Believed to be 17,835 original miles. 3 owners from new. Correct RE 327/340 horsepower with stamping that matches the serial number. 4-speed manual. Beautiful color combination. Hardtop included. The last of the C1 Corvettes with a strong pedigree and great colors.
I frequently describe C1 Corvettes as crude, loud, uncomfortable, and sweaty but also the most fun you can have on four wheels. Nowhere has that been more true than with this 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. Packing what appears to be its original 327 cubic inch V8 with 340 horsepower, its just a joy to drive-fast and reliable. Even better, it looks awesome sitting still in its original Tuxedo Black over red color combination. The fact that the repaint was finished more than a few years ago seems irrelevant, because the finish is deep and glossy with very few signs of use and certainly no damage or other issues. Panel gaps are quite good and the deep shine proves that nothing looks better than a shiny black car. Black also means you cant hide shoddy bodywork, and the fiberglass substrate on this car is arrow-straight, so someone took their time to get it right. Nice chrome adds appropriate contrast to the inky black paint, and it appears that all the brightwork was restored before being bolted back on. Other details include correct T3 headlights, anodized rocker panel trim, and a beautifully rendered gas cap. The car still looks crisp and well-finished, a testament to the quality of the work and care that it has received over the years.
The red vinyl interior is absolutely the right choice with Tuxedo Black. Sure, its flashy but isnt that the point of owning a vintage Corvette? Theyre anything but subtle. Correct seat covers have just enough wrinkles to show that this car was driven rather than carried around in a trailer, and all the soft parts remain in excellent condition. The big three-spoke steering wheel makes the Vette easy to handle and it frames a full array of instruments that are all functional, including the tachometer which shows a 6500 RPM redline (correct for a 340 horse 327). The 4-speed manual is topped by a big cue ball knob that makes it feel substantial in your hands, although shift action is light so dont feel like you have to abuse this car to get the most out of it. Theres an AM radio in the center of the dash and the Wonderbar works but we have not been able to tune any stations. Overhead theres a replacement white convertible top, and this Corvette does come with a removable hardtop that just needs quarter windows to be complete. The trunk is surprisingly spacious and is finished with a correct red mat and cardboard bulkhead, plus a spare tire and complete jack assembly underneath.
The engine is the optional 340 horsepower 327 cubic inch V8, which was a $107.60 option in 1962. It has a correct RE suffix code, denoting a 340 horsepower V8 with a manual transmission, and the stamping matches the serial number. Given the mileage, we dont believe the engine has ever been rebuilt and it runs the way only an original engine can-smooth, easy-going, and lots of fun. Give it a pump or two on the accelerator and it lights off easily and idles with a slightly lopey idle indicative of the 340 horse upgrades. Up top theres a familiar louvered air cleaner and finned valve covers, an aluminum intake manifold, and correct distributor. Theres Chevy Orange paint on the block and heads and familiar "rams horn" exhaust manifolds remain in excellent shape with no leaks. The 4-speed manual transmission shifts easily with well-defined gates, and there are few more enjoyable experiences than running a high-winding solid axle Corvette through the gears. 3.70 gears out back make this car feel seriously fast around town, and while primitive, ride quality is decent. Brakes are manual drums, so you definitely need to pay attention, but they are effective and in excellent working order. 15-inch wheels with factory wheel covers are the right look, especially when combined with a recent set of 205/75/15 whitewall radials.
Documentation is extensive, including a reproduction window sticker, manuals, and decades of receipts and photographs.
As beautiful to look at as it is to drive, this is one of those all-around great early Corvettes. It isnt an NCRS or Bloomington contender, but its extremely nice in every way that matters. It is joyous to drive, with a ripping soundtrack and a transmission thats a pleasure to row through the gears. It does everything you want an old car to do, and first and foremost thats to put a big grin on your face. This is the one youve been waiting for, call today!
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