1961 Corvette | |
![]() 1961 Chevrolet Corvette | |
DescriptionThe first generation of the Chevy Corvette is known as the C1 and was built from 1953 to 1962. The 1961 Corvette got a redesigned 'ducktail" rear end which was flatter than the previous design. For the first time, the Corvette got four round tail lights. It would become a Corvette trademark. The exhaust pipes no longer exited through the rear bumpers, and came out under the car in a more traditional manner. Up front, there were also a number of changes. The front grill had a finer mesh pattern, the headlight bezels were now body colored instead of being chrome, and the front emblem was a smaller crossed-flags design. The side cove insignia was also changed for 1961 only. Engine and transmission options remained unchanged. 1961 would mark the last year of the 283 small block Chevy in the Corvette, and the last year of the dual four-barrel carb engines. 1961 Corvette Key DifferencesKey differences of the 1961-62 Corvettes include the new "ducktail" rear end with four round taillights, the finer front grill mesh, and body-colored headlight bezels. A 1961 Corvette can be differentiated from a 1962 by the front crossed-flags emblem not being enclosed by a circle, the three bar side cove insignia, chrome trim around the side cove and three chrome strakes in the cove, and the absence of a lower rocker-panel chrome strip. Similar YearsThe 1961 and 1962 Corvettes shared the same body design. Minor badge and trim differences distinguish the two years. | |
How to Identify a 1961 Corvette![]() |
Overview
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1961 Corvette Rear End
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1961 Corvette Side Insignia
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1961 Corvette Grill
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1961 Corvette Headlights
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1961 Corvette Front Emblem
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1961 Corvette Tail Lights
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1961 Corvette Side Cove
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1961 Corvette Trunk Emblem
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1961 Corvette Dash
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1961 Corvette Hubcap
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More 1961 Corvette PicturesFor more photos of vintage 1961 Corvettes, visit the C1 Corvette Image Gallery at the Muscle Car Jungle. If you have any comments, or would like to report any errors or omissions, contact us at feedback@oldcarsguide.com | |