1961

Original 1961 Corvette promos were marketed by SMP (Scale Model Products) and its affiliate AMT (Aluminum Model Toys, Inc.). On July 18, 1961 SMP was absorbed into AMT. Although the 1961 Corvettes were part of the "C1" generation, the promos were completely different than all the previous years. These cars were made from a new type of plastic called Cycolac. The new plastic did not warp like the earlier models. The downside is they can become very brittle over time. The hood, trunk, headlight caps and front valance were separate pieces from the body. The hood and trunk were permanently attached to the body from the underside with a hot tool that melted the plastic pieces together. The interior, dash and steering wheel were 3 separate pieces. These plastic pieces were glued together to make the interior assembly. The interior assembly and clear plastic windshield was attached to the underside of the body. These cars were molded in various colors and they all had silver painted body coves. The interiors were unpainted; except most cars had the seat inserts painted silver. The 3 spoke steering wheel was a new design and should match the interior color. The promos had chrome rear bumpers, front bumper/grille, hubcaps and rear license plate. The headlights were clear plastic and the tail lights were translucent red plastic. Only the rear license plate read "1961". The 1961s had the same style hubcap as the 1958-1960 models. They all had wide whitewall tires that were slightly narrower than the 1958-1960 models. These cars came with either a friction or non-friction chassis. The friction cars had the friction motor on the front axle (which was concealed by a small metal cover). This metal cover was attached to the chassis with 4 tabs (not riveted like the 1962 models). The chassis was attached to the body with 2 screws at the front. These bright plated straight head screws had spiral threads.

Boxes: The non-friction dealer promos came in plain white boxes with an oval shaped cellophane window. These non-friction promo boxes had "CORVETTE" and either "WHITE BODY" or "RED BODY" stamped on the end. The 1961 friction promos came in SMP boxes like the 1960 frictions. They had a oval shaped cellophane window and were covered with light green, dark blue, red and black artwork. The stamp on the end should read "CORVETTE" and indicate the color of the body in large type.

Dealer Promos

1961-02

1961-03

1961-04

Friction Promos

1961-05

1961-06

1961-07

1961-08

1961-09

1961-10

Non-Friction Non-Dealer Promo

1961-11

Note: We believe the following promo exists but we do not have photos of it.

• 1961-01 Ermine White/Silver with solid Red interior

Note: There were also a few Gold Plated 1961 Corvette promos made. These cars were made for the 1961 trophies. They're located in the "Trophies" section of this website.

Note: Several 1961 Corvette friction promos have been found with 1961 Impala wheels. It's likely these cars were incorrectly assembled at the factory.

Note: Several 1961 Corvette friction promos have been found without the body coves painted silver. It's likely the factory neglected to paint the coves on some of the friction cars.