Page 48 - Experience Magazine Summer 2023

CROSSING THE BLOCK

REIMAGINING A LEGEND

THIS 1961 CHEVROLET CORVETTE RESTO-MOD

TAKES PERFORMANCE TO NEW HEIGHTS

By 1960, the Chevrolet Corvette had demonstrated 8L90E 8-speed automatic transmission with a tap
that it was a serious contender on the racetrack. As the shifter. The tap shifter allows drivers to control the
second generation of the Chevrolet Corvette was on transmission like a manual by sliding the shifter
the horizon, they opted for a mild refresh of the first- over, tapping the shifter forward to upshift and
generation C1. A team of Chevrolet designers had nudging back to downshift.
been recruited to develop cosmetic and performance The body of this Corvette sits on a new Art
upgrades to the existing C1 body styling. Morrison GT Sport independent front suspension
The design of the 1961 Corvette largely retained the chassis augmented by Strange adjustable coilover
iconic shape and styling cues of its predecessors, shocks and an adjustable sway bar; it also utilizes a
characterized by sleek, flowing lines and a two-seat power rack & pinion steering. The rear suspension
convertible body style. The most notable update is a triangulated 4-bar suspension with a 9-inch
for 1961 was the introduction of a new "tail lift" or rear end, adjustable coilover shocks and an
"duck tail" rear-end design that featured four round adjustable sway bar. The chassis was finished with
taillights, a design element that became a signature a Gunmetal Gray powder coat for durability and
feature of later Corvette models. The redesigned rear to match the engine color, contrasting with the
also increased the available luggage space by 20%. House of Kolor Orion Silver paint. All the engine
accessories were finished in gloss black and all
The 1961 Corvette offered a range of engine options
mainly carried over from the fuel-injected models hoses were black braided.
of 1960, which provided customers with various Giving the Corvette its aggressive stance is a set of
levels of power and performance. The interior of the custom-built Schott Wheels that measure 18 inches
1961 Corvette featured a driver-focused cockpit with up front and 20 inches at the rear, wrapped in
a simple and functional layout. The car featured Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. Behind the wheels
bucket seats and options for power windows, power are large Wilwood disc brakes. Other custom-built
steering and power brakes. features seen on this Resto-Mod include polished

General Motors built 10,939 Chevrolet Corvettes stainless headers and exhaust, as well as a stainless
for the 1961 model year, making it the second most gas tank by Rick's Tanks.
common model year of the C1 — the 1962 model The custom leather interior by Paul Atkins Interiors
year saw 14,531 cars produced. features custom Dakota Digital gauges, a Vintage
Air climate-control system for driver comfort and
Undoubtedly, the 1961 Corvette was a modern
marvel for its day. Better still, this particular an Alpine sound system with Bluetooth capability,
custom 1961 Chevrolet Corvette offered with No in addition to an integrated backup camera. Other
Reserve during the 2023 Las Vegas Auction takes custom highlights include electric side windows
performance up another notch. This modified controlled by switches in the custom center console,
Corvette has been upgraded with a modern LT4 an electrically actuated hood opener and an
6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine kicking out electrically actuated emergency brake.
650hp and 650 ft/lbs of torque mated to an

48 BARRETT-JACKSON EXPERIENCE SUMMER 2023