1962 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Chevrolet’s 1962 Corvette represented the final and most refined iteration of the original C1 generation. The model featured the sleek rear-end styling introduced in 1961, departing from the earlier chrome-heavy designs. Four headlights up front and body-colored side coves created a cleaner, more modern appearance than previous versions.
Only 1,918 of the 14,531 Corvettes built that year were equipped with the top performance option: a 327-cubic-inch V8 with Rochester mechanical fuel injection producing 360 horsepower. This RPO 582 package added $484.20 to the purchase price, representing roughly 12% of the base cost. The “Fuelie” engine represented cutting-edge technology for American sports cars at the time.
Ed Cole, Chevrolet’s General Manager, had pushed for V8 power since taking over the division, transforming the Corvette from a stylish cruiser into a legitimate performance car starting in 1955. Harley Earl’s design team continued refining the exterior through 1962, with each year bringing updates that kept the model competitive.
The four-speed manual transmission was a popular choice with higher-output engines. Available options included a removable hardtop, Wonderbar radio, and heater delete for competition-minded buyers.
Production ended as Chevrolet prepared to launch the revolutionary second-generation Corvette for 1963, making the 1962 models the last chance to own the original body style that had defined American sports cars throughout the 1950s.
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