In 1962, the 327 cubic-inch V-8 engine replaced the venerable 283 cubic-inch V-8 in all Corvettes. Up to 360 horsepower was now available with optional Rochester Ramjet fuel injection and solid lifters—ample evidence that the horsepower race was well underway. Suddenly, the 160-mph speedometer on the Corvette’s dash didn’t seem so silly. For the first time, the base price of a Corvette topped $4,000—and gone was the contrasting paint color in the body side coves.

Curb weight remained the same as the prior year, despite the Corvette being burdened with more equipment and gaining structural reinforcements to improve rigidity. This was done by eliminating unnecessary bulk in the layers of the fiberglass skin in what would become the final version of the first-generation Corvette. The 1962 models shared the ducktail rear introduced in 1961, which foreshadowed the yet-to-be-introduced 1963 Sting Ray. The 1962 Corvettes were also the first to come with rocker moldings made from one-piece, stamped aluminum featuring horizontal ribs and bright anodizing. In total, 14,531 examples were produced for the model year.

A rare and high-performance variant, chassis 20867S108121 offered here came equipped from the factory with fuel injection and the RPO 687 “Heavy Duty Brakes and Suspension” option. Developed by legendary Corvette engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov, this performance package featured finned, cast-iron brake drums with front and rear detachable brake scoops, in addition to heavy duty springs with firmer shock absorbers. Further, the option package also included a quick-steering adapter. Just 246 vehicles are believed to have left the factory with this option, making this example highly sought after. Both the convertible top and the radio on this Corvette were deleted in an effort to reduce weight and increase performance. To this end, optional 15-inch by 5.5-inch wheels were also installed. The exterior is finished in the classic shade of Roman Red, while the interior sports black seats. While documentation confirming original specifications is not available, the engine-block stamping does appear to coincide with the chassis number, given known number-sequencing for C1 Corvettes.

The current owner purchased this example a little over a year ago from a prominent National Corvette Restorers Society judge and Corvette collector, who undertook a body-off restoration in the early 2000s. An Antique Automobile Club of America Senior National First Prize in 2006 affirmed the superb results of these efforts. Further testament to the car’s condition, it won a NCRS Top Flight award in 2017.

As a desirably specified award-winner, this rare, performance-oriented American classic truly stands apart from other C1 Corvettes. It is accompanied by brake scoops with instructions, NCRS awards with a copy of the scoring sheet, and a washer-system reservoir.