1962 Chevrolet Corvette

The C1-generation Corvette became a world-class sports car in only a decade. Two years after its 1953 debut, Chevrolet’s revolutionary small-block V8 was introduced. A year later, Corvette received a bold new body design. And in 1960, a Corvette claimed its first class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans —sending a clear message that America’s sports car could challenge Europe’s elite marques.

The final year of the C1 generation, 1962, saw the 283ci V8 replaced by the potent 327. It was available in 250- and 300-horsepower versions with a manual or an automatic transmission, with Chevrolet also offering two special high compression 327s with a stick shift only: a 360-horse Fuelie (RPO 582), and a 340-horse carbureted (RPO 396).

Those powerful powerplants were housed in a body that blended old and new: the front retained the original C1 look, while the rear featured a redesigned tail with recessed quad taillights and a pronounced trunk — a tantalizing preview of the upcoming C2 Sting Ray.

This Roman Red over black '62 Corvette is powered by the numbers-matching 340-hp version of the 327ci V8, engine suffix code "RE", backed by a four-speed manual transmission fitted with an aftermarket clutch. With the seller for 38 years, it rolls on 15” wheels with spinner-style covers, and is equipped with a body-color hard top and a black soft top.