1962 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
With the creative influences of such incredible engineering talents as Edward Cole, Zora Arkus Duntov and Bill Mitchell behind it, the C1 Corvette had emerged as an American classic, but one that was ready to undergo a transformation into something completely new and exciting. The 1962 model year represents the end of an era for the Chevrolet Corvette. Over the course of ten years, the Corvette had evolved from Harley Earl's conceptual two seat sports car, a car that was initially plagued with design and performance deficiencies, into a vehicle that rivaled sports cars around the world with an unabashed reputation for performance and fun.
For consignment, a 1962 Chevrolet Corvette convertible. A numbers matching engine and a clean white exterior doesn't hurt the collectability on this one and although it's wearing Crager SS wheels, the original wheels with tires and hubcaps come with it. Every 1962 Corvette we've had the honor to list at the mall has sold. Clearly, it's a special and desirable American sports car.
Exterior
Ermine White is aptly named for a species of weasel that wears a coat of white in winter climates. Ironically, this car is a fair weathered ride with a black canvas top that can be retracted for open air adventures. The dual headlights set in the sculpted fascia are accentuated by chrome spears that run between them and along the fender top. At that point, the wrap-around windshield takes center stage, and is about as close to a 60's Batmobile experience as you'll find. This was the first year for the body colored cove rather than a contrasting color. The cove remains of course, and is fronted by a slanted vent and crossed flag emblem. The monochromatic coverage is especially appealing on the back end where just the four tail lights disrupt the white paint which blends well with the reflective chrome bumper. And speaking of the bumper, the chrome on the car and other metal work is in very good condition. 15-inch Cragar SS wheels are on the car and add additional chrome effervescence to the exterior. On the imperfection list we note various cracks in the paint and some less than smooth Bondo repair that shows sanding marks.
Interior
Wonderful black vinyl door panels are extra cool with their double red safety lights, almost a vertical nod to the taillights. Low back bucket seats, also in black vinyl, are sculpted into the boot cover. The upright steering wheel, large and thin by today's standard, was sporty in 1962 and not unlike the British sports cars of the era. A large arched speedometer sits above an amazing and artful dash, full of cylindrical gauges in black casings with metallic knobs below. The speedometer goes to 160 mph and the center tachometer redlines at 5,500 rpm. A horizontal radio, in this case a Pioneer AM/FM/Cassette unit, tops the center stack, above the fan controls and analog clock. A deep cove in front of the passenger is fronted by a grab handle. The standard shifter with reverse lockout is on the transmission hump and surrounded by black loop style carpet which covers the floor and looks great. The trunk is super clean and lined with a fitted rubber mat.
Drivetrain
Open the hood in reverse fashion as traditional and reveal the numbers matching 327ci V8 fed by a 4-barrel carburetor making 250hp. Cosmetically, we would say better than driver condition but with the opportunity for a good detailing. The transmission present is a Muncie M20 4-speed manual which transfers power to the rear wheels where it finds 3.70 gears with positraction. Drum brakes are all around.
Undercarriage
Generally driver quality underneath as well with some road grime in places, some surface rust, but overall clean and dry. The dual exhaust wiggle their way underneath to encounter two stock style mufflers, then turn downward where gases exit just behind the rear wheel, and behind the bodywork. Independent suspension with coil springs up front with leaf springs in back.
Drive-Ability
Behind the wheel one feels like a touch of class is presenting to them with the long tasteful dual headlight front leading the way. This car started immediately and after a short warm up it was off to the test loop. It handled very well, accelerated with plenty of power, and came to a straight stop. A wonderful drive in a wonderfully built car and everything worked as it should save for the tachometer which was inoperable.
A white on black, numbers matching engine Corvette convertible. Surely this is the car of someone's dream. The kids have a saying these days, YOLO, "you only live once", and for them, it's a hall pass to do weird stuff. For those of us a bit more seasoned, it means it's time to do the things you've dreamed about. It's time to start checking off those bucket list items. If owning a classic Corvette is on that list, call today. No 1962 has left our mall without a new owner, and we intend on keeping that streak alive.
20867S113477
2-1962
08-Corvette
67-Convertible
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
113477-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
