Vehicle Description
Looking back on the nearly 70 years of the Chevrolet Corvette, each
generation generally followed the same formula - kicking off with
dramatic new styling and underpinnings, a mid-cycle refresh, and
continual, minor improvements to keep America's sports car at the
cutting edge. For the Corvette's first generation, colloquially
known as the C1, Chevrolet was still trying to figure out what
worked and what didn't. As sales ebbed and flowed, the Corvette
engineering team, led by Zora Arkus-Duntov, fought tooth and nail
to keep the project off the chopping block. Between 1953 and 1962,
the C1 underwent myriad changes to the styling and mechanical spec
to bolster sales. Common among all C1s was the steel ladder
chassis, derived from Chevrolet's passenger car line and featuring
independent front suspension with a solid rear axle. From 1955, V8
engines were the preferred choice, as Chevy axed the six-cylinder
by the end of that year. A new body arrived in 1956, which grew
more ornate and flashy to keep up with contemporary trends. The
1961 Corvette had yet another significant styling change, adopting
the crisp and modern "boat-tail" design that hinted at the C2, set
to debut in 1963. The final year of the C1 was 1962, which saw the
addition of Chevy's newest small-block V8 to the Corvette chassis.
The new 327 cubic-inch unit (up from 283) made 250 horsepower in
standard form, with options including 300hp and 340hp carbureted
versions or a 360hp version with Rochester fuel injection. The
powerful new engine range made the 1962 Corvette the quickest of
the C1 generation, and it laid the foundation for the C2's
undeniable success. Our featured 1962 Corvette is well-kept and
desirably-equipped example attractively finished in Roman Red over
a red interior. This car was built on August 23, 1961, and came
equipped with the optional 300-horsepower V8 engine, a four-speed
manual gearbox, 3.36 rear axle, and "Wonderbar" signal-seeking AM
radio. It spent 30 years with one owner in Florida, quietly tucked
in dry storage. It was acquired by an enthusiast who subsequently
performed a mechanical restoration to recommission the car for the
road. After coming into current ownership in 2012, a marque expert
and NCRS judge performed additional cosmetic restoration work and
extensive detailing approximately a decade ago, ensuring it is
authentically and correctly detailed throughout. It retains its
numbers matching engine fitted with proper date-coded components
throughout the drivetrain. All 1962 Corvettes featured single-tone
paint, as Chevy dropped the contrasting "cove" option, and this
car's Roman Red paintwork suits the shape brilliantly, with
black-wall tires and correct "spinner" wheel covers enhancing the
tough, purposeful look. Overall, the finish quality is very good,
with a few imperfections in the fiberglass noted on inspection.
Exterior brightwork is in good order, with excellent chrome bumpers
and polished trim. The Corvette's cockpit was completely re-trimmed
as part of the restoration, using correct vinyl upholstery supplied
by Al Knoch interiors on the seats and door cards, proper nylon
loop carpet, restored original seat belts, and a pinpoint vinyl
convertible top. There's a matching Goodyear 6.70-15 spare in the
trunk on a correct steel wheel, with the factory lug wrench and
jack handle stowed alongside. Switches, controls, and gauges are in
excellent order, making for an inviting and enjoyable place to
spend an afternoon of motoring. Beneath the hood is the original,
numbers-matching 327 V8, in optional 300 horsepower spec. It was
authentically detailed as part of the restoration and has been kept
in very good order, with a tidy, honest character coming from
regular driving enjoyment. It features the correct chrome air
cleaner and ignition shielding, proper hose clamps, and the
appropriate decals and labels. Component date codes have been
documented. It runs well and benefits from regular maintenance and
use while in the care of the most recent owner. As the last of the
line for the solid-axle C1, the 1962 Corvette is a highly
collectible and significant piece of Corvette history. It has been
much-loved by its most recent custodian, who oversaw the
well-detailed restoration and subsequently enjoyed the car to the
fullest. This example is ideally suited for classic rallies and
driving events where this American icon's power, performance, and
unmistakable style can be on full display. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7117-1962-chevrolet-corvette/
