Matching numbers 327/300, 4-speed, great colors, receipts, runs and drives great

Even though the first-generation Corvette’s tenure was coming to a close and an all-new and fairly radical new Sting Ray was on the horizon, GM stylists and engineers still went to work on the 1962 Corvette. Among the updates were new colors, fresh trim, and a line of 327 cubic inch V8s that upped the horsepower ante considerably. Apparently their ministrations were a hit, because sales went up by about 5000 units (although any 1962 Corvette is still pretty rare—only 14,531 were built), and the ’62 ‘Vettes are some of the most highly-sought of the “solid axle” cars. They’re the most refined, best engineered, and arguably the best looking, depending on who you ask. In short, if you like a solid-axle Corvette, this 1962 example is going to delight you in every way.

The important things to Corvette buyers are 1. matching numbers, 2. specification, and 3. colors and options. So let’s hit the important things first. This lovely’62 Corvette roadster is a matching-numbers 327/300 Hi-Performance car with a factory 4-speed and a fantastic black-on-red color combination. It hits all the right notes if you’re a true aficionado or someone looking for a smart buy on an early ‘Vette. The restoration was probably finished in the mid-2000s, but it’s still holding up extremely well and hasn’t been driven much since it was completed. The fiberglass shell is in excellent condition with none of the usual stress cracks and you can tell the guys who did the work were experts because all the panels fit better than new and that takes time and skill. It wears correct code A Tuxedo Black paint, which is the car’s original color and it really dresses the car up in a big way. Two-tone paint with contrasting side coves was gone in 1961, so the monochromatic look, especially in black, really highlights the trim. The paint has a deep gloss and while it’s no longer in show condition, it’s extremely nice with only the most minor signs of use and age. The chrome and stainless was all restored at the same time and remains excellent, from the unique blacked-out grille up front to the gills in the side coves to the rear bumpers, which are a clear preview of the upcoming C2 Sting Ray. Emblems, lenses, and glass all remain excellent. Cosmetically, this car is a home run.

The bright red interior is really the best choice with a black car, and while there’s no way to prove this was the original choice, we can’t argue with the way it looks today. Everything you can see or touch inside was replaced during the restoration, so the door panels are crisp, the trim is brilliant, and the pleated bucket seats are firm and comfortable for long cruises. Correct black and red textured carpets with matching floor mats give it a very finished look and the steering wheel was obviously restored because it’s way too nice to be original. The gauges show bright markings and clear lenses, and they are all functional save for the fuel gauge, which has the peculiar habit of showing empty except when the brake is depressed, when it shows full—obviously a grounding issue that should be easy enough to track down. The center stack features the controls for the heater system (fully operational and surprisingly effective on cool nights) and the original Wonderbar radio, which not only works but has also been fitted with an FM converter inside so you don’t have to listen to whatever passes for entertainment on AM. The clock, as usual, is not operational. The 4-speed shifter has been fitted with a white cue ball knob and snaps through the gates with precision, not slop. Under the rear deck, you’ll find a black vinyl convertible top that’s almost like new save for some wrinkles (I don’t think it has spent much time in the up position), and there are new weather seals that close it up about as well as can be expected on a vintage ‘Vette.

OK, the good stuff. This is the car’s original, numbers-matching 327 cubic inch V8. It’s the optional code 583 300 horsepower “high performance” version, which is both very potent and very streetable. It has a partial VIN stamped on the pad with a prefix of ‘2’ which indicates 1962 model year, as well as F0213RD, which decodes as follows:

F = Flint manufacturing plant (all 1962 Corvette engines were manufactured in Flint) 0213 = February 13 assembly date RD = 327 cubic inch V8, high-performance 300 horsepower 4-speed

So there’s no question that this is the car’s original, numbers-matching engine. Forget calling me about re-stamps or other issues like that, it’s legit. It’s also completely rebuilt with receipts for the work and runs superbly. It fires quickly and easily, hot or cold, and idles smoothly and easily without issues. On the road, it pulls delightfully through all four gears, and makes so much torque that first gear is all but unnecessary (in fact, it’ll spin those skinny little tires in third without much provocation). It makes wonderful V8 sounds that are exactly right for your Corvette but not so busy that you’ll get tired on long trips. It’s neatly detailed in correct Chevy Orange paint, simple stamped steel valve covers with 327 decals, and the trademark Corvette louvered air cleaner. It’s worth noting that all the chrome ignition shielding is in place, even blow the manifolds, and details like hoses and clamps are all authentic. During the rebuild, the exhaust manifolds were left raw so they’ve got a light dusting of surface scale, but nothing that would suggest exposure to wet climates and they could be painted or coated without any additional expense. There are a few other light signs of use, but it’s probably a mistake to put a car that runs this well into a trailer and only use it to putt-putt onto a show field. Live with a few signs of use and USE IT!

The 4-speed manual gearbox is delightful in operation, with well-chosen ratios that ensure that the engine is already right where you want it when you bang into the next gear, and with what we believe to be 3.36 cogs out back, it’s still a decent highway cruiser that will run all day at modern highway speeds. As with the engine bay, there are light signs of use on the undercarriage, which is mostly satin black paint and a few bright pieces like the recent dual exhaust system with correct mufflers. The front suspension remains tight and precise and the 4-wheel unassisted drum brakes are quite effective for the lightweight ‘Vette. Obviously rust is a non-issue, since the floors are fiberglass, but steel parts like the body mounts, frame, and other structural members are in excellent condition with no signs of rust or damage. Canvas check straps are still fitted to the rear axle and they made an effort to reproduce factory assembly markings, including a stencil on the driveshaft to mimic the original. You’ll also be relieved to know that this car isn’t even much of a leaker (like any old car, there are a few drops after a drive, but nothing abnormal). The original steel wheels are wearing deluxe hubcaps and correct 6.70-15 US Royal whitewalls that look great and give it an authentic feel on the open road.

This car includes a huge binder full of receipts and other documentation of the work done over the years, as well as an original owner’s manual.

If it’s not obvious, we love this car! It’s totally vice-free, has arguably the best color combination, and for being nearly 55 years old, it’s fantastically fast. Running it through the gears is an event and everyone will stop to admire you as you go by, hopefully with the pipes singing that wonderful 300 horsepower song. With a great pedigree and awesome documentation, you can buy with confidence and know that this 1962 Corvette will always live near the very top of the heap in the world of solid axle ‘Vettes. Call now!