1961 Chevrolet Corvette  

When the winds of change blew into the Chevrolet Corvette in 1961, a fresh rear end was the most pronounced external change, giving it a kind of "ducktail" look . (It also was practical with luggage space increasing around 20 %.) The new tail also featured a pair of small round taillamps on each side of the central license-plate, and a  trunklid creaseline running through the traditional, big, round Corvette medallion. Simple chrome bumperettes flanked the license plate, which itself gained a small "arch" bumper. And for the first time, the dual exhausts exited below the body rather than through it or the bumper guards.

The Corvette's front  sported a cleaner version of the existing four-lamp nose. Headlight bezels were now painted body color, (although the owner of the photo car opted to put chrome on his), and the trademark vertical teeth were dropped in favor of a fine, horizontal-mesh insert finished in argent silver. The round medallion gave way to separate block letters spelling out the car's name, topped by a larger version of the Corvette's crossed-flags insignia. The 1961 would be the last Corvette available with bodyside coves in a contrasting hue, (a $16.15 option that most buyers ordered.)  Even the fiberglass exterior's build quality was improved for 1961.

At today's envious base price of $3,934, standard features now included windshield washers, sunvisors, a thermostatically controlled radiator fan, and a parking-brake warning light. A heater was still optional for 1961 however, but available if you shelled out another $102.25. While air conditioning, power steering, and power brakes still weren't offered, the "Wonder Bar" signal-seeking AM radio remained , as did the Positraction limited-slip differential, "wide" whitewall tires, electric windows, and the power-operated top. Nearly of all Corvette customers that year gladly paid $188.30 for the 4 speed manual transmission, which was now clad in aluminum, trimming 15 pounds from the car's weight. In the Corvette's 2 seat cockpit, the only change for 1961 was a narrower transmission tunnel that gave a bit more interior space. Interior color schemes choices were black, red, fawn, and blue.

Mechanically, the 1961 Corvette was still like the 1960 model, but now an aluminum radiator took the place of the previous copper-core unit, which improved cooling capacity but weighed half as much as before, saving more weight. Side-mount coolant-expansion tanks were added as a running change. Corvett engine choices were  carryovers. There still were five versions of Chevrolet's famous 283 cubic-inch small-block V-8 mill in  230, 245, 270, 275, and 315 bhp, (the last two being fuel injected.) The 3 speed manual remained the standard gearbox but was now offered with a wider choice of axle ratios. Powerglide automatic continued as optional, but was now unavailable with the three hottest engines.

Even with the least horsepowered  283 V8 and Powerglide, the 1961 Corvette was quick . The 1961 Chevrolet Corvette recorded 0 to 60 times of 6.7 and 7.7 seconds. It's top speed with the automatic transmission was 109 mph, limited mainly by gearing. The 4 speed lacked the overdrive ratio you'd find in most modern 5 speed manuals, yet many of the fuel-injected and twin four-barrel models could still reach over 130 mph.

Although the Corvette didn't have an independent rear suspension like some costlier euro models yet, this didn't seem to hurt the vehicle when it came to the street or track. Buyers sang the praises of the 1961's handling with almost no complaints. The 1961 Corvette was one of the most roadworthy cars in the world for it's day. Not too mention just a stunning looking car all around. Still leaving them green with envy today!