Four-Speed Fuelie: 1962 Chevrolet Corvette
Chevrolet knew that 1962 marked the final year of C1 Corvette production. As such, it took a “softly, softly” approach to updates, saving many significant upgrades for the upcoming C2 model. This Corvette is from the final production year and is one of the most desirable to roll off the line in 1962. It isn’t just the fact that it presents superbly, but the powerhouse under the hood seals the deal. It is listed here on eBay in Anaheim, California. Bidding has passed the reserve to hit $42,700 due to some keen interest.
We’ve recently seen a few earlier Corvettes where sellers have been limited with supplied information, and this car continues that trend. Chevrolet launched the badge in 1953, with color choice limited to Polo White. The range had expanded to seven shades when our car rolled off the line. They were diverse colors, but this car harkens back to the Corvette’s roots by featuring a fresh coat of Ermine White. We receive no information on when the repaint occurred or if it is the original color. There is also no history on this classic, which is frustrating when dealing with a car of this caliber. The fiberglass is in good order, and the trim is as-new. This Corvette rolls on the correct steel wheels, with original trims and classy narrow whitewalls. It features a Black soft-top, which is 1-of-2 colors available on a ‘Vette carrying this paint shade. The seller supplies no information on the frame or potential rust. However, the dry climate and lack of visible surface corrosion suggest the news should be positive. That takes care of the cosmetics, but the subtle badges on the front fenders reveal this classic’s true nature.
The entry-level 1962 Corvette offered enough power and performance to satisfy most buyers. However, those with thick wallets and the need for speed could spend $484.20 above the sticker price for the legendary 327ci “Fuelie” V8 and another $188.30 on the optional four-speed manual transmission. Those figures don’t sound outrageous in isolation, but they bumped the Corvette’s price by an eye-watering 17%. That is the combination we find hiding under this car’s skin, placing 360hp and 352 ft/lbs of torque under the driver’s right foot. Is it fast? A ¼-mile ET of 14.1 seconds and a top speed of 143mph provide a resounding “yes” to that question. Unfortunately, we are flying blind because the seller doesn’t indicate whether this Chevy is numbers-matching. There is no information on how it runs or drives, but the indications are positive.
Ordering a 1962 Corvette in White brought Black, Red, or Fawn interior trim. This car features striking Red vinyl that is in as-new condition. There are no signs of wear or other issues, with the vehicle carrying the hallmarks of one that has been treated respectfully. The carpet is excellent, there is no wear on that beautiful wheel, and the bright trim is flawless. It has avoided the plague of aftermarket additions, which adds to the appeal. The original Wonderbar radio should relieve boredom on long journeys if the occupants tire of the tune produced by the sweet V8 under the hood.
This 1962 Corvette is a classic that leaves us wanting more. This has nothing to do with its condition, specifications, or presentation. What we need is hard information on the car’s history and health. I’ve never understood how an owner can list a car of this caliber and shortchange potential buyers in this fashion. However, it has attracted thirty-five bids. That suggests that potential buyers have received positive answers from the seller or are willing to throw caution to the wind and hope for the best. Which do you think it is?
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Comments
Throw caution to the wind, who cares how it runs and drives. If it was just sitting in my garage I would be happy, if all I did was sit in and know I owned it.
Maybe the fact that I graduated from High School in 1961, has something to
do with it. It could be a belated graduation gift!
Hi Joe; I graduated high school about the same time, but was told if I wanted a new car for grad, I’d have to get it myself. So, over all these years , have seriously taken that advice, and very recently completed a complete body off restoration on our 42,000 orig mile 1960 Vette. I found the car about 6 years ago . Doing prettywell everything by myself, the result is better than expected, and it drives very well, and better than expected. All original, no resto mod changes
So, through positive thinking, maybe you can have a belated graduation gift (Corvette) in your garage, and can simply sit with a coffee and look at it. I do, and am a very happy camper doing so !!
Look at mine is all i can do! Back in ’74 when I was in the Navy my wife was taking me to the Norfolk airport to go to New York for annual training in Convair 440 simulator at LGA. We passed car lot with this white/red 62 vette on a stand with sign “Special of the week”…I already had a 65 vette, told my bride “While I’m gone, why don’t you go drive that vette, and if it’ any good get it”. when I got back iy was in the driveway. She gave $1800 for it as I recall. I said “Gimme the keys, I’ll go drive it”. I’m big (6’5″ 240 at the time) and discovered my head wouldn’t fit under the top and my legs wouldn’t go under the steering wheel! Got smaller steering wheel and can drive it with the top down, but ever since it’s been my wife’s car!
I’m on the watch list but something doesn’t seem right with a no reserve auction.
I’ve had this exact car since 1974 with one exception…mine is 340 hp. All the pains in the butt that go along with solid lifters and liking premium unleaded gas, without the aura of fuel injection! I saw a complete fuelie system for one of these, with distributor and fuel pump, for sale on eBay with bids already around $5K. Don’t know if it sold. We figure ours is worth about $75K with removable hard top, so this should be worth about the same. Prices for C1s have been flat to declining a little lately, but ones this nice are pretty rare. GLWTA!
It all started when I drove a 62 Vette in Kansas City that was on my friends Corvette only used car lot that his dad owned. I can’t tell you how great a thrill and desire I experienced from that drive. Then Route 66 come on T V. That added to the fire in my heart to have a 62 Vette someday. I was 18 at the time. Now I’m 78 and the dream has been fulfilled with a Fawn Beige 62 in my garage. I drive the car but mostly look and sit in it. The feeling of FINALLY is overwhelming.
In the late 60’s, I worked for a Chevrolet dealer while in high school doing new car delivery prep. My favorite cars to prepare were the new vettes. I would get to drive them down the street beside the dealership after their beauty treatment to ‘blow the dust off’ after putting on and buffing off the final coat of Walbernize glaze.
The late 60’s vettes with their independent rear suspension were a step up from the solid rear axle in the C1 vettes. I just couldn’t get used to having all of that nose passed the wheelhousing peaks not visible to me when parking them. Then I got to drive a friend’s 62 vette!
What a thrill it was to drive that short wheelbase solid rear axle car around curves at speed. The car handled well, but gave a satisfying rear tire breakaway to tell you that’s enough hot dogging. The best part I could see the top of the front fenders at the headlight peaks!
I’ve owned many muscle cars over the years, but sadly, no vettes. But the memory of that drive of a 62 vette is forever inscribed in my memory.
Understand !
A good pic of the VIN tag is needed, though with no VIN listed, it may carry a state issued VIN number, which degrades the potential value severely.
As always, a car like this needs an in person or professional inspection to verify what you are bidding on, is the motor original, has the body been pieced together, any frame rust? Etc.
Smells strongly of scam. Check out the seller’s feedback. No previous car sales and no sales at all during the last 12 months. Just one non-automotive purchase.
No way to investigate this particular car: no VIN, license plate, owner contact info, or recognizable backgrounds in photos. Ridiculously simple text description with no trunk shots, chassis photos, or description of mechanical condition.
Also, the average American doesn’t use the phrase “cabin heater” for an automobile.
Save your nickels and save your dimes…another scammer:
1962 Chevrolet Corvette 327/360 Fuelie 4-Speed
Sold for $81,500 on 4/29/23 on BAT.
Yep, pulled from EBay, yet another scam.
I will have to remember to call it BAT, not the fully spelled out name and not provide a link.
The last scam I reported here got pulled because of using the full name and the link, I suspect.