Vehicle Description
One of the best things about the C1 Corvette is its ability to
display a wide range of personalities without ever straying from
its performance roots. From refined to sinister, a change of color
is all it takes to show these cars in a new light. This 1962
Corvette roadster airs on the classier side of possibilities thanks
to its tasteful Fawn Beige exterior and matching cockpit. But don't
let that reserved look fool you - there's some serious firepower
under that fiberglass. One of only 1,918 cars equipped with the
legendary L84 327, this classic mixes 360 horsepower of Chevrolet
small block with a row-it-yourself Borg Warner 4-speed. And, as the
beneficiary of a comprehensive, body-off restoration, it presents
with authenticity, and drives every bit as good as it looks!
There's never a bad time for a great Corvette! If you're looking
for one of the best, step right up and take the wheel of this
awesome L84 roadster!
SUBSTANTIAL APPEAL
Judging by its serial number, this roadster left GM's St. Louis
line in May of 1962. While a lot of Vettes left that plant dressed
in red, white, or silver, this car found a more sophisticated hue
in code 920 Fawn Beige. The color's impact is heightened by
Chevrolet's decision to go monochromatic for the model year,
putting an end to those storied contrasting coves. The paintwork
presents as it should - even and lustrous without crossing the line
into over-restored territory. There are pictures of the car
stripped to its bare essence during the build and, even then, the
body presented well, being the kind of solid, no-hit shell builders
always hope to begin with. Panel fitment is true to factory
standards and, overall, this classic makes a great first
impression.
For 1962, Chevrolet further refined an already great body style,
creating a perfect send-off piece for the C1 Corvette. This
drop-top wears those updates exceptionally well. At the front of
the car, a black grille rides behind chrome bumperettes while quad
headlights cap sinuous fenders. Corvette script spans the header
panel, capped with a 1962-exclusive Corvette emblem. Follow the
hood toward a crystal clear windshield, wrapped in stainless frames
and kept clean by stainless wipers. Swing over to the side to
admire the swept front fender wells leading into those classic
coves. Crisp "Fuel Injection" badges hang under appropriate
cross-flag emblems, while the cutouts features fine-tooth
1962-exclusive grilles. A driver side mirror, chrome door handles,
and ribbed rocker molding complete that view. And out back, a
"ducktail" deck continues the car's overall sense of motion, capped
with dual round taillights and a second set of chrome
bumperettes.
SUBSTANTIAL POWER
If you wanted the top option Corvette, the new-for-1962 L84 327 was
the way to go. Making an impressive 1.146 horsepower per cubic inch
(360 horsepower total), the compact powerhouse remained the
highest-rated production small block ever offered by Chevrolet
until the quad-cam LT5 was introduced in 1990. Rebuilt to factory
specs, the original L84 in this roadster utilizes a high-lift cam,
Double Hump Heads, and 11.25 to 1 compression to hit those
impressive numbers. Of course, the star of the show is the
Rochester mechanical fuel injection setup perched atop an aluminum
Winters intake- an option just 1,918 buyers selected for the model
year. The front of the engine turns little aside from a
period-correct generator while the water pump pairs with a Harrison
radiator, a Harrison expansion tank, GM hoses, and single fan to
keep the bay cool. The finned valve covers wear their age well and,
at the back, the chrome ignition cover adds some factory flash to
the engine compartment. And, as expected, the mill displays a
correct 3782870 casting number behind a correct "RF" suffix stamp
and matching 110937 partial VIN.
SUBSTANTIAL ATHLETICISM
Crawl under this Corvette to find a solid undercarriage that's
restored to the same high standards as the car's glossy exterior.
The floors are finished with a light layer of undercoating while
the X-braced frame and key mechanical components are finished in
standard Satin Black. Behind the L84, an original Borg Warner
4-speed powers a posi-traction axle and big, 3.73 gears. Suspension
stays true to stock, with a double A-arm independent front-half
leading a solid axle rear-clip. There are sway bars at both ends,
and axle straps come in handy during quick takeoffs. The driving
experience is a direct one thanks to manual steering and four-wheel
hydraulic drum brakes, which are surprisingly effective at the
bringing the car to a quick halt. Factory-style exhaust carries
spent gases through factory-style mufflers and angle-cut pipes. At
the corners, 15-inch wheels spin full covers inside 6.70-15 BF
Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls, completing the car in
period-correct styling.
SUBSTANTIAL STYLE
Between the doors, this Corvette conveys a distinctly upmarket feel
thanks to a matching Fawn interior. Step over the polished sill
pates onto clean Tuxedo carpeting that's protected by thick floor
mats. That carpet extends on the bottom of the restored door
panels, freshened with new hardware and reflectors. The vinyl
bucket seats are still firm and supportive, and the stainless
outlines that extend behind them present as new, flowing into a
classic waterfall. A short shifter is framed by an original looking
shift plate. The dash is an attractive jet-age carry over with a
dramatic speedometer backing small accessory gauges and a prominent
tachometer. All the chrome pulls and switches show well and, in the
center stack, a Wonder Bar radio tops factory heater controls. This
is a two-top car so, behind the seats, you'll find a white canvas
top which can be hidden and replaced by a body-matched hardtop
whenever you feel so inclined.
VEHICLE SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND
ACCESSORIES
An original Owner's Guide
Restoration photos
Corvettes are always special cars, and rarities like this timeless
roadster run that appeal right through the roof! The car presents
well from every angle, and the fuel-injected small block is just as
fun now as it was in 1962. What's better: given the exclusivity of
authentic L84 cars, this Corvette will likely retain excellent
value. If you're looking for a cool C1 to round out your
collection, here's the perfect choice!
SUMMARY
Body-off restoration
327 cubic inch L84 V8 / Rochester fuel injection / 360
horsepower
4-speed manual transmission / Borg Warner T10
Posi-traction differential / 3.73 gears
Fawn Beige paint
Fawn interior
Restoration photos
Two tops (canvas/hardtop)
