Older classics with a known ownership history can prove irresistible, and that is the story behind this 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. The seller purchased it approximately three years ago from its original owner, and the car remains remarkably well-preserved for an unmolested survivor. The winning bidder may choose to perform a light restoration, although leaving it as-is might be a better option. The ‘Vette is listed here on eBay in Oakdale, New York. Bidding has raced to $44,501, although that figure falls short of the reserve.
Certain paint shades seem to suit some classics better than others, and I feel that Roman Red with a White soft-top is the perfect combination for a 1962 Corvette. This car looks stunning, and if it is as original as the seller claims, it must have led a pretty easy life. The paint shines beautifully, while the top fits tightly and is rip-free. The ‘Vette isn’t perfect, with the paint scoring a few chips and scratches over the past sixty-one years. Performing a light cosmetic restoration would be straightforward, but that old chestnut, “they’re only original once,” keeps rolling around in my head. I know it’s overused, but it seems relevant in cases like this. The car would probably command more attention and respect in its current form than it would if presented in a showroom fresh state. Its chrome and glass are in good order for their age, with the narrow whitewalls adding a classy finishing touch.
There was only one drivetrain combination within the 1962 Corvette range that couldn’t break the 16-second mark for the ¼-mile, and, thankfully, this car doesn’t carry that configuration. The engine bay houses the RPO 396 version of the beautiful 327ci V8. This powerhouse sends 340hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Forget 16 seconds for the ¼ because this beauty should slam through the traps in 14.6 seconds on its way to 129mph. Purists will be pleased to learn that not only is this classic numbers-matching but its engine and transmission have never been pulled or rebuilt. The original owner polished the intake, added a chrome front engine mount, and replaced the exhaust. Otherwise, everything is as it left the showroom. It runs and drives perfectly, with this YouTube video allowing us to hear and see it in action. It comes with various documentation, including appraisals and the original Window Sticker.
One of the best ways to assess the life a classic has led is by examining its interior upholstery and trim. Touching up exterior flaws is generally straightforward, but worn and damaged upholstery is more challenging to address. That isn’t an issue with our feature car because its interior is as impressive as its exterior. There are no rips or tears and no evidence of abuse. The seats exhibit some slight stretching, which is acceptable for any survivor from this era. Nobody has modified anything or added aftermarket items, with the ‘Vette retaining its original and functioning Wonderbar radio. Even the clock keeps the correct time, which is a minor miracle!
This 1962 Corvette is an undeniably stunning car that carries the hallmarks of a classic that its original owner has treasured. It appears to have no immediate needs and would suit a buyer seeking an investment-grade classic. It has attracted an impressive thirty-one bids, suggesting I am not alone in my assessment. Given its originality and condition, I expect the bidding to comfortably pass $55,000 before the hammer falls, although a significantly higher figure is possible. Do you agree, or do you have another figure in mind?
This beauty is perfect and I wouldn’t touch her. Other than a Saturday morning water hose and a shimmy cloth. Always wanted one of these as it’s the year I was born. Could’ve bought one in Glasgow, Ky back in 82, all original with chrome removed and ready to paint, for $6,000! Wife told me I was crazy and that was that.
I would NEVER do anything like a “light” restoration to a car like this.Leave it be.The slight wear and tear give it character imo.Really nice survivor that imo will hit 60k plus.
Lovely, however is that the original top with a glass rear window?
Seller states the top has been replaced. The top windows were always plastic, never glass.
The underside of the hood has been repainted.
There is paint peeling off the female hood latches, the hood latches were not painted from the factory.
If that is the original radiator, it is going to need to be replaced if one intends to drive the car, otherwise, a sudden leak will occur at an inconvenient time.
It would be nice to see some underside pics.
The NCRS Judging Guide says the female latches did have some black-out overspray on them: “Unrestored cars indicate blackout coverage is fairly complete on the male latches, somewhat less on the females.”.
I think this car is especially beautiful and will bring a high bid in the $75,000 range. I doubt that will meet the dealer’s reserve, however.
Underhood certainly could be original, or, it could have been sprayed when the intake was polished and the chrome motor mount installed. It’s also missing the heater air intake hose. Surprisingly the bin under the grab bar is still there.
$75-80 would be a price I could feel good paying. With all the auctions in full swing I’m guessing a hunnerd K.
I twice requested photos showing the chassis, engine stamp, and the original window sticker. So far, no response.
This is from his auction description: “Dont [sic] hesitate to ask questions!” He should add: “… just don’t expect any quick answers”.
I’m out.
Hi Jerry, I messaged you twice through Ebay all the the extra pictures you wanted and a link for more pictures and o
Info. Maybe you are not getting them? I emailed you today and sent you my phone number as well
Thanks for sending screenshots to my email address, Ray. I still haven’t received anything through eBay.
Could you please send the photo links to my email address? I really can’t see what I want in the little screenshots.
Thanks,
Jerry
Ray did send four messages to me through eBay over the last two days. I just found them stuck in a “messages received” file under “My eBay”. They were never forwarded to my email address by eBay, however.
This ’62 is everything it appears to be, and the documentation is real.
All the seller needs is a couple of cardboard cutouts of Martin Milner and George Maharis. Boy did I lust after that car as a teen…nothing has changed :-)
It is in a dealership showroom, so add about $10k to what you are thinking at least.
It’s most likely at the Toyota dealership on sunrise highway (route 27) Oakdale. long Island New York . Matching views thru show room windows and satellite search. Yes to much time on my hands 😂
Dont think its Sunrise Highway ..im originally from that area ansxwas a used car dealer for many years and bought tons if trade in from that dealership ..a d Sunrise Highway is much wider ..but good try ..too much time on my hands , nothing better then to alao try to fig this out …i suspect itsxa small car showroom on Montauk highway ..there was one there many years ago and asmall boat shroom !
Ir is at 50 now and will probably go up some more. I think if someone took the time to do a concourse detail this car would jump in value. I know I would like to have it.
My first car in 1968; a 62 in Honduras Maroon; new 327 stroked and bored to 375hp. It’s Moby Dick and I’m Ahab forever looking. Paid $1300 and Dad sold it for $1600 when my grades went down.
My first car in 1968; Honduras Maroon; Black rag top and matching hard top. The previous owner dropped in a new engine; 327 stroked and bored to 375HP. Paid $1300 for it; Dad sold it for $1600 when my grades plummeted. Feel like Captain Ahab forever looking for Moby Dick!
That was a lot of money back then minimum wage was$1.45 and remember vett insurance was at least 500-600 a year for 18 year old like me in my area anyways. But then we had the draft and Vietnam to worry about, college wasn’t important back then because we were all 1A!!!!!!
I had that engine – with twin 4 barrels and un-muffled exhaust – in a 16 ft mahogany speedboat back in ’69 to ’72. A “sleeper” that beat everything that challenged me, both in Michigan and Florida. Never knew the horsepower. Had purchased it from a guy who had wrecked the ‘vette it came out of. Wish I had hung on to it. Great engine.
Bought one just like this when I came home from Vietnam. Great ride .wish I had the money to get this one. Someone is going to get a great ride. Treat it good.
Gorgeous vehicle
Gone
I can’t see the car in person, but though it is very nice car, i don’t think it is a “survivor”. The top replacement for one item.
I suspect the car had a partial cosmetic redo in the 1980s.
The way the dash pad is bunched up behind the rear view mirror and the light above the shifter, some evidence of sanding scratches below the paint in some areas (which could be previous repair work), and well, the paint is mighty shiny, even if buffed, for 61 year old lacquer, it almost looks like BC/CC in some of the pics, but I can’t see it in person.
I was the high bidder at $57,100, but that didn’t meet the reserve. It’s a beautiful car that I would love to own, but I guess it wasn’t meant to be…
I’m glad this website found it. I would have missed the auction otherwise.