Body Off Restored Corvette Roadster 283 V8 245 HP Dual Quad V8 4 Speed

SUMMARY

To many, the 1950s and 1960s were the pinnacle of American automotive design. Too much power just wasn't enough, and user friendliness was exchanged for a healthy combination of flash, flamboyance and showmanship. Just take a look at this sweet Corvette roadster, a car that wraps a dual-quad 283 drivetrain in legendary looks and serious old school swagger. With its ample parts supply, ease of ownership and classic, all-American appeal, THIS is the top dog cruiser that every golden era gearhead wants to park in their garage. And now, thanks to your like-minded friends at RK Motors Charlotte, you can drive one home in better-than-new condition! Want to be admired by your neighbors, respected by your car club and envied by the folks at your office? Pick up the phone and pick up your new Corvette!

BODYWORK/TRIM

The product of comprehensive restoration, this impressive roadster looks straight out of the golden age of Americana. During its ground-up reboot, the car's sinuous body was completely stripped, thoroughly reconditioned and professionally massaged into a head-turning crowd pleaser. Once perfected, those neck straining aesthetics were highlighted in a sweet combination of Tuxedo Black and Sateen Silver 2-stage. And today, this Chevy's solid condition is typical of what we all wish to find in a nice, road-ready classic.

Chevrolet's 1961 Corvette is essentially an improved version of the brand's hand-built '53 model; a halo that not only set a design precedent for American cars, but also began a rich legacy that's now seven generations strong. At the front of this C1, an ornate grille floats a chrome tag bracket between chrome-trimmed parking lamps, bright T3 headlights and polished bumpers that bend around peaked fenders. Between those fenders, bold "CORVETTE" lettering leads the eye past a classy header emblem to a sculpted hood and like-new glass. At the top of that glass, color-keyed fiberglass manages the fall breeze while pliable vinyl abates summertime rain. Opposite those tops, traditional door handles and a correct driver's mirror perfectly complement chrome fender vents and stainless-trimmed coves that are branded with cool Corvette emblems. And at the back of the car, more polished bumpers and a second chrome tag bracket reflect simple taillights, a translucent trunk roundel and a factory antenna.

ENGINE

Tilt this roadster's glossy hood and you'll find a 283 cubic inch, dual-quad V8 that proudly displays a date-correct "DJ" assembly stamp next to a matching 100087 partial VIN. Consistently chosen over Rochester's much-hyped Ramjet fuel injection as GM's ultimate hot rod option, this stout small block is widely regarded as the starting point of Chevrolet's amazing performance legacy. The car's big 4-barrel carburetors, which breathe through a small, louvered air cleaner, funnel life in to a lightweight Winters intake. At the sides of that intake, proven Pyramid heads hang finned Corvette valve covers over correct, fully restored exhaust manifolds. Behind those manifolds, a chrome-capped distributor sequences fire through chrome-sleeved plug wires. And in front of those wires, a vintage radiator circulates coolant through pliable hoses and reproduction tower clamps. In addition to its killer powerplant, this Corvette offers a thoroughly detailed engine bay that's complete with an old school fuel bowl, a rebuilt generator and a reproduction Delco battery. And the car's first-rate aesthetics, which mix smooth, Satin Black framing with a bright, Chevy Orange core, create great texture and excellent contrast.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Flip this Vette upside down and you'll find a solid, Satin Black X-frame that's bolted to clean, Satin Black floors. Behind the hot motor, a tough Powerglide 2-speed twists torque through a rebuilt GM axle. Naturally, that drivetrain rolls on a fully restored double A-arm and solid axle suspension. At the corners of the car, standard drum brakes complement good handling characteristics with solid and confident stops. Exhaust is funneled through aluminized, true-dual pipes, which center a wide crossover in front of long, glasspack-style mufflers. And power meets the pavement though Tuxedo Black steelies, which spin 6.70-15 Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewalls around traditional stainless wheel covers.

INTERIOR

In keeping with this roadster's high performance theme, interior options remain minimal. Thanks to the car's high quality reboot, its textured seats still have years of life left in them. There's vivid carpet that features clean shading. Front and center, stylish, retro gauges and an old school Wonder Bar radio look great inside a wrapped and painted dash. At the center of the floor, a petite chrome shifter commands the smooth Powerglide transmission. In front of the driver, a speed-drilled steering wheel spins a color-keyed rim around a polished cross-flag horn button. At the sides of the passengers, scuff-free door panels center sculpted armrests in classy stainless trim. And behind the car's retracted top, a fully restored trunk shows virtually no signs of use.

Well restored and incredibly fun, this Corvette is a first class collector car that unabashedly champions the timeless swagger of '60s Americana. And, thanks to a hot dual-quad 283 drivetrain, it's also a blast to drive! We've said it once, and we'll say it again: the best way to enjoy your Sunday afternoons is behind the wheel of a vintage roadster. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to experience a stellar piece of Motor City history!