 |
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 |
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
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 |