Some people find the idea of owning a driver-grade classic more attractive than parking a pristine vehicle in their garage. They offer a more relaxed ownership experience, with the occasional chip unlikely to cause the same stress than it would if it spoiled perfection. That might make this 1962 Corvette irresistible to some. It has no apparent needs and can still turn as many heads today as it would have when it rolled off the showroom floor. However, it hasn’t generated the level of interest one might expect from a C1 Corvette. The seller has listed this beauty here on eBay in Bellingham, Washington. The solitary bid of $30,000 is below the reserve, although there is a BIN option of $59,900 for those wishing to bypass the auction process.

The 1962 model year marked the last for C1 Corvette production, and with a new model waiting in the wings, changes were pretty minor. The most notable was the company’s decision to eliminate the additional chrome from the coves and to discontinue the two-tone paint option. The history of this Corvette is slightly vague, although the listing suggests it received at least a cosmetic refresh around twenty-five years ago. Its Roman Red paint retains an excellent shine, and any imperfections are too minor to show in the supplied photos. The seller admits there are chips but describes the car as a great driver-grade classic. The fiberglass shows no signs of stress, and there is no mention of frame rust. The new Black soft-top fits tightly, the glass is clear, and the chrome sparkles as beautifully as the paint. This Corvette rolls on knock-off wheels. However, whether these are reproductions or genuine components that were retrofitted to this car is unclear.

Many enthusiasts view the 1962 Corvette as a transitional vehicle, and the drivetrain supports that belief. Chevrolet increased the engine capacity from 283ci to 327ci in 1962, a change that would carry over to the C2 on its release in 1963. The seller confirms the V8 hiding under this hood is not original, and they don’t supply information on its specifications. It sports aftermarket headers, but that is the only easily identified change. It sends its power to the road via a four-speed manual transmission, potentially offering a rewarding driving experience. The seller holds a date-correct 327 engine block that is included in the deal. They aren’t forthcoming on this car’s mechanical health, although the listing suggests it is a turnkey proposition.

The “driver quality” theme continues when we focus on this Corvette’s interior. Buyers ordering a 1962 Corvette in Roman Red could choose from three interior trim colors. This car features Black upholstery that is in generally good order. There is slight stretching on the seat bases, which is expected on any classic that isn’t a trailer queen. The carpet and dash are excellent, and the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings. The options list had grown considerably during C1 production, which is reflected by the fact that our feature car is 1-of-698 ordered with power windows.

There is nothing like sitting in your garage, admiring a pristine classic. It brings a warm sense of satisfaction, and the right car is guaranteed to cause a minor sensation on the rare occasions it sees the light of day. This 1962 Corvette isn’t perfect, but as I stated initially, that could be one of its greatest attributes. It can be driven and enjoyed as its creators intended, which is what classic ownership should be about. If I were forced to choose between perfection and this Corvette, I’d take this one every time. What about you?