1961 Chevrolet Corvette 283/230

The 1961 Corvette was an important transition model, with refinements characterized by Chevrolet as “new form and fineness for America’s only sports car.” The ‘61s brought exciting updates – the Bill Mitchell-designed “ducktail” rear end, for example – yet maintained traditional elements like the 283 small-block engine and optional two-tone paint schemes.

This Corvette – one of just 10,939 examples produced in 1961 – is equipped with the standard 283/230 hp engine paired with the optional four-speed gearbox and Posi-Traction rear end with 3.70:1 gearing. Meticulously restored and highly awarded, it is presented in the extremely rare and attractive color scheme of Sateen Silver and Ermine White over Roman Red upholstery, complete with a body-colored hardtop, white soft top, and tall whitewall tires. It is believed that this Corvette spent much of its existence in Texas, as three of its recent caretakers – Clarence Hylton, Brian Naquin, and William Usher – all resided in the Houston area.

While owned by Mr. Usher, an avid Corvette collector and NCRS Texas Chapter officer, this car was comprehensively restored to show-quality standards and campaigned at the highest levels of NCRS judging. Between 2003 and 2005, the ’61 Corvette earned four NCRS Top Flight Awards – including two at National events – with three outings resulting in 97.5+ point scores. These successful showings culminated in 2005 when the Corvette earned the Performance Verification award as well as the prestigious Duntov Mark of Excellence, the club’s highest honor. The following year, the Corvette won Best in Class at the Keels and Wheels Concours d’Elegance in Houston, Texas and was invited to take part in a special display of Duntov Award-winning cars at the NCRS Regional Judging meet in Waco, Texas. For the past seven years, this Sateen Silver Corvette has been maintained in a significant collection that includes at least one Duntov Award-winning C-1 Corvette from every year of production.

Beautifully presented, with less than 500 miles driven since restoration, this exceptional Corvette is offered with glove box paperwork and an original 1961 sales brochure, along with a reproduction window sticker. Also included is a file of documentation that contains judging sheets, award certificates, and assorted records. Possessing an outstanding show pedigree and tastefully finished in a rare factory color scheme, this magnificently restored ‘61 is a prime example of the late-production solid-axle Corvette.