When it comes to compiling a list of desirable American classics, the C1 and C2 Corvette Fuelies will typically feature strongly. The Fuelie option wasn’t cheap, but it provided buyers with the type of performance befitting a genuine sports car. This 1962 Corvette is not only one of those classics, but it is a genuine survivor that is as original as it was the day the first owner took delivery. That means that while a close inspection will almost certainly reveal a few imperfections, it will undoubtedly command respect wherever it goes. The seller has listed the Corvette here on Craigslist in the St Louis region in Missouri. They set their price at $67,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beauty.
The 1962 model year marked the final for production of Chevrolet’s C1 Corvette. The badge had cemented its place in the market and remains a fixture sixty-three years after this survivor rolled off the line. And it is fair to describe this one as a survivor. Its panels wear the car’s original Sateen Silver paint, with no restoration or repair history. Adding to its desirability is the inclusion of both a hard and a soft-top. The paint shows no evidence of patchiness, retaining a warm shine that is consistent with its age. There are no signs of fibreglass distress, and the trim is in good order for its age. The glass is equally impressive and is confirmed as original to this car. The steel wheels sport their correct and undamaged hubcaps, while the narrow whitewalls add the perfect finishing touch.
Ordering a Corvette with a big-block under the hood was still a few years away in 1962, but buyers wanting something special that year could tick the box beside the Fuelie option on their Order Form. This 327ci V8 added $482.20 to the car’s sticker price of $4,038, which was hardly pocket change at the time. That was the choice made by this classic’s first owner, while their decision to add a four-speed manual transmission and a 4.11 Posi rear end guaranteed that with 360 hp and 352 ft/lbs of torque on tap, this was a genuinely fast car. The seller confirms that not only is this Corvette numbers-matching, but that it has a genuine 42,000 miles on its odometer. They don’t mention verifying evidence, but the car’s condition makes the claim appear plausible. Observant readers will note the absence of the ignition shielding. However, it is present and is included in the sale. There is no specific information supplied regarding mechanical health, but I would expect no issues from a Corvette within this price range.
“Originality” seems to be a word that describes every aspect of this Corvette, and its interior is no exception. Trimmed in Black, there is nothing justifying criticism. The upholstered surfaces are excellent, there is no visible carpet wear, and the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings. Everything inside this Corvette is said to work as it should, including the Wonderbar radio.
This 1962 Corvette Fuelie is a genuinely special car, and I am sure that we will have plenty of readers who would love to park it in their garage. I won’t say that it is the type of classic that comes along once in a lifetime, but you can be sure that the market isn’t awash with similar vehicles. The seller’s price looks realistic, considering the car’s originality and the fact that values are climbing. It has only been on the market for a few days, and although it isn’t what many people might consider affordable, I suspect that it won’t take long to find a new home.
One of my favorite Corvettes. Had my first ride in one while in college and being the shortest one of the bunch got to ride on the tunnel. Owner had the biggest engine at the time with a 4 speed and positraction so holding on tight was mandatory. Great to see an original specimen.
Maybe I’ll buy some powerball tickets this weekend and dream away…nice ride for sure.
Not a Corvette guy. How much for the dogs?
A very nice looking car and a potential good deal. It would have been nice to see some underneath shots, trunk, inspection stickers on windshield, etc. Maybe a walk around video with the car running. The car has obviously been sitting a lot. It would be nice to see if there any effects of that.
It looks to be a two-top car but there is no mention of the soft top.
There are some nit-picky things to fix but, if it’s a runner and checks out with a hands-on inspection, I would enjoy having this car.
✔️✔️✔️
Last year of the C1.
$67,000 for a OP 1962 Fuelie? That’s mighty low. What’s wrong with it?
If this car is what it is as described, it is a smokin’ deal. It just about doesn’t get any better than a ’62 fueler. Extremely cool car.
If it’s a real survivor and the original drive train can be documented, this is a good car. The 327 with the Duntov cam and FI sounds bad. As mentioned above, it would be good to see a video.
It’s important to notice what the ad doesn’t say. It doesn’t say this car was injected from the factory, and it doesn’t say it still has its original engine. It could even be a factory 340hp car.
I’m also suspicious about the original paint and interior claim. The lacquer paint used by GM would show every single seam in the fiberglass after sixty years. The carpet is NOT the original greenish/gray tuxedo color that was used in ’62.
I tend to believe that it is a factory fueler. The windshield washer reservoir appears to be correct and is mounted as it would be from the factory. Non injected cars had reservoir on the passenger side. Also, if the car was religiously kept under a car cover or always in a heated space, I believe that the paint could have survived. As always, a thorough inspection would be the prudent course to take.
I agree the carpet looks suspicious both in color and texture.
The paint could be original. A buddy has a ’65 with original paint. It does not show bonding strips (I assume that’s what you mean) and it has the lacquer shine…or lack thereof.
I was under the impression that the fuel injected engine was the same as the 340 hp engine except one had the Carter AFB and one had the fuel injection?
No?
CeeOne, you are correct. The 340 horse was the same basic motor as the 360 horse fueler except the 340 had a Carter AFB.
You are correct.
A little early for the valve cover casting flaw to show up.
The “casting flaw” is also present on some replacement rocker covers. I’ve owned a couple of solid lifter small blocks with Corvette rocker covers and as they are off about every 5,000 miles I have also broken the ears off of a couple.
“…with the type of performance befitting a genuine sports car…”
almost, not quite.
I think the Japanese were a lill closer to a ‘continental copy’ (sports cars) with the honda, mazda, toy’n others ‘euro models’ (50s/‘60s – ’69 1st yr for the Z so just barely makes it in these yrs). Many state side think of the vette asa truck (truck motor, rear end, etc). I gota sweet spot for the C1 ’58 – ’60 as to whole car (inc dash board and Italianate rear 1/4s) and probably no other models, a 70 yr run (well, OK, ’67 splittie too). I’m still glad they make em tho !
Some exact copies and a few ‘beyond’: 2000GT, S600/800 & coup, SM600, celica, & so on seem MG-ish, jag like, even a bit Italian (cosmos)…
Can you rephrase that in 20 words or less? And understandable?
My thoughts exactly!
What Rux and the Oldrodder said. I was honestly trying to follow but gave up. I’m just not a Corvette guy but you seem to disdain them. But not exactly comprehending why. Feel free to elaborate after taking your meds (ok, that was kind of jerky but I will own it)
HUH ? Put the pipe down .
You lost me. Disdain them??? I can’t speak for ruxvette (although given his familiarity of the subject I suspect he may know what he is talking about) but I bought my first Vette over 55 years ago and including the one I currently own, I have had 13. (And it’s too close to my bed time for anymore meds)
I was responding to chrlsful
Well, that makes sense. Please accept my apologies.
Hey old man…excuse me…oldrodder. My meds and bed time are calling me too and, at times, I follow the wrong caller.
Like you, I have had a bunch of the damned things, starting with a ’64 in ’66.
I am presently down to an ’89 (don’t ask) and a ’66.
This could be a gem…or a turd…it just needs eyes on it.