Did you know that the modern-day “seek” function on an AM/FM radio was pioneered in the late 1940s by General Motors? It was a technological advancement that changed in-car entertainment forever. GM called its radio the “Wonder Bar,” and it was activated by touching a seek bar that would automatically find the next station with a strong enough signal.
Early Corvette models were among the cars that featured Wonder Bar audio systems and, today, aftermarket companies build replicas in the style of the originals. The next time you go to change your radio station, think about how convenient it is to browse stations at the touch of a button! In fact, if you want to experience what the original Wonder Bar was like, here’s your chance.
Featured on AutoHunter is this 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. The car is being sold by a private seller in Juno Beach, Florida, and the auction will end Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. PDT.
The Ermine White exterior was repainted in 2024 and gives a fresh look to the classic lines. Many C1 Corvettes left the factory with two-tone paint schemes and light-colored side coves, but the monochromatic look shown here in all-white is elegant and sporty at the same time. The American Classic wide-whitewall tires give a period-correct look and feel to the overall package.
Model year 1961 was significant for the Corvette, because it marked the beginning of what became known as the “ducktail” rear end – featuring quad round taillights instead of fender-top-mounted units. Chevrolet was proud of the Corvette’s fun-to-drive demeanor in 1961 and promoted it accordingly: An ad from the period said, “Few cars from this or any other country can come remotely close to it for flashing performance, good handling and hair-trigger responsiveness. The feeling it imparts will make you chuckle with pleasure, just driving the son-of-a-gun around the block.”
That chuckle was made possible by a 283ci V8 mated to a Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission. The intake manifold, carburetor, fuel pump and sending unit of this car have been replaced. The odometer says 55,664 miles, but true mileage is unknown.
The listing says that the red vinyl interior has been refreshed, and it looks showroom ready. Features include bucket seats, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, a clock, logo floor mats, a heater and, of course – the Wonder Bar replica radio.
Best of all, in this case, the Wonder Bar is Bluetooth-compatible. That certainly wasn’t something General Motors was thinking about in the 1960s. Get your road trip audio playlist ready, because summer 2025 is going to rock. Especially if you’re behind the wheel of a sweet classic Vette.
The auction for this 1961 Chevrolet Corvette ends Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery
