"General Motors designer Harley Earl loved sports cars and was influenced by the GI’s bringing home MGs, Jaguars, Alfa Romeo’s and the like after hostilities ceased in Europe in 1945. Even the small independent carmaker, Nash Motors, began selling a two seater sports car in 1951. Earl convinced GM that they also needed to build a two seat sports car. Earl and his 'special projects' crew began working on the new car later that year which was code named 'Opel'. The result was the 1953 Corvette, which took its name from a small, manoeuvrable fighting frigate and was unveiled to the public at that year's Motorama Car Show.
This stunning 1961 Corvette has been owned and upgraded by its current, enthusiast, owner for some 12 years. A twice ‘Best in Class’ winner at the nationals in 2007 and 2008. Finished in Polaris Silver over Ivory coves and complemented by black Al Knoch trim, this example presents almost as new. Sympathetically upgraded and fully restored this ‘Vette’ boasts a 350ci small block Chevrolet engine mated to a TH350 transmission, a turn of the key and the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end, the sound is fabulous. Upgrades however did not stop with the engine and gearbox, the end goal was a C1 that could be used on UK roads as a more modern sports car so independent front suspension, rack and pinion steering, a Chevrolet 10 bolt rear end, uprated six pot Wilwood disc brakes and coil over adjustable suspension for a perfect setup were added amongst numerous other upgrades. The history file contains comprehensive invoices and receipts coupled to a workshop manual, V5 registration document and details of the numerous upgrades and details from the restoration. This is one of the most stunning examples we have seen but, in this instance, also one of the best examples to actually drive, performing well against cars half its age. Viewing is highly recommended you will not be disappointed.
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