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1961 Corvette Specifications
Small changes gave the 1961 Corvette a cleaner look and reduced weight. It was quick and powerful, with an official top speed of 109 mph (though many could reach in excess of 130 mph). Here are the specifications for the 1961 Corvette:
 The three-speed manual gearbox was standard on the 1961 Corvette, but was offered with a wider choice of axle ratios. |
| Vehicle Specifications | Convertible |
| Wheelbase, inches | 102.0 |
| Length, inches | 176.7 |
| Width, inches | 70.4 |
| Track, inches | front: 57.0 rear: 59.0 |
| Height, inches | 52.9 |
| Curb Weight, pounds | 3,108 |
Mechanical Specifications (2-door convertible)
Suspension
front: Independent; upper and lower A-arms, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs, antiroll bar, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers
rear: Live axle on semi-elliptic leaf springs, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers, trailing radius rods
Wheels/Tires
6.70x15
Brakes
front: 11-inch drum
rear: 11-inch drum
Transmission
3-speed manual (std)
4-speed manual (opt)
2-speed Powerglide (opt)
Standard axle ratio
3.70:1
Engine Specifications
| Type | ohv V-8 | ohv V-8 | ohv V-8 | ohv V-8 | ohv V-8 |
| Displacement, liters/cu inch | 4.6/283 | 4.6/283 | 4.6/283 | 4.6/283 | 4.6/283 |
| Bore x stroke, inches | 3.875 x 3.00 | 3.875 x 3.00 | 3.875 x 3.00 | 3.875 x 3.00 | 3.875 x 3.00 |
| Fuel Management | 1 x 4-bbl. | 2 x 4-bbl. | 2 x 4-bbl. | fuel injection | fuel injection |
| Horsepower @ rpm | 230 @ 4800 | 245 @ 5000 | 270 @ 6000 | 275 @ 5200 | 315 @ 6200 |
| Torque @ rpm, pound-foot | 300 @ 3000 | 300 @ 3800 | 285 @ 4200 | 290 @ 4200 | 295 @ 5100 |
Published Performance Numbers
| Acceleration | 230 hp, 4-sp man. | 315 hp, 4-sp man. |
| 0-60 mph, sec | 8.3 | 6.0 |
| 0-100 mph, sec | NA | 14.2 |
| 1/4-mile, sec @ mph | NA | 15.5 @ 106 |
Vehicle Production and Base Prices
| Car Type | Production | Price |
| 2-door convertible | 10,934 | $3,934.00 |
Options and Production
| Option | Production | Price |
| Heater | 10,671 | $102.25 |
| AM Radio, signal seeking | 9,316 | 137.75 |
| Positive Crankcase Ventilation | NA | 5.40 |
| Wheels, 15 x 5.5 | 337 | 0.00 |
| Whitewall Tires, 6.70 x 15 | 9,780 | 31.55 |
| Powerglide Automatic Transmission | 1,458 | 199.10 |
| Auxiliary Hardtop | 5,680 | 236.75 |
| Power Windows | 698 | 59.20 |
| Two-Tone Paint | 3,351 | 16.15 |
| 245 hp Engine | 1,175 | 150.65 |
| 270 hp Engine | 2,827 | 182.95 |
| 275 hp Engine Fl | 118 | 484.20 |
| 315 hp Engine Fl | 1,462 | 484.20 |
| Power Operated Folding Top | 442 | 161.40 |
| Positraction Rear Axle | 6,915 | 43.05 |
| 4-speed Manual Transmission | 7,013 | 188.30 |
| Metallic Brakes | 1,402 | 37.70 |
| Heavy Duty Brakes and Suspension | 233 | 333.60 |
| Blackwall Tires, 6.70 x 15 nylon | NA | 15.75 |
| 24 Gallon Fuel Tank | NA | 161.40 |
Color Choices and Production
| Color Choice | Production | Color Choice | Production |
| Tuxedo Black | 1,340 | Fawn Beige | 1,363 |
| Honduras Maroon | 1,645 | Roman Red | 1,794 |
| Ermine White | 3,178 | Sateen Silver | 747 |
| Jewel Blue | 855 |
Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:
| 1953 Corvette | 1954 Corvette | 1955 Corvette |
| 1956 Corvette | 1957 Corvette | 1958 Corvette |
| 1959 Corvette | 1960 Corvette | 1961 Corvette |
| 1962 Corvette |
Looking for more information on Corvettes and other cars? See:
- Corvettes: Learn about the history behind each model year and see Corvette photographs.
- Corvette Specifications: Get key specifications, engine and transmission types, prices, and production totals.
- Corvette Museum: The National Corvette Museum draws Corvette lovers from all over the world. Learn more about the museum.
- Corvette Pictures: Find pictures of the hottest classic and current-year Corvettes.
- Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.
- Consumer Guide Corvette Reviews: Considering a Corvette purchase? See what Consumer Guide has to say.
