1961 Chevrolet Corvette "Fuelie" Convertible

Description

This delightful Corvette is an attractive four-headlight C1, and as a 1961 model, it is the first year with the four taillight design that would become a Corvette hallmark through its succeeding generations. This Corvette is decidedly a driver’s car, featuring a 283 cubic inch V8 mated to a four-speed manual transmission, the preferred choice for exploiting the Corvette’s considerable performance.  Currently fitted with an Edelbrock carburetor and manifold setup for reliability, the Corvette was previously equipped with fuel injection, and a selection of 283/315hp “Fuelie” components are offered with the car today, importantly including a Rochester injection unit. 

The Corvette was built in the St. Louis plant mid-way through the 1961 production cycle, likely around March 1961. While its earliest ownership history is not known, a handwritten ownership history in the car’s file indicates that Bill Kingsbury of Valley Center, Kansas acquired the Corvette in September 1980 from a couple in Minnesota. Kingsbury stripped the car down to the chassis and performed a nut and bolt restoration which was completed in the fall of 1987, this work reportedly taking some 2000 hours. Photos in the accompanying file show the Corvette in restoration and the subsequently completed car on wire wheels at a show with its happy owner proudly displaying two enormous trophies. In 1988, after reportedly winning 26 trophies with the car, it would be sold to Bruce Brownson of Texas, later passing to the current California-based owner in the mid-1990s.

We are unfortunately unable to confirm the original delivery specifications of this Corvette in the absence of early documentation. We also point out, in the interest of disclosure, that handwritten history notes with the car indicate that numbers were “matched” during restoration, though it is not entirely clear what this means. An inspection of the engine revealed an engine casting number of 3756519, correct for a 283 block of the period, while the engine casting date observed and pictured in the gallery appears to be A 16 1. The engine number stamping pad observed on the right front of the engine bears a number stamping that has a CS suffix (283/315 hp). The Corvette was further noted to have a rear sway bar and traction bars, perhaps clues to its original spec. Intriguingly, a selection of rare and original 283/315 hp parts accompany the car, including a Rochester injection unit and Delco Remy distributor that are both unique to 315 hp models. 

Highlights

• Equipped with the preferred T-10 four-speed manual transmission

• Correct date coded 283 cubic inch small block V-8 engine

• Rochester fuel injection unit & 315 hp distributor included (not installed on car)

• Known ownership history back to 1980

• The subject of an extensive restoration completed in 1987

• Attractive Ermine White over Sateen Silver coves 

• Fitted with Jewel Blue upholstery, offered only on 1961 Corvettes

• Engine recently rebuilt by Jack Hunt Automotive 

• California car for the last 25+ years

Features

• "Knock off" spinner hubcaps

• Wide white wall tires

• White convertible soft top

• Three-spoke steering wheel

• Fuel Injection badging

• Analog clock

• Aftermarket Pioneer CD head unit

• Heater and defroster

• Chrome front and rear bumpers

• Dual exhaust outlets

• A full complement of gauges including central tach and 160 mph sweep speedometer

• Four-wheel drum brakes

Known Imperfections

• The paint is aging and shows “dimples” especially on the front end, and various other imperfections

• Dent in front grille central chrome trim piece

• Chipping paint on wheels

• Older Coker Classic tires

• The transmission has a slight leak

• Exhaust replacement was recommended at the last service

• Radio did not work

Included

• Pictured fuel injection components including 283/315hp Rochester injection unit

• Original 283/315hp Delco Remy distributor

• Wonder Bar radio

• Spare tire

• Various receipts dating back to the early 1980s

• Photos of 1980s restoration

• Invoices for recent work including 2021 engine rebuild

Ownership History

1970s – Believed to be in Minnesota and Pennsylvania

1980 – Purchased by Bill Kingsbury of Valley Center, Kansas from a couple in Minnesota

1988 – Purchased by Bruce Brownson of Texas

1996 – Purchased by current owner (SF Bay Area, California)

The Corvette has been lovingly enjoyed and maintained by its long term California enthusiast owner for nearly the last three plus decades, with much maintenance work entrusted to Jack Hunt Automotive in San Rafael, California. Recent major work included an engine rebuild in 2021, while other recent service items have included a rebuilt generator, new battery, fuel pump, and more. Today, the Corvette presents as a drivable, nicely mellowed older restoration that would be a perfect and usable choice for Sunday morning drives and Cars & Coffee get togethers.

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Group Car Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner for this vehicle.

Contact: David Swig Phone: 415.302.2247 email: david.swig@broadarrowgroup.com

Optional vehicle service contract available for $1,000. Learn more about the program here. *Sales tax may be applicable.