1961 Chevrolet Corvette " Restored 383 Stroker, 5-Speed, Documented Build
Turn the key on this '61 Corvette and you immediately know it's more than just a pretty face. Finished in classic Red with White coves over a matching Red interior, this C1 combines timeless styling with a modern, performance-built 383ci stroker and a 5-speed manual transmission for the kind of cruiser you can actually enjoy on today's roads.
Highlights
Beautiful 1961 Chevrolet Corvette roadster
Iconic Red exterior with White coves and matching Red interior
Strong 383ci V8 stroker small-block (performance built)
5-speed manual transmission " ideal for highway cruising
Dual exhaust with long-tube headers
Excellent chrome and brightwork throughout
White convertible soft top in great condition
Correct style steel wheels with Corvette hubcaps and red accents
Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires with raised white letters
Clean, detailed engine bay and undercarriage
Red carpeted trunk compartment
Binder of documentation and receipts, including engine paperwork
Exterior
From every angle, this Corvette hits the right notes of early-'60s style. The body is finished in a brilliant Red with crisp White coves, a combination that perfectly frames the car's sculpted lines. The paint presents with a deep shine and smooth reflections, giving the car a show-worthy appearance under showroom lights or sunshine.
Up front, the classic quad headlights, mesh grille, and split bumper design are all present and in excellent condition, with bright chrome that really pops against the red paint. Out back, the signature "ducktail" rear with integrated taillights completes the unmistakable '61 look.
A clean white soft top sits tight and straight over the cockpit, with a clear rear window and smooth stitching. It pairs beautifully with the red body and gives the car an elegant, period-correct vibe when the top is up.
Correct-style Corvette wheels with bright hubcaps and red accent rings are wrapped in Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires with raised white letters. The stance is just right " sporty without being overdone " and the wheel/tire combo completes the classic performance look.
Interior
Inside, the Corvette delivers that mid-century sports car feel with a tasteful upgrade in condition. The entire cabin is finished in Red, from the dash to the door panels and carpet, creating a cohesive and striking look.
Bucket seats are upholstered in red material that shows very nicely, with matching door panels and trim. The dash retains its original dual-hooded gauge layout and factory-style switchgear, blending vintage charm with a clean, restored appearance. The center stack features the classic radio and heater controls, along with the period clock, all framed in bright trim that matches the exterior chrome.
A 5-speed shift pattern hints at the upgrades underneath, and the polished shifter lever sitting in the red console invites you to row through the gears. Overall, the cockpit feels like a well-restored, driver-focused environment where everything looks correct but feels fresh.
Even the trunk is nicely finished with matching red carpet, giving the car a finished, high-quality feel from front to back.
Drivetrain & Performance
Under the hood is where this C1 really separates itself from a stock '61. Instead of the original small-block, you'll find a performance-built 383ci stroker V8. The engine bay is clean and detailed, with:
Polished/open air cleaner with "Corvette" script top
Finned aluminum valve covers
Performance ignition components and upgraded plug wires
Long-tube headers feeding a dual exhaust system
The 383 stroker delivers the kind of torque and throttle response that makes this car genuinely fun to drive, pulling hard through the rev range while sounding exactly like a classic Corvette should.
Backing the engine is a 5-speed manual transmission, a huge advantage over the original 3- or 4-speed units. The extra gear allows relaxed highway cruising, better fuel efficiency, and keeps the engine in its sweet spot whether you're around town or on a long weekend trip.
Chassis & Undercarriage
A look underneath shows this Corvette was built to be driven, not just parked:
Solid frame and floors
Long-tube headers feeding into a dual exhaust system
Clean, orderly routing of lines and components
The undercarriage presents as a well-sorted, driver-quality car with attention paid to both performance and longevity.
Documentation
Included with the car is a red binder full of documentation and paperwork. Among the contents are:
Engine build sheets and specifications from Prestige Motorsports
Torque specs and notes for the 383ci engine
Additional information and instructions for components used in the build
This documentation adds confidence in the quality of the drivetrain and helps verify the work performed.
Final Thoughts
This 1961 Chevrolet Corvette blends the romance of a first-generation Vette with the drivability of a modernized powertrain. With its striking Red/White color combo, upgraded 383 stroker V8, highway-friendly 5-speed manual, clean presentation, and supporting documentation, it's the ideal C1 for someone who wants the look of a classic with the performance to actually enjoy it.
If you're searching for a C1 that you can proudly show and confidently drive, this '61 Corvette deserves a spot at the top of your list.
