Forgotten 1962 Corvette with Just 11K Miles Packs a Secret Punch and Remains Untouched Since 1989
By 1962, Chevrolet's Corvette was already a revered icon in the automotive world, celebrating a decade of performance and style. This milestone year saw not just a significant boost in sales but also the introduction of a robust 327 cubic-inch V8 engine that would become synonymous with power and excitement. The switch from the previous 283 V8 was a pivotal change, catering to the growing American appetite for powerful muscle cars.
Under the Hood: The Heart of the Beast
The 327 V8 engine offered Corvette buyers four thrilling configurations, starting with a 250-horsepower variant that already promised a spirited drive. For those seeking even more power, Chevrolet provided a 300-horsepower option, enhancing engine performance with a larger carburetor and improved intake manifold. But the real magic lay in the higher-end models—such as the 340-horsepower beast which featured a hot camshaft, solid lifters, and a higher compression ratio. Then there was the 'Fuelie', a fuel-injected marvel that pushed the engine's output to a staggering 360 horsepower.
The Price of Performance
The desire for speed came at a cost. The base price for a 1962 Corvette was around $4,084, but adding the highest-level performance options could significantly inflate that figure. The 'Fuelie' alone could add a hefty $484 to the price tag, a considerable sum at the time. Despite this, many enthusiasts were willing to pay for the thrill and prestige of owning one of these top-tier machines.
Photo: YouTube/WD Detailing
A Corvette Lost to Time
Yet, it is a 1962 Corvette with just over 11,000 miles on its odometer that has captured our attention today. This particular model has lived a curious life, sitting idle for over three decades and collecting dust since 1989. Its current owner inherited the car from a grandfather who purchased it in 1974. Following a brief stint as a high school ride, the Corvette was parked and left untouched for years.
Hints of a Racing Past
Despite its dormancy, this Corvette hints at a vibrant past filled with quarter-mile drag races. The car’s engine bay features performance-enhancing components like Mickey Thompson aluminum valve covers, a Holley carburetor, and an Edelbrock intake manifold. These modifications suggest that the car wasn't just a commute vehicle but a weekend warrior on the drag strip. However, details about the current engine configuration remain a mystery.
Photo: YouTube/WD Detailing
Restoration and Revival
Recently, WD Detailing took on the task of reviving this classic beauty’s exterior. They painstakingly cleaned and polished the car, reviving its soft nitrocellulose lacquer paint, a type known for its susceptibility to scratches yet easy buffing. For the first time in over 60 years, the car donned its hardtop, adding a new chapter to its storied history. Despite the detailed cosmetic work, the condition of the engine remains a question, leaving room for future mechanical restoration.
The Future of This Classic Icon
Although it hasn’t been driven much since its last inspection in 1988, accumulating just 297 miles over 35 years, the Corvette stands as a testament to a bygone era of American automotive ingenuity and passion. Whether it continues to bask in its near-pristine glory or delves back into the throes of track action, this 1962 Corvette remains a captivating piece of history eagerly waiting to roar back to life.
