Frame Off Restored Tuxedo Black and Red Corvette 327 V8 Muncie 4-Speed

1962 Chevrolet Corvette Additional Info:

SUMMARY

One 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 Tuxedo Black 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 sophisticated Tuxedo Black 2-stage, this lust worthy Vette was carefully restored to better-than-new condition thanks to a body-off, nut-and-bolt restoration that was completed by Vette Masters of Virginia Beach, Virginia. As you can see from our high-resolution photography, this Chevy's profile features great alignment, reflecting a finely tuned finish that's a result of Chesapeake, Virginia's Micar Collision alternating basecoat, clearcoat and sanding. That paint's combination of form and flash looks excellent under a fresh top that was supplied by Mansfield, Ohio's Coffman Corvette. And in late 2015, this roadster hit the streets as a fully sorted curve carver that's virtually guaranteed to captivate and impress!

Is there a better way to dress a sea of sculpted black than high quality brightwork? We think not. And, obviously, this Corvette's restorers were of the same mindset since it's chrome was completely refurbished by Royal Silver, and its stainless has been professionally polished to AACA standards. 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 mirrored stainless, that's 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 "RF" suffix stamp. At the top of that spry mill, a louvered air cleaner funnels wind in to a coated Edelbrock carburetor, which is married to an AC fuel bowl and fresh stainless fuel lines. Below that juice box, an aluminum intake complements finned Corvette valve covers. At the back of that intake, chrome-cased ignition, complete with a correct distributor, shoots spark past correct exhaust manifolds. And at the front of those tubes, a correct Harrison 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 polished 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 rebuilt generator, a familiar Harrison expansion tank and fresh Lectric Limited wiring ensure this Vette runs every bit as good as it looks.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Flip this Chevy upside down and you'll find a rigid X-frame that's bolted to solid floors. Behind the hot motor, a tough Muncie 4-speed twists torque through a familiar GM axle. That axle, rebuilt to include a posi-traction differential and 3.36 gears, rolls on a restored double A-arm front and rear leaf 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 a retro crossover and factory replacement mufflers. And power meets the pavement though Tuxedo Black steelies, which spin 6.70-15 BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls around traditional stainless wheel covers.

INTERIOR

Open this C1's tossable doors and you'll find a seamless Red cockpit that was supplied by Al Knoch Interiors of El Paso Texas. Seating comes courtesy of tight 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 laps a polished cross-flag hub. And behind the passengers, a matted trunk boasts a surprising amount of storage space.

A highly desirable drop-top that wraps a fresh, 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!