1961 CORVETTE ASSEMBLY LINE
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1961 CORVETTE ASSEMBLY LINE
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1961 CORVETTE INTERIOR
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The 1961 Corvette was a sleek, two-passenger model sports car that was both a serious contender on the race track and the car enthusiasts sports car. Popularity was also elevated by the introduction of the new hit television series "Route 66". The series was a story about two friends on the road looking for adventure in their new Corvette. There were subtle changes for 1961 Corvette models, including a mild face lift that was highly received by Corvette fans. The 1961 Corvette maintained a strong family resemblance, even with the new lattice type grille in the front and a rear ducktail. The changes made to the rear of the Corvette allowed for an increase in luggage space by twenty percent. The new rear end also showcased a pair of small, round taillights on each side. A small vertical crease line ran down the middle of the rear deck lid, passing evenly through the iconic round Corvette emblem. On the front nose of the car, the round Corvette emblem was replaced with lettering that spelled out Corvette and was topped with the Corvette crossed flag insignia.
1961 CORVETTE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
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1961 CORVETTE ASSEMBLY LINE
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1961 CORVETTE LEAVING PLANT
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The 1961 Corvette interior didn't have drastic changes. It offered the driver and its passenger more interior room along with great color schemes that were available in black, blue, red, and fawn. Other features included safety belts along with the "Wonder Bar" push button signal radio and a heater. The 1961 Corvette continued to evolve, so did the standard features that came with it. The Corvette now included windshield washers, sun visors, a thermostatically controlled radiator fan and a parking brake warning light. Unfortunately, air conditioning, power steering and power brakes were still unavailable, even as option, on the 1961 Corvette. The available engines were essentially just carryovers from the 1960 Corvette. There were five, different versions of Chevy’s respected 283 cubic-inch V-8 engine made available and two were fuel injected. The three speed manual transmission gearbox remained the standard option but was now offered with a wider choice of axle ratios. Powerglide automatic transmissions continued to be made available as an optional transmission, though the automatic transmission did not have enough sheer strength to handle the additional torque associated with the larger engines. An aluminum radiator took the place of the previous copper-core unit. By adding an aluminum radiator, Chevrolet improved the cooling capabilities while further reducing the car’s overall weight.
1961 CORVETTE SALES BROCHURE
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1961 CORVETTE SALES BROCHURE
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1961 CORVETTE OWNERS MANUAL
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The entire automotive community was enamored with the quality of the 1961 Corvette's handling ability, even in the absence of an independent rear suspension. By the standards of that time, the Corvette was now recognized as one of the most roadworthy cars in the world. With a base price of $3934 and sales rising in 1961, Corvette offered an increase in the model year production with a total of 10,939 units. With the additional Corvette production available for the consumer market, it proved the sports car’s powerful influence on the auto industry and to the corvette consumers. Today, the 1961 Corvette is very much alive among collectors and enthusiasts around the world. The 1961 Corvette in The Torrence Collection (below) was also the featured Corvette on the cover of The Torrence Collection book.
Below is the example of the 1961 Chevrolet Corvette from The Torrence Collection.
