Vehicle Details
- Year: 1961
- Make: Chevrolet
- Model: Corvette
- VIN: 10867S105660
- Mileage Shown: 84,596
- Transmission: Automatic
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Fawn Beige
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Charleston, SC 29492
- Lot #: V-0029981
Produced from 1953 to 1962, the C1 is the original Chevrolet Corvette. The 1961 model was the first to receive a newly introduced boat tail with twin taillights and the last to feature an iconic contrasting finish within the coved front fenders and doors. Refinished in Fawn Beige over a matching interior, this example equips a 283ci V8 engine and has been upgraded with a 3-speed TurboHydramatic automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. Reportedly previously owned by a commandant of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School of Southern California, and since held as part of a private collection, it is now being offered for auction by its seller out of South Carolina while showing approximately 85k miles on the odometer.
This Corvette has been refinished in Fawn Beige, offered first for the 1961 model year on a reported number of 1,363 units, and contrasted with Ermine White painted coves. Details include quad headlights, faux fender vents, and dual exhaust outlets, as well as chrome trim along the front grille, split bumpers, light surrounds, and driver's side mirror. It rides on 15″ steel wheels featuring simulated knock-off spinner covers mounted with Coker Classic whitewall tires from 2022. The seller notes minor paint imperfections including an 8mm nick on the hardtop, detailed images are provided in the gallery.
The cabin presents Fawn Beige vinyl bucket seats with matching door panels, a paint-matched dashboard and steering wheel, chrome accents, and brown carpeting with Corvette lettering. Equipment includes manually operated windows, a dash-mounted rearview mirror, an analog clock, lap belts, and a passenger grab handle.
Beneath the hood lies a 283ci Chevrolet V8 engine with a 4-barrel carburetor factory rated at 230 HP. The original transmission has been replaced with a 3-speed TurboHydramatic automatic transmission borrowed from the C3 generation. Additionally, power steering and power brakes have been equipped. The seller adds that service completed in the summer of 2022 included wheel cylinders and front flex hoses replaced, brake fluid changed, a one-piece silicone oil pan gasket installed, oil and filter changed, transmission pan gasket replaced, transmission fluid changed, and a smaller-bore brake master cylinder installed.
This sale will include a clean title, owner’s manuals, a toolkit, a magazine article, and a helmet.
The seller would like you to know: “This beauty is truly a museum-quality car, having spent years in the Lingenfelter Collection in Brighton, Michigan. The car's past becomes even more interesting. Prior to its stay in the museum, its owner was not only a California fighter pilot but was actually the Commandant of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB in southern California. One of only 1,363 in the new Fawn Beige offered first in '61. Also, this was the last year for contrasting painted coves with this one having them in lovely Ermine White!"
Auction Results
- Highest Bid: $50,000
- Auction End: May 30, 2023 06:35:00PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 7
Comments (22)
Great buy!
Bid in the amount of $50,000
Bid in the amount of $26,000
Bid in the amount of $25,500
How old are the tires?
Bid in the amount of $25,000
So it is original paint, not refinished? Correct?
Hi Seller, beautiful car! There seems to be confusion still over what the original transmission is for this car. The replacement window sticker shows an optional power glide but you made a comment that it is originally a 3-speed manual but now has a 3-speed automatic out of a C3 car. Thanks in advance for clarifying!
Great color combo! Is the original 3-speed manual tranny included with the car? Thanks!
What are we looking at in pic 45 (the two rust-colored spots)? Beautiful car!
Does the 61 have air-conditioning
Bid in the amount of $20,000
Bid in the amount of $1,250
Bid in the amount of $1,000
@bbjorkquist car runs and drives great. Very smooth.
@FlyBoi @artichoke the original transmission was a 3 speed manual.
Regarding the paint, to our knowledge it is original. The “refinished” is a typo. Should read finished. It is the original color combination as well.
Is the car running fine, or any issues with the car that need to be addressed?
What was the original transmission and is it included?
Was this the original paint color?
Which transmission is the original, and is it In working condition? The description of the car states that it was refinished in fawn beige and ermine white, one of just under 1400 for that model year. Is this the original color combination for both the interior and exterior?
@Blubusdrvr understandably not everyone's preferred choice, however the good news there was no cutting done and all of the original parts have been retained so it can be converted back easily by a new owner. As a note, the conversation was done by a prior owner.
Hello! I would just like to introduce myself and say thanks for looking at our 61' C1. It truly is a beautiful car and we really think the history is a fantastic addition. Good luck!
“3-SPEED AUTOMATIC CONVERSION“ SMH…