Vehicle Description
Matching-numbers 327/300 4-speed car in original colors. Restoration receipts included. Runs and drives superbly with no issues. Beautiful and ready to enjoy.
This lovely’62 Corvette roadster is a matching-numbers 327/300 Hi-Performance car with a factory 4-speed and a fantastic black-on-red color combination. It hits all the right notes if you’re a true aficionado or someone looking for a smart buy on an early ‘Vette. The fiberglass shell is in excellent condition with none of the usual stress cracks and you can tell the guys who did the work were experts because all the panels fit better than new and that takes time and skill. It wears correct code A Tuxedo Black paint, which is the car’s original color and it really dresses the car up in a big wayThe paint has a deep gloss and while it’s no longer in show condition, it’s extremely nice with only the most minor signs of use and age. The chrome and stainless was all restored at the same time and remains excellent, from the unique blacked-out grille up front to the gills in the side coves to the rear bumpers, which are a clear preview of the upcoming C2 Sting Ray.
Everything you can see or touch in the bright red interior was replaced during the restoration, so the door panels are crisp, the trim is brilliant, and the pleated bucket seats are firm and comfortable for long cruises. Correct black and red textured carpets with matching floor mats give it a very finished look and the steering wheel was obviously restored because it’s way too nice to be original. The gauges show bright markings and clear lenses, and they are all functional save for the fuel gauge. The center stack features the controls for the heater system and the original Wonderbar radio, which not only works but has also been fitted with an FM converter inside. The 4-speed shifter has been fitted with a white cue ball knob and snaps through the gates with precision, not slop. Under the rear deck, you’ll find a black vinyl convertible top that’s almost like new save for some wrinkles (I don’t think it has spent much time in the up position), and there are new weather seals that close it up about as well as can be expected on a vintage ‘Vette.
This is the car’s original, numbers-matching 327 cubic inch V8. It’s the optional code 583 300 horsepower “high performance” version, which is both very potent and very streetable. It has a partial VIN stamped on the pad with a prefix of ‘2’ which indicates 1962 model year, as well as F0213RD, which decodes as follows:
F = Flint manufacturing plant (all 1962 Corvette engines were manufactured in Flint)
0213 = February 13 assembly date
RD = 327 cubic inch V8, high-performance 300 horsepower 4-speed
So there’s no question that this is the car’s original, numbers-matching engine. It’s also completely rebuilt with receipts for the work and runs superbly. It fires quickly and easily, hot or cold, and idles smoothly and easily without issues. On the road, it pulls delightfully through all four gears, and makes so much torque that first gear is all but unnecessary. It’s neatly detailed in correct Chevy Orange paint, simple stamped steel valve covers with 327 decals, and the trademark Corvette louvered air cleaner. It’s worth noting that all the chrome ignition shielding is in place, even blow the manifolds, and details like hoses and clamps are all authentic. There are a few light signs of use, but it’s probably a mistake to put a car that runs this well into a trailer.
The 4-speed manual gearbox is delightful in operation, with well-chosen ratios that ensure that the engine is already right where you want it when you bang into the next gear, and with what we believe to be 3.36 cogs out back, it’s still a decent highway cruiser that will run all day at modern highway speeds. As with the engine bay, there are light signs of use on the undercarriage, which is mostly satin black paint and a few bright pieces like the recent dual exhaust system with correct mufflers. Obviously rust is a non-issue, since the floors are fiberglass, but steel parts like the body mounts, frame, and other structural members are in excellent condition with no signs of rust or damage. The original steel wheels are wearing deluxe hubcaps and correct 6.70-15 US Royal whitewalls that look great and give it an authentic feel on the open road.
This car includes a huge binder full of receipts and other documentation of the work done over the years, as well as an original owner’s manual.
If it’s not obvious, we love this car! It’s totally vice-free, has arguably the best color combination, and for being nearly 55 years old, it’s fantastically fast. Running it through the gears is an event and everyone will stop to admire you as you go by, hopefully with the pipes singing that wonderful 300 horsepower song. With a great pedigree and awesome documentation, you can buy with confidence and know that this 1962 Corvette will always live near the very top of the heap in the world of solid axle ‘Vettes. Call now!
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
