1962 Chevrolet Corvette for sale $79,900

This rather remarkable 1962 Corvette roadster was repainted in its original Roman Red a few years ago and they did a spectacular job. The shine is far better than it would have been in 1962, and yes, while there are plenty of purists who insist on perfectly imperfect andlsquo;Vettes, this one has none of the usual flaws that were standard equipment. The red is deep and bold, exactly right, not too orange and not too pink, and with the 1962 styling updates like the blacked-out grille, painted headlight rings, and monotone color schemes, it looks like a million bucks. This is the kind of car that makes everyone on the street stop and stare as it drives by, because they know the guy behind the wheel has it made and is having the time of his life. Iandrsquo;ll vouch for that feeling because Iandrsquo;ve been that guyandmdash;this car is a joy to drive. We suspect that most of the chrome and stainless trim was freshened when it was repainted and it is all in very good condition, from the bumpers that wrap around the sides of the fenders to the gill inserts in the side covers that show zero pitting to the ribbed rocker moldings.

The interior was also replaced a few years ago using correct reproduction red seat covers that look proper. There are also fresh carpets on the floor which use the factory-style red and black weave and the door panels are beautifully done with built-in reflectors that sparkle like jewels at night. All the gauges are fully functional, including the correct 6000 RPM tachometer, which was included with the 327/340 horse motor. The factory AM radio is still in the dash, as is the clock, but as usual, these pieces are not working. On the other hand, the ultra-rare power top is 100% functional and itandrsquo;s a pretty amazing thing to see on a Corvette. We believe the white convertible top is original to the car, and while it shows some age and discoloration, I think it might be a mistake to replace it given how well the whole mechanism works. Youandrsquo;ll also note that the trunk is correctly fitted with a red rubber mat and thereandrsquo;s a unique cardboard bulkhead between the trunk and the working parts of the top mechanism.

This car also includes a matching removable hardtop, which is not shown in photos but will accompany the car when it ships to its new owner.

This 340 horsepower andlsquo;Vette carries its original, numbers-matching engine, and the stamping pad information decodes as follows:

2 = 1962 model year

110795 = last six digits of the VIN (matches)

F = Flint engine assembly plant (all Corvette engines were assembled in Flint)

0425 = April 25, 1962 assembly date

RE = 327 cubic inch V8, 340 horsepower, 4-barrel carburetor, 4-speed manual transmission

The strong-running 327 has been rebuilt at some point and delivers the kind of low-end punch that youandrsquo;d expect. It starts easily and idles nicely, which is unusual for something tuned to more than one horsepower per cubic inch, and reflects someone spending the time to get it right. Itandrsquo;s correctly detailed with a vented air cleaner, finned valve covers wearing what we believe to be the original andlsquo;340 Horsepowerandrsquo; decals, and all the chrome ignition shielding is in place. It still runs a generator for electricity, a correct expansion tank for the cooling system, and a Winters intake manifold underneath the Carter AFB 4-barrel carburetor. Correct cast iron exhaust manifolds feed a brand new stainless steel exhaust system that rumbles s bit but is otherwise quite comfortable out on the road. The 4-speed manual transmission shifts cleanly and clutch action is light, and youandrsquo;ll delight in running this high-winding V8 through the gears. With 3.36 gears