The '61 Corvette featured a redesigned tail end.

1961 Chevrolet Corvette

It's first major restyling change since 1958, the Chevrolet Corvette received a "taillift" for 1961. Under Bill Mitchell's influence the new tail end was patterned on a "ducktail" design from his experimental Stingray racer and incorporated 4 round taillights. The front grille of the new '61 Corvette now touted mesh instead of the previous grille "teeth". Other changes included emblem placement and trim. Vette sales peaked at 10,939 for the year and a base price of just $3,934.00.

1961 Chevrolet Corvette Production Numbers

Chassis Data

VIN Numbers

Serial Numbers were stamped on a plate on the left front door hinge pillar (center pillar on Corvair). The Fisher Body number plate on the right-hand side of the cowl gives additional information such as the body style number, the production sequence number, the trim (upholstery) number code and the paint number code.

First Symbol - Year 1 = 1961

Second & Third Symbol - Series 01 = Chevy II (4-cyl) 14 = Impala SS (V-8) 02 = Chevy II 15 = Bel Air 1500 Series (6-cyl) 04 = Chevy II Nova 16 = Bel Air 1600 Series (V-8) 05 = Corvair 500 Series (6-cyl) 17 = Impala 1700 Series (6-cyl) 06 = Corvair 600 Monza Spyder (6-cyl) 18 = Impala 1800 Series (V-8) 07 = Corvair Deluxe 700 Series (6-cyl) 53 = Chevelle & Std. El Camino (6-cyl) 08 = Corvette 54 = Chevelle & Std. El Camino (V-8) 09 = Corvair Monza/Spyder 900 Series (6-cyl) 55 = Chevelle Malibu & Custom El Camino (6-cyl) 11 = Biscayne 1100 Series (6-cyl) 56 = Chevelle Malibu & Custom El Camino (V-8) 12 = Biscayne 1200 Series (V-8) 57 = Chevelle Malibu SS (6-cyl) 13 = Impala SS (6-cyl) 58 = Chevelle Malibu SS (V-8)

Fourth & Fifth Symbol - Body Style 11 = 2dr Sedan 41 = 2dr Sedan 15 = 2 dr Station Wagon (6P) 45 = 4dr Station Wagon (9P) 19 = 4dr Sedan 47 = 2dr Sport Coupe 27 = 2dr Sedan 49 = 4dr Sedan 35 = 4dr Station Wagon (6P) 67 = 2dr Convertible 37 = 2dr Hardtop or Sport Coupe 69 = 4dr Sedan 39 = 4dr Hardtop or Sport Sedan 70 = Sedan Delivery

Sixth Symbol - Assembly Plant (A) Atlanta, Georgia (L) Los Angeles, California (B) Baltimore, Maryland (N) Norwood, Ohio (F) Flint, Michigan (O) Oakland, California (G) Framingham, Massachusetts (S) St. Louis, Missouri (J) Janesville, Wisconsin (T) Tarrytown, New York (K) Kansas City, Missouri (W) Willow Run, Michigan

Last Six Symbols - Production Sequence Started at 100001

1961 Chevrolet Corvette Options

1961 Chevrolet Corvette Engine Options

Location Of Engine Code: Stamped on the block in front of the right hand cylinder head.

+ High Lift Camshaft

Transmission Codes

*Overdrive distinguished from 3-Speed by physical appearance only. The above transmissions will carry a production code number such as: S304 (S = Saginaw 3-Speed, 3 = March, 04 = 4th.)

1961 Chevrolet Corvette Exterior Paint Codes

Color Name / Code	Color Image	Color Name / Code	Color Image
501 - Fawn Beige Metallic Lucite® Code - 4146L Dulux® Code - 181-94697		509 - Sateen Silver Metallic Lucite® Code - 4023L Dulux® Code - 181-94009
502 - Jewel Blue Metallic Lucite® Code - 4143L Dulux® Code - 181-94696		510 - Ermine White Lucite® Code - 4024L Dulux® Code - 93-93774
503 - Tuxedo Black Lucite® Code - #88L Dulux® Code - 93-005		523 - Honduras Maroon Metallic Lucite® Code - 4034LH Dulux® Code - 181-17182H
506 - Roman Red Lucite® Code - 2931LH Dulux® Code - 93-93037H
NOTES: Color Combination Numbers are on a plate on the right side of the dash panel, under the hood, immediately below the heater water control valve (Ranco Valve).

1961 Chevrolet Corvette Cove Colors

1961 Chevrolet Corvette Interior Paint Codes

Axle Codes

Location Of Axle Codes: The axles for Chevrolet will be built by Chevrolet Buffalo, Chevrolet Gear and Axle, Buick, Oldsmobile, and McKinnon. Divisional Manufacturer code letters will be metal stamped on the axle tube adjacent to the carrier for identification. Metal stamp on left rear axle tube on the rear side, letters and numerals 3/16 in. high, 3 in. outboard of carrier.