New for Chevrolet in 1962 was the 327-cubic inch V-8, which replaced the venerable 283 in all Corvettes. With optional fuel injection and solid lifters, up to 360 horsepower was on tap, offering proof that the horsepower race of the ’60s was well on its way. Corvette’s base price topped $4,000 for the first time, and gone was the contrasting paint color in the body’ side coves. Surprisingly, the car weighed the same in 1962 as it did in 1953, despite being fitted with more equipment and structural reinforcements to improve rigidity. This was done by eliminating the unnecessary bulk in the layers of the fiberglass skin, in what would become the final version of the first-generation Corvette.

At the rear, the 1962 styling mirrored that introduced on the 1961 model, which foreshadowed the upcoming 1963 Sting Ray yet-to-be introduced. The 1962 Corvettes were the first to come with rocker moldings, which were made from one-piece stamped aluminum and featured horizontal ribs and bright anodizing. Interestingly, up until about serial number 6000, they were unpainted, while later models had flat black paint between those ribs.

This matching-numbers Corvette was originally delivered to Cooley Chevrolet Company in New Haven, Connecticut, and includes its original shipping invoice, which details its $5,602.45 price, including options. In addition to the vaunted 327 Ramjet fuel-injected V-8, it is equipped with the T-10 four-speed manual transmission, the RPO687 package (pre-Z06 race package), heavy-duty brakes, wide wheels, heavy-duty suspension, a fast-steering adapter, a 4:11 Positraction rear end, a signal-seeking AM radio, an off-road exhaust, sun visors, windshield washers, a courtesy light, a heater, and a black convertible top. The optional hardtop is also included with the sale. It is painted a sinister Tuxedo Black with a fawn beige metallic interior, and it looks even more intimidating with blackwall tires and poverty wheel covers, as delivered new. There is no doubt that its original owner meant business, as this Corvette was optioned for maximum performance.

Attesting to the quality of the restoration and the proper care the car has received, this Corvette received NCRS Top Flight Awards in 1998 (96.6 points), 1999 (95.8 points), 2001 (97 points), and 2003 (96.1 points), as well as its AACA First Junior at Hershey in 2001. It is one of 14,531 convertibles produced for 1962 and one of just 1,918 with the $484.20 optional RPO 582 fuel-injected 327 V-8.

In order to freshen the car and maintain it to the highest standards, it was repainted in 2009 by the current and present owner. A binder incorporating detailed service information and confirming work done to date is available for inspection. The consigner adds that this is one of just 246 produced with the optional Code RPO 687 package (the pre-Z06 race package), adding to its rarity and desirability. It has the added distinction of being the car that was used by Danbury Mint for the model of one of its miniatures.

All in all, this is a very fine Corvette, one that any collector would be proud to have as part of their collection.