SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a body-off restorationOne of the best aspects of the first-generation Corvette is the car's ability to suit a wide variety of personalities without ever straying from its performance roots. From refined to sinister, a change of wheels and color is all it really takes to show these Chevys in an entirely new light. This 1962 roadster airs on the classier side of possibilities thanks to its timeless Roman Red exterior and striking Red cockpit. But don't let that fashionable look fool you there's always serious firepower under American fiberglass! Speaking of American, there's never a bad time for a great version of America's favorite sports car. So, pledge a few minutes to check out this clean, road-ready C1!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Sealed in bright 2-stage, this lust worthy Vette was carefully restored to better-than-new condition thanks to a detailed, body-off restoration. As you can see from our high-resolution photography, the car's profile features great alignment, reflecting a gracefully-aged finish that's been polished to a stellar shine. That body's combination of form, fit and flash reinforces the fact that this Chevy was a solid driver before its detailed metamorphosis began. And today, it rolls as one fully sorted curve carver that's virtually guaranteed to captivate and impress!
For 1962, Chevrolet further refined an already great body style to create a perfect send-off for the C1. At the front of the car, a black grille floats chrome frames behind a full bumper, which bends around a chrome tag bracket and peaked fenders that are capped by quad head lamps. Between those stainless-trimmed fenders, chrome-trimmed parking lights balance a broad header script that's centered on a '62-exclusive header emblem. Follow the hood toward a crystal-clear windshield, wrapped in well-preserved stainless, that's traced in clean canvas and cleared by polished wipers. Beneath that glass, a correct driver's mirror reflects ornate rockers, traditional handles and monochromatic coves that are dressed in small cross-flags and '62-exclusive grilles. And at the back of the car, a 'ducktail' decklid centers a translucent Corvette roundel between chrome bumpers, a chrome tag frame, simple taillights and a factory antenna.
ENGINE
Tilt this roadster's lightweight hood and you'll find a 327 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 that hangs a familiar 3782870 casting number behind a date-correct "RC" suffix stamp and matching 111494 partial VIN. At the top of that spry mill, a louvered air cleaner funnels wind in to a big Carter carburetor that's threaded onto fresh stainless fuel lines. Below that juice box, a cast iron intake perfectly complements stamped and painted valve covers. At the back of that intake, chrome-cased ignition shoots spark past correct exhaust manifolds. And at the front of those tubes, a Harrison-branded radiator cycles coolant through pliable hoses and old school tower clamps. Naturally, brilliant Chevy Orange paint coats the engine from its clean oil pan all the way to its chrome-capped oil filler and, as always, looks great against GM's Satin Black bay. As expected, correct decals are present and accounted for. And details like a tagged generator, a familiar Harrison expansion tank, a Delco Moraine master cylinder and a reproduction Delco battery ensure this Vette runs every bit as good as it looks.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Flip this Vette upside down and you'll find a solid, Satin Black X-frame that's bolted to clean, hit-free floors. Behind the hot motor, a VIN-stamped Borg Warner 4-speed twists torque through a rebuilt GM axle. Naturally, that drivetrain rolls on a restored double A-arm front and solid axle rear suspension. At the corners of the car, standard drum brakes supplement good handling characteristics with solid and confident stops. Exhaust is funneled through 2.5-inch, true-dual pipes, which make excellent use of long turbo mufflers. And power meets the pavement though Tuxedo Black steelies, which spin 6.70-15 Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewalls around traditional stainless wheel covers.
INTERIOR
Open this C1's tossable doors and you'll find a seamless Red interior that appears to have been completely replaced during the car's thoughtful rebirth. Seating comes courtesy of familiar vinyl thrones. From the driver's perch, a painted and padded dash hangs rebuilt gauges between a polished mirror, a rebuilt clock and a requisite Wonder Bar radio. Below that dash, a polished shifter sails textured carpet, which is protected by color-keyed floor mats. At the sides of that carpet, stainless-trimmed door panels hang small armrests behind traditional handles. In front of the driver, a speed-drilled steering wheel spins a leather-wrapped rim around a polished cross-flag hub. And behind the passengers, a matted trunk boasts enough room for a picnic basket and ample detailing supplies.
A highly desirable drop-top that wraps a well-maintained, body-off restoration around a hot V8 and tough 4-speed transmission, this slick Corvette offers a little something for everyone. And what's better: it's exactly the kind of classic that provides endless fun on the highway and celebrity status in the parking lot. Don't miss the opportunity to experience a stellar piece of American automotive history!