Specifications

Small changes gave the 1961 Corvette a cleaner look and reduced weight. It was quick and powerful, with an official top speed of 109 mph (though many could reach in excess of 130 mph). Here are the specifications for the 1961 Corvette:

The three-speed manual gearbox was standard on the 1961 Corvette,
but was offered with a wider choice of axle ratios.

Vehicle Specifications
Convertible
Wheelbase, inches 102.0
Length, inches
176.7 Width, inches
70.4
Track, inches
front: 57.0 rear: 59.0
Height, inches
52.9
Curb Weight, pounds
3,108

Mechanical Specifications (2-door convertible)

Suspension
front: Independent; upper and lower A-arms, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs, antiroll bar, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers
rear: Live axle on semi-elliptic leaf springs, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers, trailing radius rods

Wheels/Tires
6.70x15

Brakes
front: 11-inch drum
rear: 11-inch drum

Transmission
3-speed manual (std)
4-speed manual (opt)
2-speed Powerglide (opt)

Standard axle ratio
3.70:1

Engine Specifications

Typeohv V-8ohv V-8ohv V-8ohv V-8 ohv V-8Displacement, liters/cu inch4.6/283
4.6/283 4.6/2834.6/2834.6/283Bore x stroke, inches3.875 x 3.003.875 x 3.003.875 x 3.003.875 x 3.003.875 x 3.00Fuel Management1 x 4-bbl. 2 x 4-bbl.2 x 4-bbl.fuel injection
fuel injection Horsepower @ rpm230 @ 4800245 @ 5000270 @ 6000275 @ 5200315 @ 6200 Torque @ rpm, pound-foot300 @ 3000300 @ 3800285 @ 4200290 @ 4200295 @ 5100

Published Performance Numbers

Acceleration
230 hp, 4-sp man.
315 hp, 4-sp man.
0-60 mph, sec
8.3
6.0
0-100 mph, sec
NA
14.2
1/4-mile, sec @ mph
NA
15.5 @ 106

Vehicle Production and Base Prices

Car Type
Production
Price
2-door convertible
10,934
$3,934.00

Options and Production

Option
Production
Price
Heater
10,671
$102.25
AM Radio, signal seeking
9,316
137.75
Positive Crankcase Ventilation
NA
5.40
Wheels, 15 x 5.5
337
0.00
Whitewall Tires, 6.70 x 15
9,780
31.55
Powerglide Automatic Transmission
1,458
199.10
Auxiliary Hardtop
5,680
236.75
Power Windows
698
59.20
Two-Tone Paint
3,351
16.15
245 hp Engine
1,175
150.65
270 hp Engine
2,827
182.95
275 hp Engine Fl
118
484.20
315 hp Engine Fl
1,462
484.20
Power Operated Folding Top
442
161.40
Positraction Rear Axle
6,915
43.05
4-speed Manual Transmission 7,013
188.30
Metallic Brakes
1,402
37.70
Heavy Duty Brakes and Suspension
233
333.60
Blackwall Tires, 6.70 x 15 nylon
NA
15.75
24 Gallon Fuel Tank
NA
161.40

Color Choices and Production

Color Choice
Production Color Choice
Production
Tuxedo Black1,340
Fawn Beige
1,363
Honduras Maroon 1,645
Roman Red
1,794
Ermine White3,178
Sateen Silver 747
Jewel Blue
855

Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:

1953 Corvette
1954 Corvette
1955 Corvette
1956 Corvette
1957 Corvette
1958 Corvette
1959 Corvette
1960 Corvette
1961 Corvette
1962 Corvette

Looking for more information on Corvettes and other cars? See:

• Corvettes: Learn about the history behind each model year and see Corvette photographs.
• Corvette Specifications: Get key specifications, engine and transmission types, prices, and production totals.
• Corvette Museum: The National Corvette Museum draws Corvette lovers from all over the world. Learn more about the museum.
• Corvette Pictures: Find pictures of the hottest classic and current-year Corvettes.
• Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.
  
• Consumer Guide Corvette Reviews: Considering a Corvette purchase? See what Consumer Guide has to say.