After nearly a decade of continuous improvements, the 1962
Corvette-the ultimate
model in the original C1 production run-would become the most honed
and refined
model of the celebrated first-generation Corvette design. The
Chevrolet Corvette
had by then firmly secured its position as America's sports car and
plans were
well underway for the second-generation C2 Corvette that would
debut the next
year, yet GM didn't skimp on development and further
refinement.
Distinct visuals set the 1962 Corvette apart from its predecessors;
notable
changes included a unified side panel color that seamlessly blended
with the
body, the elimination of chrome borders, and the addition of a
stylish vent
behind the front wheel, giving the model its distinct look. The
biggest news for
1962 was found under the hood with the introduction of the larger
327 cu-in V8
engine with maximum outputs ranging from 250 hp to 360 hp.
Chevrolet saved the
best for last with the 1962 "Fuelie." Of the 14,531 Corvettes
produced for 1962,
just 1,918 were ordered with the most potent available power plant,
the 327
cu-in, 360-hp Rochester "Ramjet" fuel-injected V8, carrying the RPO
option code
582. It was little wonder, as checking the box for RPO 582 added
$484.20 to the
bottom line, quite a sum in 1962 Dollars! Equipped as such, the
1962 "Fuelie"
Corvette was a genuine performance machine capable of 140 mph.
This striking example of the final and fully evolved 1962
model-year Corvette is
presented in RPO 582 top-of-the-line Fuelie configuration, mated to
the sporting
four-speed manual transmission. According to the NCRS-issued
Shipping Data
Report on file, this Corvette was assembled at the St. Louis,
Missouri-based
Corvette-specific GM plant during the spring of 1962, completed on
11 April
1962, and delivered new to Wagner Chevrolet of Yakima, Washington.
The Roadster
bodywork is finished in Tuxedo Black, matched by black interior and
carpets,
topped by a black convertible soft top. Chrome and brightwork
finishes present
beautifully throughout and give great contrast to the stealth
triple-black
livery. Close inspection of the engine compartment and
undercarriage reveals
thorough restoration work performed, with correctly plated nuts and
bolts in
place and a factory-correct, unmodified appearance throughout.
This Fuelie came into the consignor's impressive stable of sports
cars in 2017
and has since received service work by the consignor's capable
in-house
mechanic, including attention to the fuel injection system. The car
is offered
with a Corvette Servicing Guide, a period sales brochure, and its
NCRS Shipping
Data Report.
Featuring the highest output available for any C1 Corvette, the RPO
582 Fuelie
327 V8 with Rochester Ramjet mechanical fuel injection delivered
360 hp through
an 11.25:1 compression ratio. Mated to the most desirable
four-speed manual
transmission, this Tuxedo Black 1962 Corvette Roadster is a thrill
to drive and
would be right at home on high-speed rallies such as the
Copperstate 1000. A
true icon of American sports cars, this end-of-the-run '62 Fuelie
is pure
Americana in a very powerful package.
Vehicle Details
1962 Chevrolet Corvette
Listing ID:CC-2009298
Price:Auction Vehicle
Location:Las Vegas, Nevada
Year:1962
Make:Chevrolet
Model:Corvette
Odometer:3902
Stock Number:LV25Lot_164
VIN:20867S109669
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