Introduced in 1953, the first generation of the Corvette production ran through 1962 and laid the groundwork for decades of future models. This 1962 example comes finished in Honduras Maroon over a black vinyl interior. It features Chevrolet’s “one hp per cubic inch” 283ci V8 engine paired with a 4-speed manual transmission and a factory hard top. It was purchased by its current owner in 1972 from its original owner and underwent a comprehensive year-long restoration in 1995 which included a new engine, rebuilt transmission, overhauled interior, new paint, and more. This early Corvette is now being offered for auction by its seller out of Florida.
In 1958, the C1 Corvette received a facelift that included quad headlamps, and a prominent chrome grill. In 1961, the rear of the car was redesigned with the addition of a tapered tail with four round lights that would become a mainstay for decades. This example was reportedly refinished in its original shade of Honduras Maroon during its 1995 restoration and fitted with a new black convertible soft top at the same time. The chrome trim and rubber gaskets are also said to have been replaced during the restoration. Detailed images can be found in the gallery. It rides on a set of 15” steel wheels with chrome covers, faux knockoffs, and all-season whitewall tires. An unrestored factory-optioned hardtop is said to accompany the car.
The cabin features dual bucket seats upholstered in black vinyl with matching carpets, door panels, and dashboard. During the restoration, the seats were reupholstered and the original speedometer was replaced while new carpets were installed along with a new radio. Amenities include lap seat belts, a dash-mounted rearview mirror, and an analog clock. The seller notes that all gauges, electronics, and accessories remain functional and that the original Wunderbar radio will accompany the car.
Power comes from a small block 283ci V8 engine sourced from a 1961 Corvette, which drives the rear wheels by way of a 4-speed manual transmission. During the restoration, the transmission was rebuilt, and a 327ci V8 with correct casting numbers and “fuelie” cylinder heads is said to accompany the car. The suspension and electrical systems were also overhauled during the restoration. A collection of documentation accompanies the car and is available for reference in the gallery.
This sale will include service records, an extra engine and convertible top, a car cover, an original hardtop, and a clean title.
Comments (30)
Bid in the amount of $43,500
Bid in the amount of $43,250
Bid in the amount of $43,000
Bid in the amount of $42,750
Bid in the amount of $42,500
Bid in the amount of $42,250
Bid in the amount of $42,000
Bid in the amount of $41,500
Bid in the amount of $40,000
Bid in the amount of $39,500
Bid in the amount of $39,000
Bid in the amount of $38,500
Bid in the amount of $37,500
Bid in the amount of $37,000
Bid in the amount of $36,500
Bid in the amount of $36,000
Bid in the amount of $35,750
Bid in the amount of $35,500
@muddymogriffin Sorry about the delayed response. The seller tells me it's a single carburetor 283ci with 195 horsepower (he thinks it's 195, but is not sure). The engine that accompanies the car is a rebuildable 327ci correct casting number block with Fuelie heads from a 1962 Corvette.
@Excalibur1 Sorry about the delayed response, yesterday was the 4th of July and.... Anyway, to answer your question about how the seller would rate the car ~ it's probably more prudent to answer how I would rate the car. Owners always tend to rate their cars higher than an intermediary would. Overall I would rate the car an 8.75. I'm a concourse judge for classic Ferraris, therefore I'm on the conservative side on rating cars. The seller would probably rate this car a 9.5 (or higher). Most people that have walked in here and seen the car would rate it a 9.5 (or higher). This car is a show car that's never been shown - the seller is not the type to participate in car shows. Paint: 8 Interior: 9 Unberbelly: 9 Convertible top: 9.5 Chrome: 9.5 Body gaps and fit: 9.5. There are no missing parts/trim/knobs. It's a very solid car with a good soul - it's been well taken care of and loved by the same owner for 50 years! I asked the seller about the rear end being high. He said he had the springs "re-arched" when the car was restored. The only way to lower the rear end is to replace the springs (you cannot "re-arch" the existing springs to the perfect height. The seller likes the raised look, and he tells me the ride is like any other 1962 Vette. Hope this helps.
@steve72 Yes, the seller tells me that the 327 CI engine is rebuildable.
Is the 327 CI engine (and heads) rebuildable?
Greetings,
What do you know about the engine specifics of the 283 CI engine currently in the car? Does not appear to be a 1HP/1CI 283 fuel injected engine but rather a single carburetor/ non-FI engine. 230 HP perhaps? Same question as to the 327 CI engine that accompanies the car. Beautiful example even if a bit high in the hind quarters! Thanks.
This appears to be a nice car in the pictures. Not the original engine but looks like a nice driver. The rear end appears to be sitting too high. That would need corrected. I have an interest in bidding but how would the seller rate the car from one to ten? Number 10 bring concourse number one condition. Thank you for your response. Rate the car on the overall cosmetic condition of the car. Not on not having the original engine.
Bid in the amount of $35,000
Bid in the amount of $5,000
I have added photos of the factory hardtop that comes with the car. You will notice that the hardtop is red, not Honduras Maroon. The seller purchased the hardtop many years ago with the intent to paint it Honduras Maroon. He realized he'd never use the hardtop and it would get scratched in storage, therefore he instead kept it in dry storage as is.
I also uploaded a photo of the service records fanned out to show how many there are.
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Welcome bidders. I am the consignment agent for the seller. The seller has owned this car for 50 years! Wow! He was a diesel mechanic his whole life and this was his dream car. He has taken such good care of the car. He's up in age now and it's time for the car to have a new owner. He knows the car inside out like the back of his hand ~ if anyone needs specific questions answered let me know.