Home› Archive› 1961› Chevrolet› Corvette

1961 Chevrolet Corvette 2-Dr. Convertible

The 1961 Corvette C1 featured a restyled rear end with four round taillights that would become a Corvette trademark for decades.
108675102793
8 Cyl
Engine
2-Dr. Convertible
Body
Muscle Car Era
Era
No factory image on file
1961 Chevrolet Corvette

VIN Breakdown

PositionValueDecoded
Year Code 1 1961
Model Code 0867 Corvette
Plant Code 5 Unknown Plant
Serial Number 102793 Unit #102793

Basic Information

MakeChevrolet
ModelCorvette
Year1961
Body Style2-Dr. Convertible
ManufacturerGeneral Motors Corporation
EraMuscle Car Era

Available Engine Options

Engine options inferred from model and year. Specific engine not encoded in VIN.

Engine 283 cu.in. V8
Horsepower230 HP @ 4800 RPM HP
Displacement283 cu.in. CID
Carburetor2-barrel
Compression9.5:1
Engine 283 cu.in. V8
Horsepower245 HP @ 5000 RPM HP
Displacement283 cu.in. CID
Carburetor4-barrel
Compression9.5:1
Engine 283 cu.in. V8
Horsepower270 HP @ 6000 RPM HP
Displacement283 cu.in. CID
Carburetor4-barrel
Compression9.5:1
Engine 283 cu.in. V8
Horsepower275 HP @ 5200 RPM HP
Displacement283 cu.in. CID
CarburetorFuel Injection
Compression9.5:1
Engine 283 cu.in. V8
Horsepower315 HP @ 6200 RPM HP
Displacement283 cu.in. CID
CarburetorFuel Injection
Compression11.0:1

About This Decode

This VIN does not encode the engine, so the engine details shown are representative of the model as built and not VIN-confirmed. (Most pre-1972 GM VINs do not carry an engine code.)

Specifications

Engine

CarburetorCarter
Bore & Stroke10 inches
Torque300@3000
Rated HP48.05
Cylinders8
Displacement283.04
Valve LiftersHydraulic
Horsepower230@4800
Main Bearings5
Compression9.5

Dimensions

Production10939
Weight2905
Length176.7
Wheelbase102
Width70.4
Rear Tread59
Front Tread57
Height52.9

Drivetrain

AxleSemifloating
Transmission2
Rear Axle Ratio4
Clutch TypeSingle plate dry disc
DifferentialHypoid
Differential Ratio3.36
Steering GearWorm & ball bearing sector
Reverse Ratio2.80
DriveRear wheel drive
1st Gear Ratio2.47
3rd Gear Ratio1
2nd Gear Ratio1.53
Gears3

Suspension

Front SuspensionIndependent coil springs
Rear SuspensionLongitudinal leaf spring
Tire Size6.7 x 15

Brakes

Brake Drum Size11
Parking BrakeRear service brakes
Service Brakes4 wheel hydraulic drum

Fuel & Electrical

Oil Capacity5
Fuel Capacity16.5
LubricationPressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
CoolingCentrifugal pump with thermostat, 15.5 Quarts
IgnitionDistributor and coil
ExhaustDual
Fuel TypePremium
RadiatorAluminum cross flow
Battery12

Equipment

EquipmentAuxiliary hardtop for convertibles, Radio, Fuel Injection, 4-Speed manual transmission, Power convertible top, Powerglide automatic transmission, Power windows

Colors

Exterior ColorsErmine White, Fawn Beige Metallic, Honduras Maroon Metallic, Jewel Blue Metallic, Lacquer, Roman Red, Sateen Silver Metallic

Pricing

MSRP$3619.00

Other

B&s 3 7/8 & 3

Body

Doors2

Specifications are for this model from period Chevrolet data. Chevrolet VINs do not encode the engine, so figures are representative of the model as built; see the separate engine-options panel for all available engines.