Finding marques that have survived for seven decades is not difficult, with many having comfortably found their way into triple-digit territory. Finding badges that have achieved the feat is more challenging. Volkswagen fell short of the mark with its rear-engined Beetle, and the Porsche 911 needs another eleven years to celebrate that milestone. However, the Chevrolet Corvette has done so, and there are no signs that production will end in the foreseeable future. This 1962 model is a survivor that presents well for its age. It retains its numbers-matching drivetrain, and the seller is only its third owner. However, the time has come for it to find a fourth, with the Corvette listed here on eBay in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The seller set their BIN at $64,900, leaving the option for interested parties to make an offer.

The seller purchased this Corvette from its second owner, who had been its custodian from 1966 until 2021. They hold a copy of the Issued Title from that person confirming its history. Chevrolet offered seven paint shades to Corvette buyers in 1962, with this car ordered in Sateen Silver. The seller describes the car as a survivor, suggesting it has never been restored. If the paint is original, its overall condition is commendable. It isn’t mirror-shiny but glows warmly and has no significant flaws or defects. The fiberglass is free from cracks or other problems, with the color-matched factory hardtop equally impressive. The seller includes the original Black soft-top and White tonneau cover, both of which are in good order. There is no information on the state of the frame, but considering the car spent the period from 1977 until 2021 in dry storage, the news should be positive. The condition of the chrome and glass is consistent with a survivor-grade vehicle, and the seller includes the original hubcaps for those who aren’t taken by the existing dog dish items.

The originality of this Corvette extends to its numbers-matching drivetrain. This was the first year that Chevrolet slotted a 327ci V8 under the hood, with this one sending 250hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Performance was impressive for the period, with only a few European exotics capable of showing this classic a clean set of heels. The news for potential buyers is nothing but positive. The car had spent over four decades in hibernation before being rescued by the seller in 2021. They treated this classic with kid gloves, sending its small-block for a complete rebuild to factory specifications. The process included rebuilding most of the peripheral components and the transmission. They bolted in a new clutch while everything was dismantled, while the suspension and brakes received similar attention. The Corvette is in sound mechanical health, running and driving as it would have in 1962. Potential buyers should consider it a turnkey classic.

Examining this Corvette’s interior reveals that the seller installed a new carpet set during its revival. However, the remaining trim and upholstery are original, and there are no aftermarket additions. The Black trim exhibits some slight stretching on the seats, but there is no damage justifying replacement. The dash is excellent, and the bright trim components are in as-new condition. The original owner spent a then eye-watering $137.75 on a Wonderbar radio, but it is currently inoperative. Otherwise, it seems that everything works as it should.

The 1962 model year marked the final for production of the C1 Corvette. The badge would go from strength to strength in subsequent decades, a feat that is especially noteworthy considering how close it came to extinction during the 1950s. That it survived the early turbulent years was more a matter of pride than sound economic reasoning. Initial sales fell well short of expectations, and Chevrolet was ready to pull the pin on the program. However, the roaring success of Ford’s Thunderbird, which wasn’t actually a Corvette competitor, motivated Chevrolet to persist with its own two-seat drop-top. The decision proved inspired because the ‘Vette continues to thrive while the T-Bird has been consigned to the dusty pages of history. I’m glad that Chevrolet never gave up because can you imagine the automotive landscape without the Corvette? Neither can I.