1961 C1 Chevrolet Corvette Model Guide
History, Specifications, VIN, Options, Performance, & More
1961 Corvette Research
The Ultimate 1961 Corvette Database
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Everything You Want to Know About the 1961 Corvette, All in One Place.
By late 1960, the Corvette had demonstrated again that it was a serious contender on the race track, both in mainstream media and in the automotive marketplace. CBS television, in cooperation with General Motors, introduced the series “Route 66”.
(While it was common in that era for automotive manufacturing companies to sponsor television programming, this particular series featured a story about two guys who sought adventure in their shiny, new Corvette).
Bill Mitchell had begun the process of developing a prototype for an all new Corvette that would go on to become known as the “Mako Shark I.” He had also championed a team of Chevrolet designers in developing both cosmetic and performance upgrades to the existing C1 body styling.
With Corvette sales consistently increasing over the previous two model years, General Motors executives decided to review some of Mitchell‘s designs and made the decision to “green light” a restyling of Corvette for the 1961 model year.
1961 Corvette - The Ultimate Guide
The most pronounced of Mitchell’s changes was the introduction of a freshened rear end design. The “ducktail” design (as it has become known amongst Corvette enthusiasts) was virtually lifted from the Stingray race car as well as Mitchell’s XP-700 show car. From a practicality standpoint, the redesign of the rear end of the Corvette enabled an increase in available luggage space by twenty percent (20%).
1961 Corvette Special Editions
The Mako Shark Corvette was conceived and designed by Larry Shinoda under the direction of Bill Mitchell to provide GM’s VP of Design with a one-off concept/prototype intended to pre-showcase the as-yet-unreleased second-generation Corvette Sting Ray.
1961 Corvette Technical Research & Data
Dig into the numbers behind the 1961 Corvette and check out these hand-curated research papers and data-driven reports, including VIN information, production numbers, pricing/options, color samples, and more.
1961 Corvette Engines
Looking for information on the engines powering the 1961 Corvette? Look no further.
The Best Resource for 1961 Corvette News, Auctions, Reviews & Videos
Get all the latest news stories, upcoming auctions, prices, videos and more about the 1961 Chevrolet Corvette! The latest headlines here.
By 1960, Chevrolet became more committed to racing the Corvette, despite the 1957 AMA ban, which discouraged manufacturers from racing...
In this video Shawn Davis, the host of AutotopiaLA YouTube channel, meets up with his friend Paul Bosserman, the owner...
This 1961 Corvette Resto Mod by Gary’s Rods and Restorations of Watsonville, California seamlessly blends the classic styling of the ’61 Corvette with modern components for a fusion of ’60s allure and 21st-century performance. The car showcases a blue exterior with white coves complemented by blue leather upholstery. Under its...
Just before the end of 2023, CorvSport featured an interesting and eclectic collection of Corvettes owned by none other than...
First off, I’m sorry for the obvious “knock-out” pun, and I promise that for the rest of this piece, I...
Built by Billy Dawson’s Corvette Correction in Seguin, Texas, this car blends a pristine 1961 Corvette body with one of Dawson’s custom chassis. It’s powered by a 430-horsepower, 6.2-liter LS3 crate engine from a 2008 Corvette, paired with a six-speed manual Tremec transmission and a Dana 44 rear differential with...
Propelled by a 6.2L LS3 V-8 engine coupled with a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission, this 1961 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Custom...
The original Chevrolet Corvette, known as the C1, was produced from 1953 to 1962. In 1961, the model received a...
The Mako Shark Corvette was conceived and designed by Larry Shinoda under the direction of Bill Mitchell to provide GM’s VP of Design with a one-off concept/prototype intended to pre-showcase the as-yet-unreleased second-generation Corvette Sting Ray. Mitchell greenlit the XP-755 project in 1961 because he did not want to wait another two...
This 1961 Chevrolet Corvette has undergone a full fiberglass body restoration and now flaunts a stunning blue hue with silver...
This 1961 Chevrolet Corvette Gasser Resto Mod is based on a custom frame made by Nickey Chicago’s technical advisor, John...
Bring a Trailer is currently offering a 1961 Chevrolet Corvette at No Reserve with the auction ending on Wednesday, July 27. The 1961 Chevrolet Corvette example was refurbished in 2011 and its fiberglass body was refinished in red with white coves. It also has a removable white hardtop, wraparound split...
Here’s a stunning coachbuilt Corvette that you’ve probably never seen before!...
The 1961 Chevrolet Corvette Mako Shark (XP-755 Shark) show car was designed by Larry Shinoda under the direction of GM...
The XP-755 was designed and the prototype was built in the beginning of 1961. Bill Mitchell was very excited about the double-bubble roof, the side exhausts and rear. It is equipped with a single four-barrel carburetor that produces upwards of 425 horsepower. The Corvette XP-755 Concept had a streamlined design, pointed snout and outlandishly future looking elements everywhere. The 1961 Mako Shark I (XP-755) was an early concept.
1961 Corvette Restomod Sells for $352k at Mecum Poll any group of Corvette enthusiasts with the question “which is better,...
We were recently contacted through our “Sell My Corvette” portal with a Corvette that we think a lot of people...
Our team has scoured the web to find some great videos of the 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. The 1961 Corvette is America's ninth model year of the first generation of the Corvette and it was the beginning of a cult following.
We've scoured the web to curate the factory pricing, options, and interior/exterior color options for the 1961 Chevrolet Corvette.
Download this 1961 Corvette Dealers Sales Brochure for a quick look at the features of the car. America's Sports Gets A New Look. Take a classic sports car design. Give it tasteful new styling. That's Corvette in 1961. Starting with the sleek rear deck , it's clean, uncluttered...
