The history of Corvette is well known, since most of us were young, one of the cars on the list is the heralded Corvette; America’s sports car. At the time this car was released, most American motorists hadn’t been able to enjoy the experience that experts may term “sensory emotional gratification.” Chevrolet called it the thrill of driving a Corvette. Satisfied consumers found the Corvette to be the ultimate combination of performance, handling and sports car-style luxury. It had matured to this point by nearly 10 years of careful planning, honing and engineering development of a great basic idea.

If the 1961 Corvette was good – and it was – the 1962 edition was even better. For its triumphant final run of the C1 series solid rear-axle form, Corvette styling was significantly updated for 1962 with the elimination of two-tone exterior finishes and the trim surrounding the coves. Less decorative and more purposeful, the final C1 edition was a hot seller when new at a base price of $4,038, with 14,531 built. Today, fine examples, such as this, are a continuing favorite.

While it took until 1955 for Chevrolet’s revolutionary small-block V-8 to occupy the Corvette engine bay, many engine and powertrain combinations were available by 1962. In 1962, the most-powerful Corvette engine was the RPO 582 fuel-injected 327 V-8, such as seen with this fantastic car, and now offered in a very highly-developed state of tune and the proven Rochester mechanical fuel-injection unit putting out 360-hp. Amazingly, 1,918 Corvette buyers opted for this relatively expensive option in 1962, paying an additional $484.20 to enjoy the growing mystique and performance of the “fuelie.”

With a most sophisticated early-‘60s style, this restored Ermine White fuel-injected Corvette has a black interior and a white convertible top that is power-operated; one of only 350 such cars ordered with RPO 473 at $139.90 when new. Additionally, the optional removable hardtop is included for weather and security. For the first time, the Corvette came standard with a heater/defroster unit, this example is also equipped with a Wonder Bar AM radio, whitewall tires (also a 1962 option), clock and standard spinner wheel covers. Crossed flag badging on the front flanks are joined by a Fuel Injection identifier below.

Antique Automobile Club of America badges are proudly displayed on the grille and confirm the serious nature of this American powerhouse. Among its awards of distinction for AACA Class / Car #:30a / 12997 are AACA National First Junior – Hershey, PA in October 2000; AACA Winter National Senior – Cape Canaveral, FL in November 2001; AACA Grand National GN Second Junior - Moline, IL in August 2001; AACA Grand National GN First – Northglenn, CO in July 2005; AACA Grand National Senior - Kalamazoo, MI in July 2007. Further recognition comes from being presented the Bloomington Gold 24K Award; NCRS – Top Flight Award; NCRS – Duntov Award – 99.3 pts out of 100; NCRS – PV Award and Gold Spinner.

Speed with style is a Corvette hallmark dating back 63 years; less than 10 years in to the program; this machine represents the state-of-the-art American sports car for 1962. They distinguished themselves on the road and track; this Corvette easily reminds us of those special days.