Alex & Lisa Rassuchine's 1961 Corvette
(Primary Participant)
My younger brother bought this 1961 Corvette in 1975, when he was only fifteen years old. He and his best friend's "Grand Plan" were to take this car apart for paint and mechanical repair. Well, the car came apart alright over the course of several years and, as you might know, the rest of the story, there it sat!!! I acquired the car in 1994. My family's running joke was that this jig-saw puzzle would never see the light of day again, let alone move under it's own power five feet.
I started the restoration in January 2000 and finally finished in April 2001. Countless hours of time and dedication (even a little love) were required to complete this task. Joe Calcagno of Raintree Automotive Restoration Enterprises (R.A.R.E) served as my mentor for this project. His parts and knowledge also were part of the equation. Bruce Monson of Shaber Auto Body and his assistant Bill Schnepp were responsible for all body and paint restoration. It was during paint removal, that we discovered the original Ermine White exterior paint and Jewel Blue interior. Other clues and remaining parts indicated that this car was a 270 HP and 4-speed car. Every effort was made during restoration to save and reuse all parts. It is quite an honor for my wife and I to participate in this National Corvette Museum's Historic Motorama.
Alex & Lisa Rassuchine
Sparks, NV
NCM Lifetime #39