1961 Chevrolet Corvette Correction Signature
Registration no. BOF 68A
Chassis no. 10867S108131

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. Corvette Chief Engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov was a big fan of auto racing and it was he that was responsible for unlocking the car's innate potential and development it into a genuine race-winner. These 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 first-generation Corvettes, the 'duck tail' models of the early 1960s have a particularly enthusiastic following. As with other classics of this era, it has become increasingly common to upgrade them with more modern components. Constructed by Billy Dawson's Corvette Correction of Seguin, Texas, this car is an excellent example of a modernised Corvette. It combines a solid, undamaged '61 Corvette body and a powder-coated Dawson chassis, and is the fourth of ten 'Signature Series' cars built in 2009. The car is powered by a 2008 Corvette 6.2-litre LS3 V8 'crate' engine producing 430bhp, which drives via a Tremec six-speed manual gearbox and a Dana 44, 3.45:1 differential. The suspension is from a type C4 Corvette, a version produced between 1984 and 1996.

The Corvette Correction chassis enables a standard body to bolt on, unaltered. Subtle aesthetic alterations include a 1960-type toothed front grille; C5 door handles with electric locks; five-bolt 18" custom chromed wheels; and a custom-made exhaust system with central four-pipe outlet. The Al Knoch custom leather interior features heated seats, power windows and an electric boot release. Mounted in the original dashboard, the gauges are by Classic Instruments, including the electrically driven speedometer, while a chrome-plated steering column from Ididit and a Signature Series Wonderbar AM/FM radio complete the ensemble. Vintage heating and air conditioning has been tastefully added, together with a Be Cool radiator. Manufactured by Coffman Tops, the maroon convertible hood matches the interior carpeting. Accompanying documentation consists of a V5C registration document, and the car is taxed and MoT'd to 2015.

Finished in 2008 Cadillac Pewter, with superb chrome by Prestige Plating, this extensively upgraded Corvette is exquisitely detailed, both inside and out. An iconic classic sports car possessing the performance, safety and reliability of a modern supercar, it is ideal for every excursion.