Vehicle Description
For the Corvette's first generation, colloquially known as the C1,
Chevrolet was still trying to figure out what worked and what
didn't in the emerging and notoriously fickle American sports car
market. As sales ebbed and flowed, the Corvette engineering team,
led by Zora Arkus-Duntov, fought tooth and nail to keep the GM's
top brass from axing the Corvette altogether. Between 1953 and
1962, the C1 underwent various changes to the styling and
mechanical spec to bolster sales and improve performance. 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 Blue Streak inline 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, but
with it came additional weight. 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
latest iteration of the famous 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 the ultimate 360hp spec with solid lifters
and Rochester mechanical fuel injection. The powerful new engine
range made the 1962 Corvette the quickest of the C1 generation,
laying the foundation for the C2's undeniable success. This 1962
Corvette is a rare and desirable example, equipped with a factory
fuel-injected 327 V8 and four-speed gearbox. It sports a
well-maintained, good-quality older restoration, attractively
finished in metallic maroon over black upholstery, and a black
pinpoint vinyl top. The quality of the paintwork is excellent, and
the body displays crisp lines and consistent panel fit. Exterior
brightwork is also extremely well-restored, with straight bumpers,
trim, and period-correct wheel covers on factory-correct steel
wheels. Goodyear Eagle radials improve handing and braking
performance in dry or wet conditions. From behind the wheel, this
Corvette is a joy to drive, delivering its 360 horsepower with
ease, and feeling remarkably surefooted for a solid-axle car. The
interior is well-detailed and features authentic period-correct
black vinyl and nylon loop carpeting. The carpet has faded somewhat
through regular top-down use but is otherwise sound and in good
condition. The gauges are in excellent condition, sitting in one of
the most stylish instrument clusters of the time. It retains the
correct three-spoke steering wheel and white 'cue ball' shift knob,
while a period-style modern replacement AM/FM stereo has been
fitted. While in the most recent owner's care, the Corvette was
serviced and sorted by a noted and respected restoration shop, and
it is offered in excellent running/driving condition. Under the
hood, detailing is to a tidy driver-quality level, with authentic
factory-correct touches throughout. It retains its all-important
Rochester fuel injection with the proper airbox, ignition
shielding, and radiator expansion tank. The stampings on the block
correspond with the car's serial number, and the "RF" suffix
indicates this is an original Fuelie. As the Genesis of the
Corvette legacy, the C1 remains an important collector car and a
mid-century design icon. This rare (one of 1,918) and appealing
example represents the pinnacle of the first generation, as it
paved the way for the Corvette's future success. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7408-1962-chevrolet-corvette/
