Take a step back into the early 1960s with the National Corvette Museum’s newest exhibit! Built around a stunning, factory-fresh 1961 Chevy Corvette that’s coated in beautiful Honduras Maroon paint, NCM’s newest feature recreates an old-time American street corner.

But that roadster isn’t just any run-of-the-mill cruiser, it’s a golden era time capsule that has been recognized as one of the most original 1961 Corvettes in existence. In fact, the car is so original that it was bestowed both the prestigious NCRS Duntov Mark of Excellence Award and the NCRS Five Star Bowtie Award. Only four 1961 Corvettes have ever achieved both, establishing this Chevy as one of the best examples of early American sports car history.

Under the hood, you’ll find Chevrolet’s beloved 283 cubic-inch small-block V8. The “270” proudly displayed on its valve covers tells car enthusiasts this is the high-performance dual-quad carburetor version with solid lifters that’s good for a spry 270 horsepower. As expected, that magical motor feeds a classic four-speed manual transmission.

1961 was a big year for the first-generation Corvette, marking the C1’s last major facelift. This model year introduced the sharp ‘boattail’ rear end styling that strongly hinted at Shinoda’s iconic 1963 Sting Ray design that was just around the corner. Up front, the ’61 model cleaned things up with a simplified grille, painted headlight bezels, and a more understated crossed-flag emblem.

More than just a pretty face, the 1961 model also introduced new features that made the Corvette a more comfortable sports car. Windshield washers, padded sun visors, and interior courtesy lights all made their debuts. And, while it might not seem like much compared to today’s technological offerings, these additions marked an important step in the Corvette’s journey to becoming a premium sports car.

The award-winning 1961 Chevy Corvette at the National Corvette Museum is an excellent example of skilled automotive preservation. In addition to highlighting a turning point in the Corvette’s evolution, the car offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate the significance of America’s sports car in both culture and automotive history.