LOT 16
1961 Chevrolet Corvette C1 Roadster Registration no. 144 XVE Chassis no. 1087S107826
Estimate: £30,000 - £40,000
Lot 16
1961 Chevrolet Corvette C1 Roadster Registration no. 144 XVE Chassis no. 1087S107826
1961 Chevrolet Corvette C1 Roadster
Registration no. 144 XVE
Chassis no. 1087S107826
Registration no. 144 XVE
Chassis no. 1087S107826
*Collectible 'duck tail' model
*Desirable manual transmission
*Single family ownership for some 30 years
*Recently re-commissioned
*Desirable manual transmission
*Single family ownership for some 30 years
*Recently re-commissioned
Footnotes
Back in 1953, Chevrolet's launch of a two-seater sports car was a radical departure for a marque hitherto associated almost exclusively with sensible family transport. Based on the 1952 EX-122 show car, the Corvette made use of existing GM running gear and a shortened chassis frame, around which was wrapped striking Harley Earl-styled glassfibre coachwork. Motive power came from Chevrolet's 235.5ci (3.8-litre) overhead-valve straight six and, unusually for a sports car, there was automatic transmission, a feature that attracted much adverse criticism at the time.
Intended as competition for the T-Series MG, the Corvette cost way above the target figure, ending up in Jaguar XK120 territory but with an inferior performance. Sales were sluggish initially and the model came close to being axed, surviving thanks to Chevrolet's need to compete with Ford's Thunderbird. A V8 engine for 1955 and a radical restyle for '56 consolidated the 'Vette's position in the market. A facelift for 1958 saw the Corvette gain a quartet of chrome-rimmed headlamps and a host of other more minor styling changes. Perhaps not surprisingly, alterations for the next couple of years were few.
By this time, the end of the 1950s, Corvettes had begun to establish an enviable competition record for the marque. Its racing successes repaid Chevrolet's investment with interest: Corvette sales improved significantly, ensuring the car's survival and enabling it to go on to become the world's best-selling and longest-lived sports car.
Of the '1st Generation' Corvettes, the 'duck tail' models of the early 1960s have a particularly enthusiastic following. This beautiful Corvette roadster dates from 1961, the first year of the 'duck tail' rear end, and has the desirable manual transmission. The current vendor purchased the car last year; owned by the same Belgian family since the 1980s, it was offered in 'barn find' condition and has since been re-commissioned.
The private vendor advises us that the engine runs very sweetly, displaying healthy oil pressure, and that the gearbox, clutch, and brakes work well. The original Chevrolet radio and loudspeaker are in good working order, while the black leather interior trim is very good indeed. Offered with a V5C Registration Certificate.
Saleroom notices
Please note the correct chassis number is 108675107826.
Additional information
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