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Solid Project: 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

As 1962 rolled around, enthusiasts were already anticipating the new-for-1963 Sting Ray. Heck, even Chevrolet themselves had foreshadowed the new model with the updated rear styling for 1961. However, that doesn’t mean Corvette lovers should dismiss the one-of-14,531 1962 model shown that is listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has pushed past $20,000 but the reserve has not yet been met. The project sports car is located in Walker, Louisiana.

The seller notes that the car features mostly original paint, but has damage that has been correctly repaired on the right rear and right front fenders. There’s not enough detail in the pictures for me to discern the level of repair, but I don’t see anything glaringly wrong either. We’re told all the bonding strips are still intact and that all panels (including the color mismatched hood) are factory GM panels. The car came out of California and is still wearing a black plate from there. Trivia time: did you know that the 1962 Corvette was the last model to have an opening trunk lid until the 1982 model’s optional glass hatchback was available?

Personally, I prefer the thin whitewalls that were introduced in 1962 rather than the wide whites from earlier cars. That being said, the car rolls well for transport (that’s right, it doesn’t run at the moment). The seller states that the car was originally a “hardtop only” car, but that they have a full set of soft top brackets available with the car if you want to change that status.

This is still an iteration of the C1 frame dating from 1953, complete with leaf springs and less-than-wonderful suspension geometry. However, it looks pretty darned solid and I don’t see anything to worry about. I think that’s an automatic transmission in there; perhaps an expert can confirm that? Speaking of experts, our thanks go to Larry D. for sending this great find to us!

While the interior seems largely complete, I think you are going to want to replace pretty much all soft trim components. I’m also concerned about the amount of corrosion on the pot metal dash trim which implies exposure (could this have been a long-term coastal car?) to the elements.

This is not the original engine, which will lower the value of the car, but I look at that as making it attainable for more enthusiasts. As I said earlier, the car is not a runner, but how complex can a small-block Chevy be? Are you enthusiastic about this solid project car?

Comments

  1. Avatar Claudio

    Keep the body as is and drop it on a new frame and suspension, i could not enjoy the original set up

    Like 4
  2. Avatar Saffron

    In 1962 you could have got a new 356. Why buy this? Some people lack common sense.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Dan

      If you like a car shaped like a butt biscuit, with 95 horsepower and an engine that sounds like a Volkswagen.

      Like 19
  3. Avatar dogwater

    Wow I love the comments from guys that bad mouth this car the bottom line they would love to have one but couldn’t afford it living on a unemployment check.

    Like 14
    • Avatar Grant

      Yes, but they don’t have to answer to a boss or an alarm clock. Who is the fool?

      Like 1
  4. Avatar FrankD Member

    Both cars deserve the spotlight regardless of what people say about them. That said price a 62 Corvette and a Porsche 356 neither one is chump change today. The Corvette like a C1 and C2 were great in a straight line. They didn’t handle or break that great. The Porsche 356 was underpowered and did handle or that era.

    Like 1
  5. Avatar princeofprussia

    That brown in the back…appears to have crapped its diaper.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Gustavo Santana

    Wou este es un auto alucinante me encantaría tener uno de estos

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Mitch

    It’s so weird that it’s becoming interesting again, also because of the low number of units made. One of the quirky things is the old-fashioned-
    looking big tachometer behind sporty round instruments.
    But I think that’s exactly what makes it interesting, also because of the
    handle on the right in the accent to racing cars like the AC Cobra. Like
    “Win on Sunday, sell on Monday”, can you also hold on to it when you accelerate?” Partially the 1- and 62 where derived from race cars.

    Basically an interesting car, first year in the C 1 with the 327 engine, considering the necessary total restoration.
    White with red interior red coves and red top. And one of 1918 sold
    360 hp FI-engine probably?

    Like 0

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