Launched in 1956, it was the second series of cars that earned Corvette the title of “America’s Sports Car.” The clean good looks of Harley Earl’s new body captured the imagination of the American public, and the new design was soon outselling the older style, even at its peak, by a margin of three-to-one. The big news from Corvette in 1962, which represented the final year of the first-generation models with solid rear axles, was the enlarged 327-cubic inch V-8. This 15-percent increase in engine displacement brought with it a meaningful jump in both horsepower and torque, rendering the Corvette even easier and more fun to drive. The Corvette gained a competitive edge on the racetrack, and it was a winner on the sales floor as well, with 1962 sales fully one-third higher than 1961 levels.

In 1962, the most-powerful Corvette engine was the regular production, order number 582, fuel-injected 327 V-8, such as seen with this car, and now offered in just one very highly-developed state of tune with a hot solid-lifter camshaft, free-breathing cylinder heads, and the proven Rochester mechanical fuel-injection unit. Amazingly, 1,918 Corvette buyers, representing 13-percent of the 14,531 total production, opted for this relatively expensive option in 1962, paying an additional $484.20 to enjoy the growing mystique and performance of the “fuelie.”

Benefitting from a high-quality frame-off restoration, this example is finished in red with a red interior and matching removable hardtop. The soft-top is white and makes for a quite handsome presentation. The main feature on this Corvette is the 327-cid, 360-hp fuel-injected V-8 engine which is connected to the desirable four-speed manual transmission. The Corvette also has its spare, tools and jack. It features the correct T-3 headlights, as well as an original washer bottle and the attention in placing the correct decals under the hood. A radio, clock, factory spinner wheel covers and tasteful whitewall tires add to the period presence of this very nice machine.