A pristine example of early American performance is drawing attention online this week as a 1961 Chevrolet Corvette C1—complete with its original fuel-injected V8—hits the virtual auction block on Bring a Trailer.
Offered by Bullet Motorsports, the low-mileage convertible is one of only 1,194 Corvettes ever to receive the prestigious NCRS Duntov Mark of Excellence Award. First awarded in 1993, the honor reflects the car’s authenticity and restoration quality, certified through rigorous judging at the chapter, regional, and national level by the National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS).
Under the hood, the C1 features a fuel-injected 283-cubic-inch V8 engine, factory-rated at 275 horsepower, paired with a four-speed manual transmission and a Positraction limited-slip rear differential. The vehicle retains period-correct mechanicals, including the rare Rochester mechanical fuel injection system that helped cement the Corvette’s performance legacy in the early ’60s.
Finished in a classic white exterior over vibrant red vinyl upholstery, the Corvette is presented with a white soft top, 15-inch steel wheels with spinner-style covers, and whitewall BFGoodrich tires. Inside, period-correct features include a Wonderbar AM radio, dash-mounted clock, analog gauges, and lap belts.
Although the odometer shows just 300 miles, the vehicle’s total mileage is unknown. The Corvette underwent an extensive refurbishment under previous ownership, and judging materials and documentation from the early 1990s—including the Duntov Award and Top Flight certifications—accompany the sale.