Corvette Model Gallery

1961 Roadster

From the side there appeared to be few changes from 1960 but a complete walk around would show a different picture. A new tail treatment with four individual tail lights would provide a glimpse of the next generation and the beginning of a tradition that continues to this day. The rear styling also saw the exhaust pipes move from a through the rear body location to just behind the rear wheel wells. From the front the heavy grill teeth were removed and replaced with an anodized metal screen. Interior changes were minor. This would be the last year for several options; the contrasting cove color, wide white wall tires and the venerable 283 ci engine which had been the Corvette mainstay since 1957. And the favorite color, white of course.

The model:

"This 1961 Corvette is a 1/25th resin kit produced by Pinecrest Models in the early '90's. They did this kit for a short time and are no longer in business. The kit only included the body, hood, grille and bumpers(unplated). I used an AMT 1962 kit for the chassis, engine, interior and chrome parts. Although the trunk lid was a separate part on the original kit, the resin kit had a sealed trunk. The resin was fairly clean and did not require much prep work. Not having plated grille and bumper parts would have slowed the build down considerably if I had sent them out for plating. However, I chose to use the '62 plated parts since I was already using the chassis and engine. "

"I painted The body with Testors rattle can white and silver"

"Used Bare Metal on the trim."

"The interior is Testors rattle can flat red."

"I think it came our okay but I certainly hope someone does a '61-'62 with a more accurate front end someday."

Comments:

David did a nice job combining resin and plastic parts to produce a very nice looking '61, which is not currently available in kit form.

If you would like to contact David on this model go to: www.palmeter.com

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Page updated  01/03/05