The newly designed iconic Corvette arrived with the 1956 model. Restyled with a more flowing body, the car was given concave side coves finished in contrasting color. Roll-up side windows provided all-weather comfort and required exterior door handles. Engines were all V-8s. Development of the Corvette continued under engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov. The 283 cubic inch V-8 was adopted in 1957, making 283-hp with optional fuel injection, and a four-speed transmission was made available. By 1959 there were power options up to 290-hp and sales topped 10,000.

The 1961 model year brought Corvette a new look. The teeth were eliminated from the grille and headlamp bezels gave up chrome for body color. Most prominent of the changes, however, was a newly-contoured tail section, giving rise to the nickname “duck tail.” A precursor to the radical Sting Ray of 1963, it gave the public a preview of things to come. It was obvious the new-for-1961 Corvette was meant to be driven. No matter what the occasion – black tie or tennis shoes – Corvette is appropriate.

This beautiful 1961 fuel-injected Corvette has received a complete frame-off restoration that was executed in a manner that features a stunning Roman Red exterior finish with white coves and an immaculate red interior. A white soft-top is a perfect accent on this handsome car. The cosmetics on the car are described as being “stunning, with excellent fit and finish.” It was restored in a diligent method with incredible attention to detail and it is stated that there was no-expense-spared in the course of this process.

The Corvette is equipped with the highly desirable 283-cid, 315-hp fuel-injected V-8 engine; it was a $484.20 option on a $3,934 base price car and 1,462 were reported built in 1961 out of the 10,939 total Corvettes built in this model year. It also has the popular four-speed manual transmission. The drivetrain is stated to be correct for this particular car.

Among the additional features are the original Wonderbar radio, complete windshield washer system, sunshades, courtesy light, package tray and proper stainless wheel covers with Firestone 6.70-15 wide whitewall tires. The exceptional detailing extends to the original spare, jack with handle and lug wrench neatly stored in the trunk. This restoration was completed approximately three months ago and the car has never been judged providing a great opportunity for the buyer.

In the popular 1960s television program “Route 66,” Todd Stiles and Buzz Murdock traveled that iconic U.S. highway in a duck tail Corvette, seeking work, romance and adventure. Not surprisingly, Corvette sales took an upturn as soon as the show came on the air. Put yourself behind the wheel of this car and you can enjoy a reprise of 20th Century Americana.