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Hello,
My name is Marshal, and I idle over at the C-3 Forum.
I am in that phase where I am thinking of selling my 1968 BB 4spd coupe in order to partially pay for a 1960/61.
I'm placing this in the general section because I'm really looking for some experienced feedback on pre purchasing advise on a 1960/61 prior to buying.
When I was looking for a C-3, I learned there is some prior knowledge needed before purchasing a C-3.
I guess, I'm in the educate me phase before I actively start looking.
I would be open to a trade at some point if anyone reading this has a 1960/61 and is looking for a C-3.
I'm looking for a clean driver.
Thank you in advance,
Marshal
Hello,
My name is Marshal, and I idle over at the C-3 Forum.
I am in that phase where I am thinking of selling my 1968 BB 4spd coupe in order to partially pay for a 1960/61.
I'm placing this in the general section because I'm really looking for some experienced feedback on pre purchasing advise on a 1960/61 prior to buying.
When I was looking for a C-3, I learned there is some prior knowledge needed before purchasing a C-3.
I guess, I'm in the educate me phase before I actively start looking.
I would be open to a trade at some point if anyone reading this has a 1960/61 and is looking for a C-3.
I'm looking for a clean driver.
Thank you in advance,
Marshal
Only 1960/1961 corvette. Why not 53-55, 56-57, 58-60, 61-62?
How tall are you? Have you tried sitting into a solid axle?
Are you into restomods? Or mainly just a driver? Is NOM okay? Do you have a color preference? 4 speed? Looking for a project? Have you started shopping already?
I went from a very nice 1972 Bryar Blue Coupe to a 1961 Convertible.
They are different to drive. But the '61 is still an enjoyable car to drive compared to the '72.
The biggest difference is that the '61 gets WAY more attention - everywhere that I go .... stoplights, the gas station, car shows, the drive-in, etc .... so be prepared to spend a lot more time chatting with folks ....
A 60 or 61, seems like a strange target range. Most buyers are usually more interested in a 58-60, with the rounded back, or 61-62's, with the squared off back and 4 round tail lamps.
Frame rust can be an issue with early cars, but not anywhere near like the 63 up frames. The most common area to find rust, is in the rear crossmember, that the springs bolt to. This crossmember bolts in, and is easy to replace. Generally the early cars don't suffer from the birdcage rust, that the newer Corvettes do, unless it's a car that has been left outside for many years.
60 was a year of transition. At the beginning of 1960, the VIN tag was attached to the left door jam with 2 Phillips head screws, between the door hinges. At some point during the 60 model year, the VIN plate was moved to the steering column, where it was attached using two spot welds. The VIN tags remained on the steering column through the end of 62 production.
There was no VIN derivative on the engine stamp pads, prior to some point during 1960. Earlier cars only had the engine stamping, including the F for Flint, 3 or 4 numbers for the month and day of assembly, and 2 letters for the engine suffix code. During the 60 model year, Chevrolet started adding a VIN derivative to the stamp pad, like those found in later years.
There really isn't much else in the way of inherent issues with the early cars. The most import thing is if you want a mostly correct or original car, to learn what options, colors, engines, etc., were available on them.
If you've never driven an early car, they are quite different from any Corvette built after 1963. The suspension dates back too 1949, and uses king pins, and manual steering, that requires a fair amount of effort, even compared to manual steering in 63 up cars.
I'm 6 foot, and though I have plenty of room with the top down in my 62, or with the hardtop on, with the soft top up, I tend to hit my head on the top bows.
I love early Corvettes, but they can be an acquired taste.
Jim & 1961,
Thank you for the kind responses.
Jim,
I will expand on your questions:
I'm 6' and 230lbs. I'm working on the 230 part.
No, I have never driven a 1960/61 car.
I'm looking at these two years because I feel I can most likely afford
this era. I would like a 1958 but not willing to spend 70k.
I've seen nice drivers in 1960/61 era for 45k.
This is my budget + or -. If I can sell my 68 for 25-30k it would soften the hit.
A period correct drive train would suffice. I'd like a 4spd as that's what
I have now. Not really a resto mod fan. That said if its the wrong 283 I'm ok with that.
I love the blues of 1960/61 with a blue interior. That would be my dream combo.
I have not started shopping yet.
I was hoping to learn some of the pit falls of this era before I actively start looking.
This would be a pre retirement gift from my wife so I'd be able to field all the complements that 1961 said I can expect to receive every time I'm out.
My Safari yellow BB 68 does a pretty good job of striking up a conversation too.
I always thought of the 1957-62 era as the blue chip corvettes.
Thanks Again,
Marshal
gbvette,
Thanks that was the kinda feedback I needed as well.
I'm not so concerned with the whole numbers stuff I just don't want to overpay for a correct car only to find its wrong.
I'm glad the C-2's rust issues are simplified compared to the C-3 era.
I didn't know how the C-2 community grouped the cars.
As I said I have not began a comprehensive search so the small differences in years escapes me at present.
I know I want a dual head lamp car vs. the pre 1958's.
I can't afford FI. A 283 mid hp engine 4spd would be my choice.
I need it to be nice paint as I do not paint.
The mechanics I can work on.
I love the blues with the painted coves.
That's what has me attracted to this era.
I've looked at a few at various shows in PA.
I know the car will drive completely different than IR suspension with power steering. I'm 6' also so the head space is welcome advise.
Any additional plus or minus comments greatly welcomed.
Marshal
You might add the 59 to your list. It's identical to the 60 except for two minor interior differences. The 61 changed the rear and also the front grille, so it differs from the 60 much more. Take a look and drive one and see which fits you better, I am also 230, but 6'2". Kind of tight on headroom with the top up.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
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Marshall, You may remember me from the C3 section. I've had my 61 for 35 years. My 68 Lemans Blue 68 427/390 was a great car but when I decided to downsize one car, it was the 68 that went. I enjoyed that 68 alot but am more fond of the 61. You will be an instant celebrity wherever you go. The 68 got attention but the solid axle Vettes get ridiculous attention. The 68 was a better driving car but I just have more fun in the 61.
Drive one first and decide if you like it. I am 6'1" 225 and I fit OK. I just need to duck with the hardtop on when going over bumps. In addition to the rear crossmember, they will rot along the frame rails, especially the passenger side with cars from the rust belt. Any car you are considering, shoot us some pics. Good luck.
61
The 68 going
I want to share my find with you since it sounds like what you're looking for. Like you, I wasn't picky but knew I wanted a 4 speed 58-60 with a soft top. It took some luck but I found my 59 in October for $35K. Fresh frost blue paint and rebuilt NOM 283 motor. Interior needs work and all trim is in a box but once things warm up I'll put it together and go. I have 2 miles on it since it's winter here and at 6'1 I fit fine with the top down. I haven't tried with the top up yet.
If if you look around you'll find the right car. Like they said above, 59 is essentially the same as the 60 and priced the same so keep that in mind too.
If if I were to say what I feel is most important when shopping it would be to check the frame for rust and get as complete of a car as possible. If you are missing parts, especially trim, it adds up real fast.
I chose this this pic because you can see where my head is and it sounds like we are similar in height. I see through the windshield fine.
You might also add '62 to your list. First year of the 327, last year of the C1. '61 and '62's are roomier inside than the '60 and earlier cars....something to consider. The '61 is the last year for the dual quads and the contrasting insert on the side. Also the last year for the Motorama inspired interior door panels. I picked up my '61 in 2015 for less than you could sell your C3 for out of long storage with a hurt engine. Mine is not numbers matching, but is period correct. I had it running and driving in less than a month. FAR from perfect, and still needs stuff, but is a great driver and gets LOTS of attention. If you are mechanically inclined, you can get a non-runner for less like I did.
Before cleaning it up and after, with mom behind the wheel!
CapeVettes: Thanks for the response. We have both responded on similar threads on the C-3 forum.
I think I'm leaning the way you have.
The '68 is cool but the '61 will be off the charts cool
Root2812: Thank you for the response. I love your car!
35k would work for me in that condition.
I really want a blue car with the white coves.
I need great paint as I don't paint, NOM 283 or 327 for 1962 would work.
1961: Thanks for the link. I really want that color. Kevin.... That babies going to be expensive with the pedigree paper work.
GTO Guy: Thanks.... I'll add 1962 to the list. I really want the painted coves though. Good to know 1961-1962's have a little more wiggle room. Your car is beautiful.
I guess I better look at the 59/62 years as well.
Thanks everyone.
Marshal
Last edited by marshal135; 02-22-2017 at 06:36 PM.
You might add the 59 to your list. It's identical to the 60 except for two minor interior differences. The 61 changed the rear and also the front grille, so it differs from the 60 much more. Take a look and drive one and see which fits you better, I am also 230, but 6'2". Kind of tight on headroom with the top up.
On the rounded rear end like the '58 without the trunk spears, the '59 is almost indistinguishable from the '60 (most cannot tell the difference), so I agree, add the 59 to your list.
Also, if you like the "duck tail" 61, the 62 only has a couple of differences that may or may not matter, so the '62 may also appeal to you. The '62 gives you the 327 engine option (if you're going original), but loses the cove moldings and the coves with different color paint.
I might be a little prejudice but I would go for a 61-62. An unbelievable amount of extra trunk space. When i have part of the interior of my trunk collapsed I can carry a pop-up canopy, two chairs, cleaning supplies,extra hose and belt and cooler.
Well allota great advise and some great pics.
Thanks for all who took the time to respond and post pics.
I'd be happy with any of the cars posted.
I guess I'll learn the options as suggested and with spring around the corner start looking at a few cars at local cruise nites.
If I could have 1 it would be blue with white coves, blue interior, dual quads and a four speed. NOM would probably keep it in my budget.
Fun factor is the idea.
Thanks again.
I'll keep you posted.
The quest begins......
Marshal
02-22-2017, 10:56 AM
Wtb 1960/61
