1961 chevrolet Corvette
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

Model Number Body/Style Number Body Type & Seating Factory Price Shipping Weight Total Production
Corvette
08 67 2 Dr Convertible $3,934 2,905 lbs 10,939

Chassis Data

Model Wheelbase Overall Lenght Width Front Tread Rear Tread Tires
Corvette 102 in 177.2 in 72.8 in 57 in 58.8 in 6.70 x 15

1961 Chevrolet Corvette Options

Code Description Price
101 Heater $102.25
102 Signal Seeking AM Radio $137.75
276 15 x 5.5 Wheels No Charge
290 6.70 x 15 White Sidewall Tires $31.55
313 Powerglide Transmission $199.10
419 Auxiliary Hardtop $236.75
426 Power Windows $59.20
440 Two-Tone Paint $16.15
441 Direct-Flow Exhaust No Charge
473 Power Operated Folding Top $161.40
675 Positraction Rear Axle $43.05
685 4-Speed Manual Transmission $188.30
686 Metallic Brakes $37.70
687 Heavy-Duty Brakes & Suspension $333.60
1408 6.70 x 15 Black Sidewall Tires $15.75
1625A 24-Gallon Fuel Tank $161.40
Not Available Positive Crankcase Ventilation $Not Available
469 283-cid/245-hp V-8 $150.65
468 283-cid/270-hp V-8 $182.95
353 283-cid/275-hp V-8 $484.20
354 283-cid/315-hp V-8 $484.20

1961 Chevrolet Corvette Engine Options

Location Of Engine Code: Stamped on the block in front of the right hand cylinder head.
Letter Code Engine Horsepower Torque Transmission Carburetor
CQ 8-283 230 300 3 & 4-Speed Manual 4 BC
CR 8-283 275 305 3 & 4-Speed Manual Fuel Injection
CS 8-283 + 315 295 3 & 4-Speed Manual Fuel Injection
CT 8-283 245 300 3 & 4-Speed Manual 2 - 4 BC
CU 8-283 + 270 285 3 & 4-Speed Manual 2 - 4 BC
DG 8-283 230 300 Powerglide 4 BC
DJ 8-283 240 300 Powerglide 4 BC
+ High Lift Camshaft

Transmission Codes

Transmission Location
3-Speed Manual Stamped on rear face of upper right corner
4-Speed Manual Stamped on boss on lower left side of case just below side cover.
Powerglide Stamped on the bottom of oil pan
Plant and Type Designation Prefix Plant Transmission Type
W Warner Gear 4-Speed
S Saginaw 3-Speed, Overdrive*
C Cleveland Powerglide
*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

Color Name / Code Color Image Color Name / Code Color Image
515 - Sateen Silver Metallic See Code 509 503 - Tuxedo Black See Code 503
513, 518, 521, 527, 529 - Ermine White See Code 510  

1961 Chevrolet Corvette Interior Paint Codes

Color Name / Code Color Image Color Name / Code Color Image
Red Duco® Code - 2967H Not Available Medium Blue Metallic Duco® Code - 94696 Not Available
Black Duco® Code - #44 Not Available Medium Fawn Metallic Duco® Code - 94697 Not Available

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.
Codes - Non-Locking Codes - Locking Ratio Inspection Cover
AC AF 3.36 (std. lining) 10 Bolt
AE   3.55 (std. lining) 12 Bolt
AH AN 3.70 (std. lining) 12 Bolt
FJ FK 3.70 (metallic lining) 12 Bolt
  AP 4.11 (std. lining) 12 Bolt
  FL 4.11 (metallic lining) 12 Bolt
  AQ 4.56 (std. lining) 12 Bolt
  FM 4.56 (metallic lining) 12 Bolt
 
   
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