1961 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Fuelie – NCRS Award Winner

This gorgeous 1961 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Fuelie is one of only 1,462 produced with the 283/315hp fuel injected V8 engine. This example was correctly restored to show quality standards and has achieved a NCRS Top Flight Award scoring 98.2 points. The NCRS owner’s card, NCRS judging sheets, and NCRS Top Flight Award are included. A total of 10,939 Corvette Convertibles were produced in model year 1961. Of those, only 855 were painted Jewel Blue, a color exclusive to 1961. Of those, only 1,462 were equipped with the 283/315hp fuel injected V8 engine.

The exterior styling was facelifted for 1961. It was the first Corvette without heavy “teeth” in the grill area. The forward headlight bezels were painted body color. The rear was completely restyled with four taillights, now a Corvette tradition but a new look for 1961. This was the last year for use of 283ci engines in Corvettes. The example was originally ordered with a Jewel Blue solid color exterior and blue interior. It features a black soft top and a body-color auxiliary hardtop with a stand for storage.

This example was the product of a complete frame-off restoration from 2012 to 2015, carried out by Dave Evans of Evans Investments in Blue Springs, MO. The restoration was performed using an NCRS 1961-1962 Corvette Technical Information Manual and Judging Guide, which is included. The restoration was done with an open checkbook and miscellaneous receipts are included. Upon completion, the car was purchased by Jack Wallace, an NCRS member from Missouri, who earned the NCRS Top Flight Award on April 15th, 2017. Jack sold the car in 2018 to Rocky Boler, a collector from New York, who displayed the car proudly and drove it seldom. After eight years of ownership, the car has accumulated only 125 miles since restoration.

Exterior

The body was stripped, prepped, and painted in its original Jewel Blue. The body is extremely straight with excellent gap lines throughout. The high show quality Jewel Blue paint looks amazing and the car was outfitted with a new black soft top that is easy to operate and fits nicely. It is also equipped with a painted hardtop that fits well. The front windshield and door glass were replaced with new date-stamped glass which is crystal clear.

Everything on the exterior was restored or replaced new, including the glass trim, wiper arms, driver’s side mirror, hood trim, front grill, T3 headlights, front bumpers, front license plate assembly, body moldings, door handles, gas cap cover, tail lights, rear bumpers, and emblems. The car rides on correct style 15” steel wheels painted body color and decorated with chrome dog dish hub caps. The wheels are wrapped with BF Goodrich Silvertown 6.70-15 tires.

All exterior components are in working order, including the wipers, parking lights, headlights, turn signals, and brake lights.

Interior

The interior was redone in its original blue color, perfectly complementing the exterior. The door sills were redesigned as one-piece, instead of two-piece as in 1960. Upholstery and interior trim were sourced from Al Knoch Interiors. Everything inside was restored or replaced new, including the sun visors, dash-mounted rear view mirror, dash, gauges, controls, steering wheel, Wonder Bar AM radio, analog clock, door panels, door hardware, bucket seats, seat belts, shifter bezel, carpeting, and pedals.

All aluminum trim was replaced new. The car is outfitted with Corvette-embossed carpeted floor mats. The trunk compartment was beautifully restored and painted body color, fitted with a correct style blue rubber trunk mat. It also includes a full matching spare tire and jack tools.

Everything in the interior is in working order, including lighting, gauges, heating system, clock, and radio.

Engine Compartment

The engine compartment is highly detailed throughout with many correct parts. The firewall, inner body, and radiator support were refinished in the correct shade of black. Everything was restored or replaced new during the restoration.

Powered by the original matching numbers 283/315hp fuel injected V8, the engine is topped with a Rochester Ramjet mechanical fuel injection system. The engine and fuel injection were completely rebuilt, as documented by receipts. The engine runs and sounds excellent.

Cooling is provided by a new correct style crossflow aluminum radiator introduced in 1961, which includes a separate side-mount expansion tank. The engine breathes through correct style manifolds and a dual exhaust system. The exhaust exits below the body on the 1961 model, a change from previous Corvettes which exited through the rear body panel or rear bumper.

The engine is coupled to the original 4-speed manual transmission, featuring an aluminum transmission case introduced in 1961. The transmission was completely rebuilt and shifts smoothly. Power is transferred to the rebuilt rear end.

Undercarriage

The undercarriage is also highly detailed throughout with many correct parts. The floors were left in their correct natural finish. The frame was stripped, prepped, and refinished in the correct shade of black. Everything was restored or replaced new during the restoration, including the fuel system, suspension components, and braking system.

The engine compartment, frame, and miscellaneous parts are decorated with assembly paint markings throughout.