In addition I strongly believe in the saying "a picture is worth a thousand words." The Internet has allowed us in our hobby to search for cars nationwide and it's my hope to make you as comfortable as possible with this purchase. I own this Corvette and I personally took all of the photographs and video (my sister filmed while I drove though). If you've been on the lookout for an eye catching '62 that you can actually enjoy my hope is you find this one to be the one for you. Please sit back with your favorite beverage and enjoy the lengthy description 6 video links and 300+ photos of this gorgeous '62 Corvette convertible.
The Car!
I have to begin by saying this car is an absolute blast to drive. It runs well it handles well it accelerates well and it actually stops pretty well too. First generation Corvettes seem to fall into two categories: NCRS show queens that see 10-15 miles per season driving onto and off of trailers or undriveable basket cases in line for years-long complete restorations. This is a car that you will get a TON of attention and thumbs-up with but one that you can feel comfortable cruising with on a Saturday night without worrying about devaluing your born-with fuel injected 327 car that you spent $100000+ on.
I have a soft spot for '62 Corvettes and the triple black color combination sure is a head-turner. The VIN on the car is 20867S113487 which I believe translates to a late model year build date. Although I didn't receive dealer paperwork or maintenance history with the car I believe the car is a true soft top-only Corvette as there are no holes present for the hard top. So many times I see these cars drilled out later in life to have the hard tops added. The odometer shows just over 26000 miles but I have no idea if that's correct for the car. Because this Corvette was purchased with the intent to drive it I didn't attempt to investigate whether the odometer had turned over.
Speaking of driving many of you know how quirky these old C1 Corvettes can be which makes many of this car's updates even more greatly appreciated. These cars originally ran on tall bias-ply tires with 4 wheel manual DRUM brakes which doesn't always coincide with the great handling reputation the Corvette is known for. Along the way a previous owner very wisely decided to go with a "Day Two" look on this car and the upgrades fit it perfectly. Here are a few of the features that make this '62 Corvette a more reliable car to hit the road with on weekends:
It's difficult to determine which version of the 327 originally came with the car but a more driveable ZZ4 350 cid engine with aluminum heads now resides in its place. I say the ZZ4 is more driveable for several reasons. The ZZ4 has electronic ignition which is a ton more reliable than a set of points when you're out cruising. In addition the ZZ4 features hardened valve seats so no lead additive is required for your fuel. Also the ZZ4 has a roller cam so you don't have to worry about adding zinc to your oil like you do with your flat tappet engines. Finally although premium fuel is always a treat for the ZZ4 it's not a necessity like it is with the higher compression 327's from '62.
The original front drum brakes have been swapped for a set of discs and a dual line master cylinder was installed for added safety. Even without a power booster to aide in braking this car stops nicely with rotors up front. The factory steel wheels were also swapped for a set of period-style "Day Two" American Racing aluminum wheels backed by a set of high quality Michelin radial tires. Along with the brake upgrade the wheels and tires help the car handle much more comfortably.
Notice in the photos and videos that the rest of the engine compartment still retains a vintage Corvette look which gives it a classy appearance with the hood open. A correct style Harrison radiator is installed with a correct style overflow and the generator is still in place. The upgrades were done thoughtfully and the attention shows.
I've included many photos of the engine transmission and axle numbers so an interested buyer and check out any details they're looking for. Although I'm a car enthusiast I am NOT a Corvette expert. I know my limits so you won't find me professing to know everything about every car produced.
After doing a little digging I've been able to determine that the transmission appears to be a '65 or '66 Muncie 4-speed. Based on the shift points I lean toward the transmission being a close-ratio M21 but removal of the side cover would say for sure. Please note that the transmission also has a drain plug which many say points to the tranny being a fabled M22 "Rock Crusher." I don't think the whine is loud enough for a "Rock Crusher" but that's a possibility too. Whatever the case the transmission shifts positively and feels absolutely dynamite. The clutch is firm and operates like it should.
I believe the rear end is not original to the car but a period correct axle with a 3.70 posi rear. However I am not 100% sure of this. Please research the numbers provided to determine.
How Does It Drive?
Tap the gas to set the choke on the Holley and turn the key. That's it. The car fires right up and after a brief warm-up is ready for a drive. The ZZ4 has a slightly lopey cam in it but nothing that's too radical. It's just enough cam to tell others that the car stands on its own. The car is responsive as shown in the videos but isn't difficult to drive. The car shifts through the gears without effort and it's comfortable. In my opinion this is a perfect Corvette to own if you're looking to actually drive the car and not just look at it.
Exterior
The paint is basecoat clearcoat and has really nice depth and gloss as seen in the photos and videos. The paint is also swirl-free and looks dynamite in the sun. Because I didn't receive receipts with the car it's tough to determine the age of the paint. However I'd estimate that it's 10+-ish years old. Because of the age of the paint please note that the car has some small chips stress cracks and other imperfections consistent with a car that's driven.
I am not certain of this but I believe this car to be a no hit body. Please look at all of the photos but I couldn't find evidence of extensive fiberglass repair or signs of collision. For those who appreciate original appearing Corvettes the fiberglass bonding seams can still be seen under the paint if you look closely. The rear wheel wells look like they've had a little work done at some point most likely to repair wheel rub that is common on these cars when oversized tires are installed. I also couldn't find convincing evidence of another color on this car besides black. Because these cars don't have trim codes it's tough to say whether the color has been changed but I'm definitely leaning toward this being an original black car. Please remember though I am not a Corvette expert. If you see something that contradicts what I'm saying let me know it's not my intention to mislead a buyer.
Panel and trim alignment is nice the doors open and close properly the hood opens and closely correctly and the trunk opens and closes like it should. Notice in the photos how nicely the car flows from front to back. The fit and finish of the car is quite nice.
The trim on the car is really bright and may have been replaced or restored at some point. The chrome is decent but shows some wear (light pitting and scratches) upon close inspection. The windshield is very clean and may have been replaced along the way? The side glass is nice but shows some noticeable scratching that is shown in the photos.
The convertible top and frame are in great shape and operate properly. I've had the top up and down about a half dozen times without issue. Note in the videos that there's an incredibly small tear in the top near one of the seams on the driver's side. It's VERY small but it should be noted. Please see the photos for detailed photos of the top frame etc.
Interior
The interior shows very nicely but isn't absolutely perfect. I think a majority of the interior may still be original and unrestored. The gas gauge horn speedometer tach and gauges work. The aftermarket AM/FM radio and speaker work as well as the headlights and directionals. In addition the parking brake operates as well!
The console features a correct style shifter and the reverse lockout operates properly. The door switched interior lights also work. Note the small touchups near the radio and the door panels could be attached with new hardware. Also note the light wear on the seat covers along with the light wear on the carpet. Although the steering wheel is very presentable it also has light cracking on the right side that is visible in the photos. It also appears that the dash pad has shrunk a bit over the years and has had some stapling done to get it back in place. Most people won't notice things like this but they're worth noting.
Undercarriage
The undercarriage has driver quality detail to it. It isn't NCRS detailed but it isn't coated in gobs of undercoating either. The exhaust looks like it's been partially replaced and has a pair of nice sounding mufflers on it with tailpipes exiting correctly just behind the tires. Please note that the car has developed an exhaust leak in the last couple weeks. It appears that the driver's side donut gasket is failing and it should be replaced. It isn't awful but I can hear the leak.
The fiberglass underneath looks to be in good condition from my inspection. The brake lines have been replaced over the years and it looks like the fuel lines have been replaced too. Some suspension work appears to have been done over the years as tie rod ends etc look like they've been replaced. Please note in the photos that the frame has been reinforced on both the driver and passenger side along the sides near the seat and into the rear kick-ups. I've seen reinforcements welded in like this on other C1 and C2 Corvettes.
Bottom Line
1962 Corvettes are significant on multiple levels. They feature classic C1 styling while incorporating many of the upgrades found on the C2 cars of 1963-1967. Many people out there say the 1962 is the best looking Corvette ever produced and it's hard to argue with them. Toss in the mechanical upgrades featured on this car and this one quickly becomes the perfect custard stand cruiser.
I've done my best to accurately describe my Corvette and I encourage you to watch all 6 videos and scroll through all 300+ photos. Still there's no substitute for seeing a car in person so please give a call if you'd like to have the car inspected at my home. The car has a fresh oil change other fluids have been checked and the suspension has been greased.
If I can answer any other questions along the way please call me: 414-940-8848. My name is Jeff. I have some reliable shippers I've worked with over the years who can help us make a long distance deal work too. Thanks for checking out my triple black 1962 Corvette.
Sale Terms and Conditions
Please let the 300+ photos of this incredibly gorgeous Corvette make you comfortable with a purchase. However don’t hesitate to call me with a specific question. Please remember that your bid is a COMMITMENT TO BUY this car. Because opinions of vintage cars and trucks can vary please have the truck inspected or inspect the truck in person PRIOR to bidding. Any inspection fees are the responsibility of the bidder. I cannot stress enough that I am asking bidders to follow through on their commitment if you bid.
A $500 non-refundable deposit and communication from the high bidder is due within 3 days of the auction's end. The deposit can be paid via Paypal or cash and I will eat any Paypal fees. The balance is due in full within 7 days of the auction's end paid via cashier's check (must be verified) wire transfer or cash in person.
Because of its age and mileage this vehicle is sold strictly as-is-as shown with no warranties expressed or implied. If you haven't owned a classic car please remember that this isn't a 2015 Honda Civic. Older cars even those with low miles require an increased level of maintenance and attention.
When you place a bid on a vehicle you are entering into a legal and binding contract to purchase the vehicle. This arrangement is outlined in the eBay User Agreement. We also reserve the right to cancel bids at our discretion.
We will not be liable for any cancellation of this auction for any reason. We reserve the right to cancel bids from bidders with negative feedback or a bid retraction history and members with zero (0) feedback need to contact us for approval to bid. As with all bids bidders need to be 18 years or older.
As stated above shipping charges are buyer's responsibility. We will assist a buyer with shipping the car anywhere in the United States or Canada from zip code 53154 but will not be responsible in any way for claims arising from shipping damage. We assume no responsibility for damages incurred after the vehicle leaves our possession. We are not affiliated with any shipping carrier. Any claims or other communication regarding shipment of vehicles will be between you and the shipper not with the seller.
The terms of sale shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin without regard to any conflict of laws or provisions thereof that might indicate the applicability of laws of any other jurisdiction. The venue for all legal proceedings shall be in Milwaukee County Wisconsin. VideosExterior Interior Engine Compartment Undercarriage