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Arizona Survivor: 1962 Chevrolet Corvette

With a new model waiting in the wings set for introduction in 1963, buyers would have been forgiven for not handing over their cash for the 1962 Corvette. This couldn’t have been further from the truth. The 1962 model year represented the most successful for the badge to date, with 13,531 potential buyers becoming happy owners. This 1962 Corvette is said to be an original survivor that is in search of a new home. Barn Finder Ikey H spotted the classic for us, so thank you for that, Ikey. It is located in Tucson, Arizona, and has been listed for sale here on craigslist. The first person to hand the owner $48,000 will drive away in this beauty.

The Ermine White Corvette appears to be an honest vehicle. No attempt has been made to disguise the few chips and marks in the paint. Nor has the owner chosen to detail the car within an inch of its life. The paint does bare a few scars, but the fiberglass beneath this looks free from stress cracks or problems. The owner doesn’t mention any rust issues with the frame or the birdcage. The vehicle has spent many years in Arizona, which is an excellent environment for preserving classic steel. All of the trim and chrome is present, and if the car is to be maintained as an original survivor, then its condition is appropriate. If the buyer intends to undertake a high-end restoration, then some pieces will need to go off to the platers. The original convertible top is said to function correctly, but the owner recommends replacing it due to age deterioration.

The interior of the Corvette is upholstered in Red, and the owner believes that it is all original. I don’t see any justification in replacing the seat covers, but the hint of sagging would suggest that some new foam might be in order. The carpet is faded, and the top of the dash is slightly discolored. Beyond those few issues, the interior doesn’t need a lot. There are no signs of any aftermarket additions, although you do have to wonder whether the fuzzy dice are performance-enhancing.

The owner states that to the best of his knowledge, the Corvette is factory original. That means that what we find below the surface should be a numbers-matching 327ci V8, backed by a 4-speed manual transmission. The owner doesn’t elaborate on how well the vehicle runs and drives, although he does indicate that a new battery and fuel pump have been installed. When we look at the engine in closer detail, it does raise one question with me. The sticker on the air cleaner indicates that the engine is a 327 with a power output of 350hp. Such a beast didn’t exist in the Corvette range in that model year. The fuel-injected version produced 360, but the carbureted versions were pegged at 250, 300, and 340. You have to jump forward to the 1965 model year to find a 327 that produced 350hp. It might just be a presentation issue here, or it could indicate that the engine isn’t original. That is something that could only be determined by performing an inspection on the Corvette. It’s food for thought, anyway.

There is no doubt that this 1962 Corvette would benefit from some light cosmetic restoration work, although this would not be essential. If the buyer wanted, they could continue to drive it as an original survivor. People would respect that, and it would still garner as many looks and positive comments now as it potentially would if fully restored. Values have taken a slight hit over the past year or so, but they still hold up well in the classic market. If this car is as good in the flesh as it would seem to be in the listing, then that’s a positive sign. If it can be established that it is a numbers-matching vehicle, then the asking price would seem to be very fair. It hasn’t been on the market for long, and I won’t be surprised if it sells quickly.

Comments

  1. Avatar 86_Vette_Convertible

    Looks good but for that price it demands a personal inspection. Get it roadworthy and head out to Route 66. The price seems a little high to me but as someone that won’t be shelling out that kind of $$, that’s irrelevant.

    Like 9
    • Avatar gaspumpchas

      Great commentary, 86 vette! Most important, as you say is a good inspection by a professional. With the rotten frame problem thats so rampant, especially. Drive as is. if you could do that for the ask it may be worth 48 large. sweet looking, Good luck and stay safe!
      Cheers
      GPC

      Like 1
  2. Avatar jokacz

    340 hp 327’s had a decal on each valve cover stating such.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Richard

      Did a 340 have solid lifters I had one but can’t remember?

      Like 0
  3. Avatar gbvette62

    I’m assuming it was a typo, but there were 14,531 62’s built, not 13,531.

    It’s a decent looking 62, and the price doesn’t seem too out of line, but I wonder if it’s the original engine. That’s an aftermarket intake, with provision for a divorced choke, which Corvettes didn’t use till the late 60’s. 62’s used Carter carbs, but from the fuel line, this car appears to have a Holley, and the Corvette valve covers with the flaw through the “O”, were made sometime after January 66. I know it doesn’t rain much in Arizona, but I still have to wonder why you’d remove the wiper arms?

    Overall it doesn’t look like a bad car for the money, though I think I’d try to pick it up for about 3 to 5 grand less.

    Like 4
  4. Avatar PairsNPaint

    My very first ride in a Corvette was a ’62 exactly like this one. I was 12 yo and the car belonged to a neighbor in my apartment building. What a rush for a car-crazy kid! Led me down an addiction-riddled path of fast cars, hot rods and customs that has lasted for 58 years so far! LOL!!

    Like 9
  5. Avatar Stan Marks

    Beautiful car. The year I graduated HS.
    BUT I was disappointed, when they chopped the rear end, from the rounded rear.& back lights. ’59-’61 were my fave years.

    Like 3
    • Avatar Ted Miller

      And no trunk! Looks like they could have a small one!

      Like 1
  6. Avatar Al

    I’m with Stan, never cared for the mix of old and new on the ‘61 -‘62. Older, fine, newer fine. That said, this is a nice car, will make a great driver. Way too expensive in today’s economic environment. Good luck to the seller.

    Like 5
    • Avatar Ted Millef

      Have a friend that was coming from a car show in his 67 Vette, & a teenager ran a stop sign crashed into him! Talk about upset!

      Like 0
      • Avatar ErnieSC

        May the Teenager Rest in Peace…………….

        Like 0
  7. Avatar stillrunners

    Yep I believe those style air cleaner decals came much later. Buyer should look it over in person or have some one qualified do so.

    Like 2
  8. Avatar FrankY

    In these times replace the hanging fuzzy dice with Hanging fuzzy mask and drive it like you stole it.

    Like 2
  9. Avatar ErnieSC

    Isn’t it Funny. Tastes in Car are EXACTLY like Culinary tastes. 62 and 63 are my Favorite Vettes. My 51 YO Amateur Chef Son LOVES Fancy Dishes with all kind of weird Ingredients. I’m strictly a Meat and Potatoes type Guy. BUT. It’s All Good!

    Like 2
  10. Avatar Ed T

    With all electric cars coming nows the time to enjoy these cars for there rumbling exhaust note and spectacular styling. Ed T Kalamazoo

    Like 1
  11. Avatar Jim G.

    Hi all, I am the owner of the 1962 Corvette and the car is pending sale. This car is a daily driver and to address the questions about the engine. Unfortunately, I’m told that the original owner had to replace the factory engine. So, it is not a matching numbers car. Best I can figure based on the block casting number, the engine is a 1965 327 CID 2 bolt main, 350 HP. I will miss the car.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Stan Marks

      Jim,
      How does that effect the value, since it’s not the original matching numbers car?

      Like 0
      • Avatar ErnieSC

        Stan,
        I suspect responses to my reply will split about 50/50. Restomods have begun to command as much and sometimes more than “All Numbers Matching” Vintage/Muscle/Collectible Cars. Cars are only “original” One Time. A Repaint doesn’t change the Numbers Matching – But it certainly is no longer Original! I’m finishing a 67 Chevelle I bought NEW Dec., ’66. I’m 73. I decided I wanted it the way I wanted it – NOT the way someone wants it after I’m gone! I retained the original 327 Engine but had it Bored and Stroked to 355 and it’s Pumping 400 HP with the Original Double Hump Heads. Not High HP by Todays Standards but significantly more than the 275 it came with. After a Previous Repaint of Laquer and a second Vinyl Top that almost immediately started “Bubbling”, I was “Over It”! It now has a Nice Base/Clear Paint Job and NO Vinyl Top! Actually Quite Nice BUT Intentionally NOT a Trailer Queen! I’m going to Drive this Sucker! I added Vintage Air so they had to cut holes in my Dash! So What? Looks Factory – But “Build Sheet” shows it left the Factory without A/C! It came with a PG. I changed to a TH350. Retained the PG but I don’t plan to reinstall it – someone else MAY! Sooo, I have a 67 Chevelle Malibu that has been Modded. Hagerty is willing to insure for $50K so it must be OK since I could have bought a 67 SS 396 already restored for the same money!
        Bottom Line: Some “Purists” want a Car EXACTLY like the Build Sheet says it left the Factory 50+ Years ago. And that’s certainly OK! BUT, unless it is 100% Perfect and in a Museum – What’s the Point? But my Opinion and about 5 Bucks will get you a Cup of Coffee! I prefer to drive and enjoy what I own! “It’s All Good”!!!!

        Like 1
      • Avatar Jim G

        Stan,

        To some buyers it can be a big deal. However, considering the low miles on the car and drive today condition, that seems to be an offset. At the end of the day, the car, any car is worth what the potential buyer is willing to pay for it.

        Like 0
    • Avatar Ammon W

      Is there any way I could get in touch with you?
      I believe this was my dads car originally. He blew the engine in Mexico and had it towed back unfortunately! He was young when that happened, hoping to track it down if possible.

      Like 0
    • Avatar Ammon W

      Now I’m convinced this is my dads car. I just spoke with him and heard the whole story. He confirmed he bought a 1965 engine to replace his blown one.
      I would LOVE to track this car down if possible. Will you call me?
      602-573-9890
      Thanks!

      Like 0
      • Avatar Jim G

        Ammon W. Yes, I will call you.

        Like 1
      • Avatar Ammon Wolfley

        Perfect! Looking forward to it.

        Like 0
  12. Avatar Stan Marks

    I totally agree with you, Ernie. Your ’67 sounds cherry. When you purchase a vintage car, you do with it as you please. You paid for it. No one has the right to criticize what you do with it. It’s in YOUR driveway. Not theirs..

    I was never a fan of vinyl tops. Those rust catchers are not worth it. They’re more of a pain than anything else. So many people, do a botched up job, redoing it.

    The only reason I asked the seller., if his ’62 Vette would lose it’s value, is because he advertised it as a matching numbers original. Frankly, I could care less if it had a replaced engine. It’s probably just as well.

    Bottom line, if you’re happy with your finished ’67, that’s all that counts. May you have many safe & enjoyable miles, my friend. I’m jealous. LOL!!

    BTW…. 5 bucks for a cup of coffee??? Where do you go, Starbuck’s for a grand latte? LOL!!

    Like 0
    • Avatar ErnieSC

      Stan,

      Thanks for the Note!
      LOL! Actually my Wife would “Croak” if I paid $5.00 each for a cup of Coffee!!! But I know a lot of People do and if I said $2.00 EVERYONE would Jump on that!
      Thanks again for the Kind Words from SC!

      Like 0
      • Avatar Stan Marks

        Tell ya what, Ernie……
        In L.A., $5.00 is cheap. LOL!!

        Like 0

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