AutoHunter Spotlight: 1962 Chevrolet Corvette 327 Convertible

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1962 Chevrolet Corvette 327 convertible.

The first-generation Corvette is an enthusiast favorite in the collector marketplace, and what better way to enjoy one than by getting one that’s fully restored, mechanically sorted, and ready to hit the street? Boasting over $20,000 worth of repairs in the past year, this black-over-red C1 comes with the factory soft top, a removable hardtop, a Bluetooth radio, an Edelbrock intake manifold, and whitewall tires. Power comes from a period-correct small-block 327cid V8, and torque is sent to the rear through a four-speed manual transmission. This drop-top Vette comes with build receipts and a clear title.

General Motors first unveiled the Corvette in prototype form at “Motorama” in New York City in January 1953. It’s hard to believe the Corvette name has since been around for over 70 years. The earliest models were simple in nature, with just one available engine (an inline-six), one transmission (an automatic), and relatively few options. As the model years progressed, the car was diversified and enhanced. In 1955, a V8 engine was added along with a manual transmission. The car began to take on a more performance-oriented look and feel, which is exactly what buyers wanted.

This 1962 ragtop C1 represents the last of the generation. It conveyed boat-tail rear design which would carry through to the subsequent generation. This black convertible has some year-specific features like the chrome rocker trim. A detail and color-correction were performed within the past year, and the windshield has been replaced within the same timeframe. Footwork comes from a set of 15-inch steel wheels with Uniroyal Tiger Paw whitewall tires and full hubcaps.

The two-seat cockpit was refurbished with new red leather, and a few modern features were added at the time of restoration including a Bluetooth-compatible radio, LED courtesy lighting, sound-deadening material, and a USB charger. There have been just 500 miles added to the odometer during the seller’s 1.5-year ownership, and the odometer reads 27,500. True mileage on the chassis is unknown.

A period-correct 327cid V8 provides momentum, which is a far cry from the simple inline-six that launched the Corvette brand about a decade before this one was rolled off the assembly line. Many service items have been completed under the seller’s ownership including replacement of the push rods, pilot shaft bearing, generator case, Edelbrock carburetor, battery, intake manifold, and hoses. An oil change was performed in June, and this C1 is ready to rock and roll.