Being a serious Corvette collector is really hard work. Many factors are to be carefully scrutinized when a Corvette’s value is determined. The year, options, originality, matching numbers, history, and a litany of other forces are at play. This is one of the reasons why we suggest hiring an expert before purchasing an investment-grade Corvette. You may be able to skip that advice on this 1962 Chevrolet Corvette for sale on eBay in Boxford, Massachusetts. This car’s long-term owner is a former NCRS judge with what appears to be a deep knowledge of Corvettes. This exceptionally original convertible checks off many of the boxes Corvette collectors look for when investing. With bidding at $54,300 and the reserve not being met yet, what will this amazing Corvette ultimately sell for?
The National Corvette Restorer’s Society has always been the 800-pound gorilla of Corvette clubs that focus on originality. Organization members have written dozens of books focusing on every single year of Corvette production. These books go into great detail as to what parts should be on a Corvette of a given serial number and production date. This includes any variations to that information due to such things as delayed parts at the factory or a wrench falling into the hood mold thus necessitating big block hoods on small block cars. NCRS national meets are filled to the brim with Corvettes that range from all original to perfectly restored. Corvettes restored to perfection can receive awards that greatly enhance the car’s value.
The seller claims to be an active judge during the eighties. This was a high-water mark for the organization. Good cars were available at reasonable prices and factory parts were still attainable. As a judge, one would be led to believe that this person was not only active in the club but also a contact point for anyone who may have a Corvette for sale. Being an expert often results in having deals dumped in your lap. Or, when a good car is ready to go up for sale, experts are usually a point of contact for the owner. Oftentimes, the best cars are sold with no ad whatsoever.
The Corvette you see here would certainly qualify as one of the best 1962 Corvettes in existence still in its original state. From the numbers matching drivetrain to the original paint and interior, this car is something special. We are told that the car still has all of its original components from the carburetor to the starter and everything in between. This is quite a feat for a vehicle that is powered by the most common engine in American history. When something like a starter goes out on a small block Chevy, you normally just run down to the local parts house and pick one up. Consider also that the Corvette market’s numbers matching down to the small parts obsession wasn’t a huge consideration during this car’s life.
With 77,711 miles on the odometer, there are wear signs evident. Some areas of the carpet have worn thin, and the original finish exhibits a few chips here and there. The seller believes that the car has been garaged its whole life. That is certainly possible as is the claim that it was never driven in bad weather. Reinforcing this is the condition of the car’s underside. Only a gentle pressure washing has been applied to clean the car up. The point is that this is about as close as we will ever get to seeing a 1962 Corvette fresh from the factory.
The picture of the build sheet reveals that the car left the factory with an off-road exhaust system, a hardtop and a soft top, a four-speed transmission, and a signal-seeking radio. Add to that Positraction a 327 cubic inch 350 horsepower engine. We are told that the car drives extremely well and is the sweetest running and driving straight-axle Corvette the seller has ever owned. Coming from the average seller, that may sound a bit exaggerated. However, this seller has certainly earned the right to make that claim. How many folks can claim to be both an NCRS judge and owner of multiple C1 Corvettes?
Overall, this is a stunningly original car with some desirable options. If it were optioned out for racing and in this condition, it would be one of the highlights at Barrett-Jackson or Mecum. As it is, someone is likely to get an investment-grade Corvette at a fair price. Let’s just hope that the next person respects the car for what it is and maintains it to the best of their ability.
Have you ever owned an all-original collectible automobile? If so, please share your story in the comments.
The Sting Rays are beautiful pieces of art but I still can’t move away from really liking this generation of Corvettes, especially when folks keep throwing cars of this caliber in front of me.
“Get your kicks on Route 66″( snapping fingers to that sprightly Bobby Troup tune) Unlike today, vintage TV had a profound effect on car sales, and Detroit knew it. It was without question, the best way to hawk their cheesy wares, and the show “Route 66” probably helped sell more Corvettes. Everybody wanted to be Tod( Martin Milner) and Buzz(George Mahans). While it may have a different connotation today, it was about 2 educated misfits, traveling around America in the then most popular American car, the Corvette. GM gave them a new Corvette every year of the shows run( 1960-1964).
No matter what camp you are in, a vintage Corvette commanded respect, and most owners treated them as such, as seen here. Naturally, I’d have a tough time paying $50+gs for one, when I know darned well, it was a $4,000 car new, and for the 1st time, cost more than $4grand( $4038), btw. I think ’62 was the last year for a trunk opening, and that changed the car some. While I’ve never even rode or driven a Corvette, even a doofus like me knows, the early Vettes were the best we had to offer.
Ended:
Jun 28, 2023 18:52:04 PDT
Winning bid:
US $70,500.00
[ 57 bids ]
I’m not a Corvette guy but if it’s as good as the pics and description, that’s a bargain. One of the rare V8 cars I’d consider owning. Very classy vintage ride. Lots of fun for the new owner in store no doubt.
Wouldn’t pay that for a white Corvette.
I have always liked the older Corvette style and looks, and this in white is even more special. Beautiful car, but $77K is much more than I would pay for a car.
A 350 hp 327 was not available in 1962 corvettes. Maybe you mean 340 hp.
Howard, to claim that buying an item today today than has gone up 20 fold in 60 years bothers you is a silly statement. What did you pay for your home and what did it sell for when new?
He probably means well but still thinks a loaf of bread will return to 25 cents and gas will go to $1 a gallon of only so and so was the POTUS! Meanwhile, I really was expecting it would be $120k range. For a driving numbers matching looking that good driver? A project same model needing full restoration would still cost $15k on it’s own. Full restoration done properly is a minimum of $70k assuming you can do some of the work yourself. So already the new owner won. Most shops would charge $90k full restoration and the hardtop is gravy.
Lovely car! My brother has the same car, but red interior. It’s a moot point, but the horsepower was 340, not 350. Two different engines.
The carbureted motor in ’62 was advertised as 340 HP. The fuel injected was 350 HP. The also had two different cam shafts to match the fuel systems. I preferred the 340 motor as being more responsive.
Chip, not that it really matters, but the fuelie engine in 1962 was actually 360 horsepower!!
Back in 1967 I was looking for a Corvette (used) that I could get a satisfactory deal on. At that time I looked at a nice white 62 Corvette exactly like this one, with both tops, that I could get for $1K. I had Sting Ray on my mind, and bought an all original tan one with convertible top only for $2.1K right after that. It had a 365 HP 327, close ratio 4spd, 370 posi, numbers matched but who really cared back then. I loved it but didn’t keep it too long as it wasn’t the perfect family car and I had a wife, house, and a little boy by then.
in 1967 I bought a new vette convertible paid without a trade $4200 for it stickered for around $4600 than got married daughter on the way after only having it for a year sold it for $3900 got a new of showroom floor 1968 Torino gt fastback 390 4 speed for $3200 faster than the vette and like it much better greatest car ever
before everyone jumps down my back about Torino faster than vette my vette was a stock 327 300 HP base vette engine in 1967
No sure what engine this car has, but GM did not offer a 350 HP 327 in 62. If it has solid lifters its 340 HP, if not will be 250 or 300. Had two 62s both 300 hp and a 63 340HP, that extra 40 HP felt like alot more!
My 1st car in 1968; prior owner dropped in a new engine; 327 stroked and bored to 375hp; 411 posi.Honduras Maroon; two tops. Split it with Dad for $1300; grades dropped and Dad sold it within one year for $1600 and kept it all. Still looking like Captain Ahab for Moby Dick.
Wow papa didn’t take no mess
Great parenting…
62 is my favorite year for the C1.
I like how they were de-emphasizing the cove by removing the chrome outlines and painting them body color. They blacked out the grille and got rid of the chrome teeth, and it had the Sting Ray – like rear treatment.
“Have you ever owned an all-original collectible automobile? If so, please share your story in the comments.”
It just so happens that I have an all-original 2001 Chrysler Town & Country, matching numbers, what’s left of the paint is original (with only minor DupliColor touchups), and one new muffler replacement. Oh, and the transmission was rebuilt but I had them retain the original case for authenticity. The air conditioning works (sort of) as do the power windows, but the power sliding doors haven’t worked since 2004. That’s when the little bitch service writer at the dealership told my wife, “There are 4 different parts that control the doors – which one do you want me to replace?” The headlight lenses only need polishing every 4 months and look great afterward – very satisfying DIY maintenance. I have complete oil change records written with a Sharpie on the inside door of my car wash cabinet. The door can be had with the car if it makes the sale sweeter. Comes with Porsche-style drafter windows in the back – power operated. The passenger window lift motor was replaced in 2008 and goes down almost as fast as the original did when new. All in all a great car by the originators of the Mini Van.
Haven’t decided to continue the DupliColor restoration process or teach myself how to wrap a car. Tentative plans to take it on Hot Rod’s Power Tour. Would definitely save on motel bills.
What’s that I hear? Minivans are not collectible? (Like Geo Metros are?) The possibilities are only limited by one’s imagination – like f’rinstance sliding a Hemi Charger underneath the way Jay Leno created a super Toronado out of a Corvette.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m open to offers.
Would you be interested in a trade for a 1972 Corvette whose VIN doesn’t match the one on the title?
In a heartbeat. I know a guy…
That’s the market! Buyer’s happy, seller’s happy, then that is that. Made a note on my values list. Actually thought it might go a bit higher.
Absolutely. Years back I was looking for another SPICA GTV coupe missing my third one sold due to life changing without asking first… The most I’d ever paid for one was about $8k, not cosmetically great but owned by an Alfa mechanic and it ran like ready for Sebring 1st place in it’s class. It would eat this beautiful Corvette for breakfast easily. When I left the home and lost parking with too many cars, I had a desperation to sell and let it go for $4500. Ouch. Well I go looking about 10 years ago and something equivalent is $22k, about 10 years later after my fire sale. Lesson? Don’t sell what you love. Someone loved this beautiful Corvette and for some life change has to let go. Sometimes it decides for you. Life that is. The buyer got a steal in my opinion. I’d rather have a Lancia or GTV ultra leggera for that money, but this is the only Corvette I ever found pure and tasteful. The new Corvette while amazing, I’m not understanding the attraction to sitting on the floor and paying for all that technology and horsepower you can’t use without big problems coming. This car won’t give you claustrophobia or get you in jail for Hazardous Speed crimes (many places are a mandatory night in jail for going over 100, or huge fines. Remember Letterman’s speeding ticket years?). This Vette you roll out on a nice day popping around small towns nearby grab a bite to eat, sitting in a way back machine. If you drive and behave civilized, if you didn’t start out with a passenger, you’ll certainly find one. The guy in the gassed muscle car and tat display meanwhile leaving skid marks will certainly attract a fella like himself. Is about it. Funny how that sect never learned.
SOLD for $70,500.
340 and 360FI both used the Duntov .012/.018 lash cam!