1962 would be the final year for the first-generation Chevy Corvette (C1). While the car got off to a rocky start in 1953-55, Chevy persevered and eventually, buyers took to an American sports car. With a whole new automobile coming a year later, changes to the ’62 Vette were largely cosmetic, improving on the car’s restyle it gained with quad-headlights a few years earlier. This Corvette is one of the 13% built for ’62 that had fuel injection, generating phenomenal performance out of its small-block V8. This fully restored example is in Medford, Oregon, and has been priced at $85,000 here on Corvette Forum. Hats off to Larry D for bringing this “Fuelie” to our attention.
This ’62 Corvette received a frame-off restoration in 2019 and has seen less than 100 miles since then. Of the 14,531 Corvettes that Chevy built at that time, 1,918 had the optional Rochester Ram-Jet fuel injection option that bumped the output of the 327 V8 to 360 hp. This Vette is one of just 246 ordered with RPO 687, dubbed the “Big Brake” option as it gave the car heavy-duty brakes, steering, and suspension. That meant the Corvette came with special shocks, front brake deflectors/air scoops, rear brake air scoops, metallic brake linings, finned drums with internal cooling fans, and a quick steering adapter. These adjustments were all intended to improve Corvette’s performance on the track.
The seller provides photos of both the restoration process and the finished product. Corvette’s Silver Pearl paint was selected, a color used in 1967, and the interior is finished in a contrasting red. The buyer will be treated to the car’s original radio, but the clock, heater, and a few other items are replacements. The car comes with both a convertible top and a color-matched hardtop. With its RPO 276 color-matching 15×5.5 wheels and NOS hub caps, this car looks rather tame for a Corvette. We’re also told that the bumpers were re-chromed.
It’s further explained that the engine is a rebuilt period-correct 327, not the one the car came with when new. The fuel injection unit has been rebuilt along with the generator and distributor. Shifting of the gears is accomplished through a 4-speed Borg-Warner T-10 manual with its original shift linkage and a posi-traction rear axle. The seller goes on to provide a myriad of numbers for other components on the car, such as the engine’s heads, exhaust manifolds, and block.
Hagerty pegs the top-end value of a Concours ’62 Corvette at $107,000 and the 4-speed, fuel injection, and Big Brake options would add at least 35% more. This car is as close to the factory as you might get for a near 60-tear-old car automobile, surely close enough to fetch at least what the seller is asking – and maybe more.
One of my favorites but way beyond my budget, unless I scored big in the last Powerball. The ’58 – ’62 is my all-time favorite with the ’53 right in there too although truthfully, I like the ’53 because I’m of the same vintage. I sure wouldn’t kick something like this off my driveway although I would want to drive it–a lot! For me, the F.I. doesn’t have much appeal. I would be perfectly happy with an easy-to-tune 4bbl. A 283 would provide all the power I’d ever need. But I guess all I can do is to sit on the sidelines and dream…
Just a story geomechs, my father had a 290 horse injected ’59. He said he had as much throttle response in fourth gear as his buddies Vette with the 270 horse (2 4 bbl) had in third. I think he really misses that car. My father acquired the car used, but Peter Fonda was the original owner.
Somebody remind the new owner that the racing brakes are useless until warmed up properly. The first time they hit the brakes on the street hopefully won’t be a panic stop, although it could easily turn into one.
Funny you should mention that fact! When I met my bride to be she was driving a 1969 Cutlass and complained that it didn’t want to stop. I’d never seen sintered metallic shoes before but I changed them out and the problem went away. I think someone thought that racing brakes were the ticket for stopping on Pittsburgh hills.
Pittsburgh!!!! And you both lived to tell the tale. Awesome.
I drove her car once and after noticing that if I dragged the brakes going downhill they got better the hotter they got it was time for a trip to Abriolas for new shoes. She was working at church bingo when I changed them. 43 years ago.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think if you ordered the big brakes you had to take the wheels with the funny little hub caps.
See this is one is very affordable, unlike the other 62 that was a basket case and asking 40k+ because you would have way more in the basket case even if you did the work.
62′ my favorite, I kick myself for selling mine back in 96. I can’t seem to locate it serial number 736 maroon with fawn interior, not orig engine but it looked perfect. 62 I think was the best there was.
Since this was posted for sale on Corvette Forum in January of 2020, What is it’s status now on your posting of it on May 26th, 2021???
Restored. Non original color, non matching numbers engine. Most likely non original color interior. A rare, beautiful car to be sure, but it will need to be re restored at significant cost , No thanks.
Why ? I really want to know.
-smirk-
Thread of comments reads like classic chevy magazine commentary. I seriously doubt any commenter here has refinished any car to such a high standard. Damn shame I didn’t see this before today, after it was on offer for over a year.This car sold in February 2021. If it was still available I’d be headed to Medford tomorrow morning, and after a spirited 4 hour shakedown having an early dinner at Jack’s Seafood in Eureka!