No Reserve: 1962 Chevrolet Corvette

The 1962 model year marked the last for the C1 Corvette, but it was also the first where buyers found the legendary 327ci V8 under the hood. The Corvette had cemented its place in the market, setting a new sales record. This Corvette is a barn find that has been sitting for many years, but it has plenty of positive attributes that make it a promising restoration project. The seller’s decision to list it for sale here on eBay with No Reserve adds to its appeal. It is located in Miami, Florida, and intense bidding has pushed the price to $32,600. With No Reserve in play, a fresh start is days away for this classic.

After years of barn storage, this Corvette has much to offer potential buyers. I don’t believe the Tuxedo Black paint gracing its panels is original because some photos reveal what appears to be traces of Ermine White. The car requires a total restoration, meaning the tired paint must be stripped away. That would allow the new owner to address some of the minor fiberglass flaws. None appear particularly bad, and someone considering a hands-on approach may discover they can tackle the problems without the services of an expert. The seller indicates that the frame is solid, and if an inspection confirms this, it could mean the buyer could complete most of the build in a home workshop. The factory hardtop is in good order, but the soft-top has seen better days. Some trim pieces require attention, but some may respond positively to old-fashioned elbow grease and a high-quality metal polish. The wheels aren’t original, but replacement steelies and the correct hubcaps should be relatively easy to find.

The Corvette’s engine bay houses a 327ci V8, but its specifications are unclear. Even in base form, the original owner would have had at least 250hp at their disposal. They elected to back the V8 with a four-speed manual transmission, meaning the journey down the ¼ mile would have taken no longer than 15.3 seconds. Naturally, the more powerful motors would slash that figure considerably. For purists considering maximizing their investment potential, the news that this classic is numbers-matching is positive. The state of the engine is unclear, but if it turns freely, reviving it may be possible without spending a fortune. However, it would probably be worth setting aside some money for a mechanical refurbishment because it is almost guaranteed that the brakes and perishable items will require attention. Dry engine seals may also produce some unwanted fluid leaks.

It is hardly surprising that years spent in a barn have left the Corvette’s interior looking secondhand. The carpet is gone, but there appear to be no missing pieces. This aspect of the project build could consume a few dollars because most upholstered surfaces have deteriorated beyond the point of no return. The dash top looks sad, and the wheel has a couple of cracks, but most of the bright trim pieces look like they would respond positively to polish. One of the disadvantages of owning a classic convertible is that the interior is on show wherever the car goes. That means that imperfections are clearly visible. However, a pristine interior will always attract admiring glances and positive comments. I believe that will be the new owner’s aim with this build.

Taken at face value, restoring this 1962 Corvette would seem pretty straightforward. A vehicle of this caliber deserves a frame-off process to achieve a high standard of finish, and I believe that will be the buyer’s strategy. Its originality and desirability mean that the new owner will find themselves behind the wheel of a classic commanding a value beyond $70,000 if they complete the work to a high standard. Is that thought enough to tempt you to make a play for this Corvette?