1961 Production and Performance Numbers
Model Year Highlights:
- Aluminum radiators became standard and featured a new crossflow design, however it should be noted that because production of the aluminum radiators was delayed, some 1961 Corvettes were built with the older style copper radiators from 1960.
- All optional engines had cast alloy valve covers featuring seven fins, while the base engine came equipped with painted steel valve covers.
- Exhaust systems exited underneath the rearend instead of through the rear bumper in previous model years.
| 1961 Corvette Options and Production | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RPO | Description | Price | Production | RPO | Description | Price | Production | |
| 867 | Base Convertible | $3,934.00 | 10,939 | 440 | Two-Tone Paint Combination | $16.15 | 3,368 | |
| 101 | Heater | $102.25 | 9,316 | 468 | 283ci, 270hp Engine (2x4 carbs.) | $182.95 | 2,827 | |
| 102 | AM Radio, Signal Seeking | $137.75 | 9,316 | 469 | 283ci, 245hp Engine (2x4 carbs.) | $150.65 | 1,175 | |
| 242 | Positive Crankcase Ventilation | $5.40 | NA | 473 | Power Operated Folding Top | $161.40 | 442 | |
| 276 | Wheels, 15x5.5 | $0.00 | 337 | 675 | Positraction Rear Axle | $43.05 | 6,915 | |
| 290 | Whitewall Tires, 6.70x15 | $31.55 | 9,780 | 685 | 4-Speed Manual Transmission. | $188.30 | 5,328 | |
| 313 | Powerglide Automatic Transmission | $199.10 | 1,458 | 686 | Metallic Brakes | $26.90 | 920 | |
| 353 | 283ci, 275hp Engine (fuel inj.) | $484.20 | 118 | 687 | Heavy Duty Brakes and Susp. | $333.60 | 119 | |
| 354 | 283ci, 315hp Engine (fuel inj.) | $484.20 | 1,462 | 1408 | Blackwall Tires, 6.70x15 | $15.75 | NA | |
| 419 | Auxiliary Hardtop | $236.75 | 5,680 | 1625 | 24 Gallon Fuel Tank | $161.40 | NA | |
| 426 | Power Windows | $59.20 | 698 | |||||
| Total Production (all convertibles): 10,939 | ||||||||
| Color Options | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RPO | Exterior | Ditzler # | Dupont # | RM # | Interior | Soft Top | Production |
| NA | Tuxedo Black | NA | NA | NA | Red/Black/Blue/Fawn | White/Black | 1,340 |
| 501A | Fawn Beige | NA | NA | NA | Red/Black/Fawn | White/Black | 1,363 |
| 502A | Jewel Blue | NA | 4143-L | NA | Black/Blue | White/Black | 855 |
| 506A | Roman Red | NA | NA | NA | Black/Red | White/Black | 1,794 |
| 509A | Sateen Silver | NA | NA | NA | Blue/Black/Red | White/Black | 747 |
| 510A | Ermine White | NA | NA | NA | Blue/Black/Red/Fawn | Black/White | 3,178 |
| Two-Tone Paint (RPO 440) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Color | Production | |
| Roman Red / White | 954 | |
| Honduras Maroon / White | 647 | |
| Ermine White / Silver | 385 | |
| Fawn Beige / White | 358 | |
| Tuxedo Black / Silver | 429 | |
| Jewel Blue / White | 419 | |
| Sateen Silver / White | 159 | |
| Interior Color Codes | ||
|---|---|---|
| RPO | Color | Production |
| NA | Black | 3,487 |
| 490B | Blue | 1,331 |
| NA | Red | 4,459 |
| NA | Fawn | 1,662 |
| Performance Numbers | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Magazine | GM Spec. | Sports Car Illus. | Motor Trend |
| Pub. Date | NA | Dec. 1960 | Sep. 1961 |
| Engine | NA | NA | 283 ci / 230 hp / single carb 283 ci / 315 hp / fuel inj. |
| Axle | NA | 3.70 | NA |
| Transmission | NA | NA | NA |
| 0-30 mph | NA | 2.6 sec | NA |
| 0-40 mph | NA | 3.8 sec | NA |
| 0-50 mph | NA | 4.6 sec | NA |
| 0-60 mph | NA | 6.0 sec | 8.3 sec 7.4 sec |
| 0-70 mph | NA | 7.9 sec | NA |
| 0-80 mph | NA | NA | NA |
| 0-90 mph | NA | NA | NA |
| 0-100 mph | NA | 14.2 | NA |
| 1/4 Mile (sec/mph) | NA | 15.5/106.0 | NA |
| Top Speed | NA | NA | NA |
| Braking | NA | NA | NA |
| Handling | NA | NA | NA |