Stalled Project: 1962 Chevrolet Corvette

The 1962 model year marked the end of the line for the C1 Corvette, and even though it was no secret that a new Corvette was waiting in the wings for 1963, it didn’t prevent the 1962 model from setting a new sales record. Our feature car is from that final year, and it is a project build that has stalled with the finish line in sight. With the panels and paint completed and a host of other tasks performed by the seller, most parts required to return this classic to active service sit in the trunk. With sunny weather just around the corner, that makes it pretty tempting. Located in Manahawkin, New Jersey, you will find the Corvette listed for sale here on eBay. The bidding has surged past the reserve and sits at $39,100.

The first thing worth noting with this Corvette is that the owner hasn’t tackled the project as a faithful restoration. It isn’t clear what color this classic wore when it rolled out of the showroom, but it certainly wasn’t the shade that now graces its panels. This change looks to be the most significant, but reinstating the original color would be possible with the car dismantled to its current level. Although the seller describes its quality as “not bad,” the paint shines beautifully, suggesting that it is excellent for a driver-quality classic. It covers panels that appear perfect. There are no cracks or other problems visible in the supplied photos. During the build, the seller stripped and treated the frame before applying a fresh coat of Black paint. It shows a few areas of surface corrosion, suggesting that the deterioration may warrant a repeat performance to provide long-term protection. The buyer will need to source a new windshield, although the remaining glass is present and awaiting reinstallation. The chrome shines impressively, and the trunk is loaded with new parts to assist the buyer in their quest to return the ‘Vette to active duty.

One aspect of this build that could consume a few dollars is the interior refurbishment. Most of the removed trim pieces are present, but their condition is questionable. The buyer may face a long shopping list of parts to return the inside of this classic to an acceptable state of presentation. They could use the gauge cluster as their guide because the seller has gone through the pain and expense of restoring this item to a high standard. There’s little doubt that this aspect of the project will cost money, but with the final value of the completed vehicle potentially north of $70,000, it could be justified.

If I find any area of this Corvette disappointing, it reveals itself when we lift the hood. This classic is a numbers-matching vehicle that features the 300hp version of the mighty 327ci V8. With the original four-speed manual transmission bolted to the V8, it should allow the car to storm the ¼ mile in 14.6 seconds before winding its way to 129mph. The owner claims that the 327 is rebuilt, while the car features a new fuel tank, sender unit, fuel lines, brake lines, brakes, wheels, tires, and dual exhaust. Since slotting it back into place, they have not fired the motor, with wiring on the next owner’s “to do” list. That brings me to one aspect of the build that disappoints. If the seller had the motor out of the car, why didn’t he detail it and its associated components before reinstallation? With the exterior presenting so nicely, the engine bay is hugely disappointing. However, that could be a task for the buyer to tackle if they seek a high level of presentation.

Potential buyers knew that Chevrolet had a new Corvette prepared and ready to go for 1963, but that didn’t stop 14,531 people from slapping down their cash for a 1962 model. That figure is more impressive because it marked a whopping 33% increase over the previous record sales year. As with most earlier Corvettes, the C1 remains a highly-sought vehicle that performs well in the classic market. This project sports a few changes that may annoy some purists, but it hasn’t progressed to the point where the next owner can’t reverse the changes. Alternatively, completing the tasks required to return the car to its rightful place on our roads would seem straightforward. With warmer weather mere weeks away, I’d be tempted to finish what the seller has begun. Wouldn’t you?