Matching numbers 327/340, 4-spd, rare power top plus hardtop, recent restoration

1962 Chevrolet Corvette Additional Info:

There are many who will argue that the 1962 Corvette is the ideal blend of everything that makes America’s sports car so popular. Early C1 styling was a home run, of course, and with the update that featured the all-new Sting Ray’s back end, well, it got even prettier. Add in upgraded engines, more comfortable interiors, and even more performance, and the ‘62s have a lot going for them. Chevy engineers knew an all-new car was hitting the market in ’63, but that didn’t mean they sat back and rested. No, the ‘62s were full of improvements, including the 327 cubic inch V8, which completely replaced the 283 in the Corvette. Little stuff like seat belts and a heater became standard equipment, and nobody can argue that it wasn’t a gorgeous car in every way. Fortunately, the performance more than lived up to the hype.

This rather remarkable 1962 Corvette roadster is one of those great cars that seems to have led a charmed life. It has never been fully restored but rather freshened as required, so it has a very complete, solid, all-of-a-piece feel. It packs its original, numbers-matching code 396 327 cubic inch V8 with 340 horsepower as well as an ultra-rare power convertible top, of which only 350 were built. It was repainted in its original Roman Red a few years ago and they did a spectacular job. The shine is far better than it would have been in 1962, and yes, while there are plenty of purists who insist on “perfectly imperfect” ‘Vettes, this one has none of the usual flaws that were standard equipment. The red is deep and bold, exactly right, not too orange and not too pink, and with the 1962 styling updates like the blacked-out grille, painted headlight rings, and monotone color schemes, it looks like a million bucks. This is the kind of car that makes everyone on the street stop and stare as it drives by, because they know the guy behind the wheel has it made and is having the time of his life. I’ll vouch for that feeling because I’ve been that guy—this car is a joy to drive.

We suspect that most of the chrome and stainless trim was freshened when it was repainted and it is all in very good condition, from the bumpers that wrap around the sides of the fenders to the gill inserts in the side covers that show zero pitting to the ribbed rocker moldings. The windshield and stainless surround might be original and untouched, although it’s hard to be certain, and it appears that the emblem on the trunk was replaced simply because it’s much too nice to be more than 50 years old. If there is a demerit, it’s that the doors don’t quite fit flush when they’re closed, a situation surely caused by the brand new weather-stripping that was recently installed—fit should improve with time, believe it or not.

The interior was also replaced a few years ago using correct reproduction red seat covers that look proper. There are also fresh carpets on the floor which use the factory-style red and black weave and the door panels are beautifully done with built-in reflectors that sparkle like jewels at night. Seat belts became standard in 1962, and these were renewed so they aren’t hard and brittle, an important safety detail. We suspect that the steering wheel is original, as it shows some age, but it’s incredibly nice and it would be a mistake to replace or restore it today. All the gauges are fully functional, including the correct 6000 RPM tachometer, which was included with the 327/340 horse motor. The factory AM radio is still in the dash, as is the clock, but as usual, these pieces are not working. On the other hand, the ultra-rare power top is 100% functional and it’s a pretty amazing thing to see on a Corvette. It works the same as the manual top: unlatch the header, unlatch the deck, and pop the deck lid (but don’t raise it!). hit the button and the deck automatically motors up, the top folds itself inside, and then the deck drops back down into position where you can latch it closed again. Obviously it was designed so that the top could be lowered from the driver’s seat, and while it’s not exactly 100% automated, I can see the appeal. We believe the white convertible top is original to the car, and while it shows some age and discoloration, I think it might be a mistake to replace it given how well the whole mechanism works. You’ll also note that the trunk is correctly fitted with a red rubber mat and there’s a unique cardboard bulkhead between the trunk and the working parts of the top mechanism. There’s even a little limit switch that prevents the top from operating if the trunk is open to prevent damage. Nice!

This car also includes a matching removable hardtop, which is not shown in photos but will accompany the car when it ships to its new owner.

Another thing that Chevy did right in 1962 was start putting a partial VIN on the Corvette’s engine block. This 340 horsepower ‘Vette carries its original, numbers-matching engine, and the stamping pad information decodes as follows:

2 = 1962 model year

110795 = last six digits of the VIN (matches)

F = Flint engine assembly plant (all Corvette engines were assembled in Flint)

0425 = April 25, 1962 assembly date

RE = 327 cubic inch V8, 340 horsepower, 4-barrel carburetor, 4-speed manual transmission

The strong-running 327 has been rebuilt at some point and delivers the kind of low-end punch that you’d expect. It starts easily and idles nicely, which is unusual for something tuned to more than one horsepower per cubic inch, and reflects someone spending the time to get it right. It’s correctly detailed with a vented air cleaner, finned valve covers wearing what we believe to be the original ‘340 Horsepower’ decals, and all the chrome ignition shielding is in place. It still runs a generator for electricity, a correct expansion tank for the cooling system, and a Winters intake manifold underneath the Carter AFB 4-barrel carburetor. Correct cast iron exhaust manifolds feed a brand new stainless steel exhaust system that rumbles s bit but is otherwise quite comfortable out on the road.

The 4-speed manual transmission shifts cleanly and clutch action is light, and you’ll delight in running this high-winding V8 through the gears. With 3.36 gears in back, it’s still decent on the highway and the 327 has plenty of low-end torque so that around-town driving is effortless. Manual steering and manual brakes are how the C1s came and that’s what’s in this car now, but control efforts are reasonable and with such a lightweight car, performance is impressive. The chassis is unrestored but in excellent condition, with good fiberglass and straight frame rails with no signs of rust or other issues in the car’s past. It has been fitted with new bushings, fresh tie rods up front, and the shocks are relatively recent, too. Original steel wheels and spinner hubcaps are now surrounded by a set of 205/75/15 Coker Classic whitewall radials, so it has a correct look with updated ride and handling.

This is not a show car and it isn’t perfect, but it has an awesome pedigree, a great list of optional upgrades, and you just can’t beat a bright red Corvette. C1 prices remain strong and if you’d like a way to have some fun in a 2-seat convertible, nothing does it better than America’s own Corvette. Get in, have fun, don’t worry about the rest, it’s what the Corvette has always been about. Call now!